Forget fantasy drafts and digital lineups. A growing wave of former players and baseball visionaries from across the globe are setting their sights on a far more tangible diamond in the rough: the tropical island of Bohol.
What began as a solo mission by former international coach Marvin “Merv” Moore to build a single academy has ignited an unexpected international movement. Coach Moore’s Bohol Coconuts Baseball & Softball Club is now at the center of a bold plan to transform the island into the “Dominican Republic of Southeast Asia”.
“The response has been overwhelming and incredibly diverse,” says Moore, who has received over 30 inquiries in regards to owning a Tropical Island Baseball Franchise.
“We’ve heard from former pros in the U.S., Japan, and Taiwan, and even a few former European players. I consider about nine of them to be serious potential owners. However, this isn’t a fast process—but the momentum is real.”
The vision is clear: a network of 30 elite baseball academies across Bohol within 3-4 years, creating a hyper-competitive developmental league that scouts from Major League Baseball (MLB) and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) cannot ignore.
Moore believes this ecosystem could pump 15-20 million Philippine pesos annually directly into youth baseball development on the island.
The Pioneers: A Global Tapestry of Passion
The potential owners aren’t corporate conglomerates; they’re baseball lifers with a shared dream.
Take Billy, 38, of Bradenton, Florida. A dedicated baseball fan, he has already filed for a territory and plans to operate his academy remotely with his best friend, visiting Bohol twice a year.
Then there’s Yuma, 43, a former minor league player from Japan ready for a life-changing move. He also has a 12-year-old son with professional ambitions.
From Taipei comes Chien-hung, 50, a former collegiate star and successful businessman. He is looking to get involved with youth baseball and is excited to get back on the diamond.
The Unparalleled Opportunity: Why the Philippines? Why Now?
Coach Moore is baffled that more American fantasy baseball enthusiasts aren’t seizing this opportunity, especially with a franchise fee he deliberately reduced to $1,500 to make it accessible.
“MLB and NPB have dropped the ball here,” Moore asserts. “The Philippines is not an ordinary Southeast Asian nation. In 1954, Filipino players toppled Japan and South Korea to win the first Asian Baseball Championship. There is no doubt that with the right training, Filipino boys can compete with the U.S. and Japan.”
He emphasizes the unique Filipino athletic profile, shaped by a diverse history.
“The Philippines is like no other Asian country. Centuries of global exchange and a varied gene pool mean Filipinos come in all shapes and sizes—we have speed, power, and innate hand-eye coordination. It’s the perfect raw material for baseball.”
Building the Pipeline: The 2026 Bohol Island League
The engine for this talent development will be the Bohol Island League, slated to begin play in December 2026. Moore’s goal is to launch with at least six academies.
Each academy will be a comprehensive program, fielding teams in seven age divisions:
- Rookie (Ages 4-5)
- Single-A (Ages 6-7)
- Double-A (Ages 8-9)
- Triple-A (Ages 10-11)
- Juniors (Ages 12-13)
- Seniors (Ages 14-18)
- Mens (Ages 16-29)
“I have no doubt I can develop world-class prospects,” Moore says. “But I need elite competition. Our goal is to build a direct pipeline to minor league systems in the U.S. and Asia.”
For the incoming owners, the appeal is multifaceted. Besides a chance to move from the sidelines to the front office of real baseball, the founding academies will also share in the league’s expansion plans.
The $1,500 franchise fee will increase to $10,000 on May 1, and all founding academies will receive a $1K share of the franchise fees for future academies. Moore believes the initial investors should be rewarded.
“These guys are our partners; we’re allies in developing high-end talent for MLB, NPB, and KBO clubs.”
For more information on owning a Tropical Island Baseball Academy, Click Here.
