In perhaps “the most significant youth sports initiative in Bohol’s history,” the Bohol Coconuts 2026 Summer Baseball League, featuring affiliate clubs in all 17 barangays of Baclayon municipality, will bring organized baseball to 600 boys (aged 4-18) and create the Philippines’ most comprehensive farm system for developing elite baseball talent.
The Island-Wide Farm System Takes Shape
For the first time ever, baseball talent across Bohol will be systematically developed through a professional-style minor league structure. Each barangay club represents a different development level in the Coconuts’ farm system, mirroring the progression path used by Major League Baseball organizations:
Rookie/Single-A Leagues: Buenaventura, Cambanac, Dasitam, Payahan, San Isidro, and Tanday
Double-A League: Dasitam, Guiwanon, Landican, Laya, Libertad, Montana, Pamilican, Poblacion, San Roque, San Vicente, Santa Cruz, and Taguihon Coconuts
Triple-A League: Guiwanon, Laya, Libertad, Montana, Pamilican, Poblacion, San Roque, San Vicente, Santa Cruz, and Taguihon
Junior & Senior Leagues: Montana, Poblacion, Santa Cruz, and Taguihon
“This isn’t just a summer league—it’s the foundation of Philippine baseball’s future,” explains Coach Merv Moore, whose international coaching experience includes training players in Switzerland, Bhutan, Nepal, and Brunei.
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“We’ve designed a true farm system where talented players progress through increasingly competitive levels, preparing them for national and international competitions.”
Wooden Bats: Building Elite Prospects the Professional Way
In a bold move that signals the program’s seriousness about developing professional-caliber players, the Bohol Coconuts will introduce wooden bats for their Junior (15-16) and Senior (17-18) leagues this summer—a first for youth baseball in the Central Visayas region.
“Metal bats hide weaknesses in a player’s swing,” Coach Merv explains. “Wooden bats demand perfect mechanics, discipline, and power. When pro scouts see our advanced players using wood successfully, they recognize authentic talent.”
International Scouting Eyes on Bohol
The professional baseball world has taken notice. A top Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) organization has already expressed strong interest in the Coconuts’ development methodology, inquiring about the club’s training sessions and discussing potential partnership opportunities.
“This NPB team recognizes what we’ve known all along: Southeast Asia represents one of baseball’s last untapped talent markets,” says Coach Merv.
“The Philippines has produced exceptional baseball talent historically, but without proper development systems. Our farm system changes everything. MLB organizations looking for the next international sensation should be watching Bohol.”
The Coconuts All-Star Program: Elite Training for Elite Talent
At the heart of the Coconuts’ development strategy is their exclusive All-Star Program, which will identify and train the top 100 players across all barangay clubs. These elite prospects will receive advanced coaching, specialized strength and conditioning training, and exposure to international competition—all designed to prepare them for potential professional careers.
“Our All-Star Program isn’t just about identifying the best players today—it’s about developing championship-caliber talent for tomorrow,” Coach Merv emphasizes.
“These 100 athletes will train with professional methodologies, face advanced competition, and learn what it truly means to be elite. They’ll become the standard-bearers for Philippine baseball.”
He continues: “When MLB scouts look at international prospects, they want to see more than raw talent—they want to see players who understand the game at a deep level, who have discipline, who have been trained with professional standards. That’s exactly what we’re building with our All-Star Program. We’re not just creating good local players; we’re developing athletes who can compete on the world stage.”
Community Impact Beyond Baseball
The league’s impact extends far beyond athletic development. Each barangay club will serve as a community hub where young athletes learn discipline, teamwork, and academic excellence. The Coconuts’ integrated approach includes academic contests and educational field trips designed to ensure players excel both on the field and in the classroom.
The Future of Baseball in Southeast Asia Begins in Bohol
As the only comprehensive baseball development program in the region, the Bohol Coconuts are positioned to become Southeast Asia’s premier baseball talent incubator. With their farm system approach, wooden bat training for advanced players, and proven coaching methodology, the Coconuts are building more than just a summer league—they’re building a pipeline to professional baseball.
“One day,” Coach Merv predicts with confidence, “an MLB organization will sign their first Filipino player developed entirely through our Bohol system. And that’s just the beginning.
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