Arecibo hosts 5th ‘Shaping Future Baseball Players’ clinic

The fifth edition of the “Shaping Future Baseball Players” (“Formando Peloteros del Futuro”) sports clinic took place at the Ballajá sector park in Arecibo’s Sabana Hoyos neighborhood, where students from the Segunda Unidad Cayetano Coll y Toste school learned and strengthened fundamental skills. (Israel Morales)

By THE STAR STAFF

As part of municipal initiatives aimed at community and sports development, the fifth edition of the “Shaping Future Baseball Players” (“Formando Peloteros del Futuro”) sports clinic was held in Arecibo last week.

The latest edition of the clinic was dedicated to Jodam R. Rivera Bayón, a distinguished former baseball player from Arecibo.

The event took place Tuesday at the Ballajá sector park in the Sabana Hoyos neighborhood, where students from the Segunda Unidad Cayetano Coll y Toste school participated in a session dedicated to learning and strengthening fundamental baseball skills.

Born on Feb. 4, 1986, Rivera Bayón is a native of Arecibo. Raised in the Ballajá neighborhood, he is the son of the late Osvaldo René Rivera -- who also excelled in baseball -- and María Bayón Nieves. He began playing the sport at the age of three, developing a great passion and talent for baseball from an early age.

Throughout his athletic career, Rivera Bayón represented Puerto Rico in major international competitions. In 2004, he was selected by the San Diego Padres in the First-Year Player Draft and played in the minor leagues, reaching the Double-A level.

Later, he excelled in Puerto Rico’s Superior Baseball league with the Arenosos de Camuy; he won the Gold Glove Award as a shortstop in 2016 and was part of the 2023 championship team.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Rivera Bayón has contributed to the development of young players through sports clinics and by mentoring new generations. His career reflects discipline, perseverance, talent, and a love for baseball, leaving a significant mark on both the sport and the community.

“This municipal initiative, now in its fifth edition, is dedicated to baseball players from Arecibo who have excelled in the sport, with the aim of ensuring our youth learn about and recognize the caliber of athletes our city has produced,” Arecibo Mayor Carlos R. Ramírez Irizarry noted.

During the clinic, students took part in exercises and drills designed to develop fundamental baseball skills, including warm-ups, batting, fielding and pitching, among other techniques specific to the sport.

The mayor highlighted that the dedication to Rivera Bayón recognizes his distinguished athletic career and his contribution to the development of young baseball players.

“Like so many others from Arecibo who have dedicated their lives to the development of sports, Jodam stands as an example of discipline, perseverance, and commitment for our children and youth,” the mayor said. That is why today we honor his career and his commitment to our people.”

Ramírez Irizarry reiterated that the municipality will continue to promote sports initiatives that provide children and young people with opportunities to develop their talents, strengthen their values, and recognize figures who have left a significant mark on sports in Arecibo.