Roatan Baseball
Celebrating the First U10 School Baseball Tournament “John Jay Wood Bodden” on July 17, 2025
A Historic Day for Roatan Youth and Sports
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, the sun rose over West End, Roatan, with a sense of pride and excitement as ten schools gathered at the John Jay Wood Field for the First U10 School Baseball Tournament, named in honor of John Jay Wood Bodden. This event is more than just a competition — it marks a historic revival of one of the island’s oldest and most cherished sports traditions: baseball.
With the theme “10 schools. 1 dream. Let the game begin!”, the tournament not only brings children together from across the island but also aims to build character and community through the values of respect, discipline, and unity.
The Forgotten Glory of Baseball in Roatan
Although today’s children may be more familiar with football (soccer), there was a time when baseball was the heart and soul of Roatan’s sporting identity. The game was first introduced in the early 1900s through the island’s strong maritime and trade connections with the United States and the greater Caribbean. Many Roatanians worked on U.S. merchant ships, banana boats, or in countries like Jamaica, Cuba, and Nicaragua — places where baseball was already a beloved pastime. They brought the game back with them, and soon it took root in local communities.
The United Fruit Company, which operated extensively along the northern coast of Honduras and had influence in the Bay Islands, also played a pivotal role. The company promoted baseball among its workers as a form of healthy recreation. Roatan, with its English-speaking population and Caribbean cultural ties, was a natural fit for the sport. Baseball became a central activity in towns like Coxen Hole, French Harbour, and Punta Gorda, often played on sandy fields or open pastures.
By the mid-20th century, Roatan had a vibrant baseball culture, complete with organized local leagues, rival teams, and passionate fans. Legendary teams like the Roatan Pirates, the Island Braves, and the Tigers drew crowds every weekend. The games were community events — people gathered with food, music, and island pride. It wasn’t just sport; it was part of the island’s identity.
However, over time, that glory faded. The rise of football, a lack of investment in youth sports infrastructure, and shifting social dynamics led to the decline of baseball. For many years, fields went unused, and children grew up without knowing the island once had a strong baseball tradition. But the memories remained in the hearts of older generations — and in the spirit of those determined to bring the game back.
Honoring John Jay Wood Bodden: A Name that Inspires
The tournament proudly bears the name of John Jay Wood Bodden, a local sports advocate and community leader who passionately believed in the power of sports to transform lives. His contributions to youth empowerment and his commitment to Roatan’s development left a lasting impact.
The John Jay Wood Field, where the tournament takes place, is not just a baseball diamond — it is a “Field of Dreams,” a sports centre created with the vision of building stronger communities through athletics, education, and opportunity. The field stands as a monument to the belief that every child deserves a chance to shine.
A Day of Unity: Activities and Community Involvement
Today’s event is filled with activities that go beyond baseball. The tournament opens with an Inaugural Parade, a vibrant celebration of local culture, school spirit, and island pride. Throughout the day, children aged 10 and under will compete not just for trophies and medals, but for the joy of playing, learning, and being part of something greater than themselves.
All players will be recognized, regardless of their team’s outcome, reinforcing the idea that participation and effort are just as important as winning. Parents, teachers, and the wider community are all welcome — the event is open to the public and serves as a family-friendly celebration of unity.
Building Values Through Baseball: Respect, Discipline, and Unity
At the heart of the event is a powerful message: sports are a vehicle for teaching lifelong values. Organized by the Roatan Baseball Academy (RTBA) and supported by SOL International School and other community partners, the tournament is built around three core principles:
Respect: For teammates, opponents, coaches, and the game itself
Discipline: Learning structure, practice, and perseverance
Unity: Bringing diverse communities together across linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic lines
In an island where tourism, development, and environmental challenges often take the spotlight, this youth tournament is a reminder that investing in children and their potential is the true foundation for sustainable growth.
The Future of Baseball in Roatan
Today’s tournament is just the beginning. Organizers, teachers, and local leaders hope this event becomes an annual tradition, expanding to include girls’ teams, older age groups, and regional competitions. The ultimate dream is to reestablish baseball as a vibrant part of Roatan’s identity — one that bridges generations, celebrates heritage, and offers young people a meaningful path forward.
Moreover, this initiative could serve as a model for other islands and coastal communities in Honduras and the Caribbean, proving that with vision and collaboration, it’s possible to revive and reimagine traditional sports for a new era.
Conclusion: More Than a Game
As the first pitch is thrown and cheers echo across West End, Roatan isn’t just watching a baseball game. It’s witnessing the rebirth of a tradition, the honoring of a beloved figure, and the planting of seeds that may grow into dreams far beyond the field.
In the words of the organizers:
“Building values through baseball: Respect, Discipline & Unity.”
These children may be under 10 years old, but today, they carry on the legacy of generations — and with every swing of the bat, they write the future of baseball in Roatan.