Top baseball talent in the nation is still developed at the International Elite (I-Elite) Sports Academy, paving the way for their eventual signing days with Major League Baseball (MLB) teams and irreversibly altering their lives.
Bohan “Bo” Adderley signed a contract with the New York Mets at the clubhouse in the gated community of Charlotteville & Turnberry on Tuesday night, becoming the most recent Bahamian to leave that academy. In the company of his loved ones, close friends, teammates, coaches, and baseball associates, Adderley embarked on the first step of what he hopes will be a protracted and successful baseball career.
The 180-pound, 6’3″ player is incredibly adaptable; he can play outfield as well as move around the infield at different positions. In his early years, he played for both the Freedom Farm Baseball League and the Junior Baseball League of Nassau (JBLN). He started playing for I-Elite approximately four years ago.
Adderley, 17, is a right-handed batter and thrower. Although he has not yet been assigned a specific task, he expressed excitement for the journey and a goal of finishing the majors as soon as possible. In the history of the sport, nine Bahamians have participated in the major leagues.
Embracing the moment last night, Adderley said, “Hardships will come along the way to success and when they do, you have to remain focused, driven, and stay the course.” All you need to do is have faith in the process. I persisted until I achieved something far more valuable than process trust: process respect. I had to be mindful of every step, as each one was essential to achieving this objective. I am so thankful to everyone who has contributed to my journey, and I am in this group today.
“I give thanks to the All-Powerful God, my family, my parents, and my coaches. I am so appreciative of the Mets for this chance. I appreciate your confidence in my ability to advance within this company. I promise to always give it my all in whatever I do.”
Since I-Elite began accepting professional contracts in 2017, about thirty Bahamians have done so. Adderley is the second athlete from I-Elite to sign during this signing period and the first to do so as an international prospect with the New York Mets. The Toronto Blue Jays acquired I-Elite athlete Javano “JT” Bain on Monday, the first day of the 2024 MLB International Signing period.
“He bought into the process and he put in the work,” said Geron Sands, co-founder and head coach of I-Elite. “His mindset has always been consistent with his actions. He is a coach’s dream and a great teammate — always encouraging and helping others. Here at I-Elite, we will always support him no matter what. Remember to put God first and it will all work out for you.”
Saying that it takes a village to raise a child, Sands thanked everyone who helped Adderley reach this point in his development and upbringing. He also expressed gratitude to the Mets organization for supporting The Bahamas and the I-Elite program.
“We hope this is the beginning of a long-lasting relationship,” he said.
Mets professional scout David Keller expressed his team’s excitement about Adderley joining them.
“We would like to thank everyone who helped Bo get to this point as well as the I-Elite family for their hospitality while we were here.” Keller said. “We are thrilled to be in this historic location and to be a part of it. A day like today involves a lot of work.
“A lot of work has been put in, first and foremost by Bo, then by the I-Elite family, teammates, and friends. With great excitement, we formally welcome Bo to the New York Mets family and are here for the celebration today. Many congratulations.”
As previously stated, since 2017, I-Elite has helped about thirty baseball prospects sign professional contracts.