A trio of young Bahamian took their first steps as professionals toward the major leagues on Monday, signing separate contracts with the Boston Red Sox organization. All three hail from the Maximum Development (MaxD) Sports Academy.

Tavano Baker, Edwin Darville and Trent Wilson, all 17, inked their names on the dotted lines inside the boardroom of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) yesterday. Baker primarily mans the outfield and is one of the top international prospects of the Red Sox during this signing period, Darville spent most of his time at shortstop, and Wilson is a pitcher.

All three started playing baseball from as young as seven at the Freedom Farm Baseball League (FFBL) in Yamacraw.

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis took time to congratulate each of the three young men yesterday.

“Sports is a catalyst for inspiring good feeling and to see Bahamian young men doing well in sports is a blessing,” said the prime minister. “We want to continue to lift up young men. You could become a part of a gang, but become a part of a good gang. A baseball team is a good gang and Freedom Farm is a good gang. I salute those who continue to instill positive values into young men. Despite the circumstances that our young men face, there is a way to find yourselves and a way to contribute to society so that you could touch others. It is always welcoming and heartening to see young men taking purposeful steps in their development, particularly at a time like this when so many of our young men are drifting. We have to continue to provide the opportunity for these young men to do positive things in their lives, so I encourage you to remain focused and remain determined and you will make it.”

All three young men will report to the Red Sox rookie level development program in the Dominican Republic, undergo an instructional camp and then rostered. The Dominican Summer League Red Sox, often called the DSL Red Sox, is a Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). There are two teams — the DSL Red Sox Red and the DSL Red Sox Blue, both playing in the Dominican Summer League at the El Toro Complex in El Toro, Dominican Republic.

All three young men are excited for the opportunity.

Baker said: “I’m grateful. I would like to thank the Boston Red Sox, thank mom and the rest of the family, Coach Greg and the MaxD and Freedom Farm families. Those are the people who have been there for me every step of the way, and I’m grateful.”

Darville said he is looking to excel right away.

“Thanks to everyone for coming out and supporting me, thanks to the Boston Red Sox and to family and friends and to the MaxD family. I’m looking forward to the opportunity,” he said.

Wilson said he is prepared to put in the hard work.

“I just want to thank the Lord, thank my family and friends, the MaxD and Freedom Farm families and to everyone who continue to support me. I just want to encourage every upcoming athlete to stay focused and be humble and continue to work hard and your hard work will pay off,” he said.

Bahamian Dominique Collie, another Freedom Farm prospect, is in his second year as an international scout in the Red Sox organization. He was instrumental in securing pro contracts for the three young Bahamians yesterday.

“It’s an amazing feeling — being able to come home and give this opportunity to fellow Bahamians,” said Collie. “I was on the same journey as them so I know how special the moment is. Whatever I could do to help them along this journey, I will do.”

Collie said he has a vision of being a big league manager one day and he feels he is on the right track to do so.

MaxD President and Head Coach Greg Burrows Jr. said it’s always a good feeling to see their athletes develop and reach the point where they are able to realize their dreams by reaching the professional ranks.

“It feels good. It was a long time coming for these three and I’m glad they were able to reach this point,” said Burrows. “They put in a lot of work and they deserve everything they are getting today. Now, we look forward to what they are going to do next in the organization.

“Baseball is my passsion and I enjoy coaching kids. Whenever I am able to give them information to help them along their journey, I will do that. It’s fulfilling for me to be able to give back.”

The MaxD Sports Academy continues to nurture young baseball talent in the country, building on the country’s image as a major breeding ground for baseball players in the Caribbean region.