BASEBALL, HANDBALL TEAMS HARD AT WORK DESPITE PAY CUTS

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the national baseball team members continue to soldier on with their training, albeit at home and monitored online.

The Philippine batters, who have won three of the last four Southeast Asian Games golds, were supposed to play in the World Baseball Classic qualifier in March until it was moved to a still undetermined date.

But the team, which was to be reinforced by football superstar Tim Tebow, didn’t let up and have remained in top shape despite the development, according to Pepe Muñoz, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association secretary general.

That’s almost the same thing in the case of SEA Games bronze-winning men’s beach handball team.

Made up of students and part-time employees, the Philippine handball squad even post their workout regularly on Facebook to “challenge one another” and up their level of conditioning.

The two squads also vowed to continue training even after receiving notices from the Philippine Sports Commission that their monthly allowances will be discontinued starting next month.

Handball head coach Jana Franquelli said they have written the agency a letter of reconsideration but added they are prepared for the worst.

Muñoz said they understand the dire situation the government is facing as it battles a crippling health crisis.

“This is an extraordinary health calamity,” Muñoz told the Inquirer. “Government resources must be focused to resolve calamity.”