Big things are happening for the Bohol Coconuts. We are thrilled to announce that our own Coach Merv Moore is returning to Bohol on April 24, following a highly successful fundraising trip to his home state of Texas.
The journey to build a self-sustaining baseball and softball ecosystem on the island is accelerating. During his time in the U.S., Coach Merv secured crucial early partnerships for the upcoming Coconuts Performance Center. The project has already entered into revenue-sharing agreements with its first three Founders, an exclusive collective of visionaries who are planting their flags in Bohol to help drive the future of elite teenage baseball prospects.
“Each day, the dream of opening a training facility that will develop high-end minor league baseball prospects is coming closer to reality,” said Coach Merv. “I am so, so excited to begin that life-changing journey with the kids here and our new partners.”
Full-Time Coaching, Full-Time Dreams
For the native Texan, this return marks a significant shift—the ability to coach in a full-time environment again. This, he believes, is the non-negotiable element for creating genuine talent.
“It’s impossible to develop future major league stars with part-time trainings,” Coach Merv emphasized. “We will train kids year-round and the results will establish the Coconuts as a pipeline for elite teenage baseball prospects.”
Beyond the fundraising, Coach Merv’s luggage will be filled with more than just clothes. He is bringing back a shipment of much-needed equipment, with a special focus on catchers gear—essential tools that are often hard to come by and will immediately elevate the level of training for our young backstops.
A Regional Hub for Asian Baseball
The vision for the Coconuts Performance Center extends far beyond the borders of Bohol. Coach Merv sees the facility as a potential training ground for developing talent from across the continent.
“So many Asian baseball federations are struggling to develop elite talent due to a myriad of obstacles—coaching, facilities, finances,” Coach Merv explained. “That’s where we can provide opportunities to help train talented kids from different countries.”
He has his sights set on reaching prospects in developing baseball nations like Bhutan, Nepal, Cambodia, and Vietnam, offering them a place to train that they might not have access to at home.
Looking Ahead: Winter Camps and a Softball Leader
Looking toward the end of the year, Coach Merv is already planning for the future. He will be organizing a Winter Training Camp scheduled for January/February 2027 in Tagbilaran City. Aimed at European players and clubs, the camp will feature intensive trainings and games. Participants will be hosted in the new Eco-Lodge at the Performance Center and will train in the new facilities, including the dedicated baseball infield and batting cages.
Additionally, to ensure the growth of the entire program, Coach Merv is actively searching for a full-time softball coach with dedicated pitching experience.
“I want an elite softball program, so finding the perfect coach is one of my highest priorities,” he stated.
The countdown is on. The next chapter of Bohol Coconuts baseball is about to begin.
