From Sea to Stadium: Belize Fisherman’s Baseball Dream Comes True

A 19-year-old from Belize City is about to have his dream come true. Delbert Hinds has spent his whole life working as a fisherman, but now he is heading to Japan to play baseball.

Hinds first picked up a baseball in 2021 when he attended a national team tryout. He was supposed to go fishing that day, but his coach, Rene Habet, convinced him to try out. “I didn’t expect nothing from it,” Hinds stated, but after putting in the work, he began to get noticed. “People started saying ‘good job’, and that built up my self-esteem.”

That hard work has now landed him a three-month contract with a minor league team in Japan. Hinds’ performance, combined with his determination, earned him the chance to play overseas. This could open the door to a professional career. “Hard work beats talent every time,” Hinds added.

His rise in the sport is backed by mentors Jermaine Crawford of the Belize Baseball League and Japanese coach Kazuhiro Shiiba.

Shiiba helped Hinds improve his pitching speed to an impressive 90mph. “Delbert has the potential to go far in Japan,” Shiiba said, adding that the minor league team has a system to support international players and help them advance.

For Hinds, this opportunity is about more than just baseball. Living with his mom, he’s determined to support her in the future. “My goal is to get signed and support my family,” he said.

His trip to Japan is set for April, with all expenses covered by a generous donor from Belize.