**Pat is currently a high school senior with his graduation this coming March 2003. The story of his signing as general manager of the Quezon City United is this: (an excerpt from my old dynasty The Benchwarmer)
Wednesday came as fast as a snail, Pat waited at home doing nothing. Nothing, as in the usual routine of sleeping, eating, hanging the clothes dry, feeding his Japanese Spitz and a lot of time in front of the computer. He didn't go to school because he was not feeling well.
He took a bath early in the morning, unloading the excess waste in his system before taking the shower. He used loofah in his body, like a sand paper scratching a wood. He’s clean and good to go.
The jeepney ride was fast. (Jeepney is the common vehicle here) There was no traffic looming in the horizon as it’s already summer vacation in the Philippines. He went to the capital, Manila, riding an FX taxi, looking for a certain building, the headquarters of Philippine Baseball League.
His shyness got the better of him as he can’t ask strangers for directions.
“Excuse me. Do you happen to know where Phenomenal Center is located?”
Before finishing his question, he noticed that he’s talking to himself.
Finally, after wandering the streets of Quiapo, a notorious place for snatchers and petty crimes, he discovered the place. It was a low-rising place right in the heart of Manila. The architect designed the structure creatively, with the roof looking like a baseball. The aura of the place is nice as Pat walked by, using his olfactory sense he smelled the clean cut grass and the beautifully placed trees and he was impressed.
Swinging the door open, he saw a nice banner behind the reception desk, Philippine Baseball League Head Office, it says. The secretary greeted him with a smile.
“What can I do for you?”
“I’m here for the interview with the commissioner.”
“Please sit down for awhile. He’s interviewing someone.”
“Thanks.”
Awhile didn’t take a moment, as he sat for almost 30 minutes. Then the sexy secretary motioned that he’s next. His heart was beating faster and faster whenever he takes a step.
“Good morning sir,” his trembling voice muttered.
“Good morning. What’s up? You are?”
“I’m Pat Garde.”
“Oh so you’re the unusual teenager.”
“What do you mean of unusual sir?”
“Oops, I don’t mean to offend you, it’s just that for a 15-year-old, you must be nuts to like baseball that much.”
“Ah, I know. I’m weird. I just love baseball sir. It’s more than like.”
“Well, you mentioned that you never stepped on the field. Why’s that?”
“I never watched a live baseball game.”
“Why would I hire you then?”
“Sir, I know baseball. I guess, that’s enough for me to run a team.”
“I don’t know, Pat.”
“Just give me the chance sir. I know I can,” he said almost teary-eyed.
“Okay. I’ll refer you to the Owner of Quezon City United.”
“Thank you! Thank you!,” hugging the commissioner while tears finally falling in his eyes.**
Philippine Baseball League
Antipolo Shootout
Bacoor Bluegills
Davao Winds
Ilagan Harpies
Lapu-Lapu Red Dragons
Legazpi Armada
Pulilan Steel Hawks
Quezon City United
UAAP League
University of the Philippines Maroons
Far Eastern University Tamaraws
Adamson University Falcons
University of Santo Tomas Tigers
Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles
De La Salle University Green Archers
National University Bulldogs
University of the East Red Warriors
NCAA League
College of Saint Benilde Blazers
Jose Rizal University Bombers
Letran Knights
Mapua Cardinals
Philippine Christian University Dolphins
San Beda Red Lions
San Sebastian Stags
University of Perpetual Help-Rizal Atlas