The president of the Bahamas Baseball Association, Mr. James “Jim” Wood, passed away at the age of 78 in his home country, where he was introduced to the sport as a player in his youth and went on to serve as a baseball administrator for two decades, becoming a national activist for the sport.
Wood also dedicated his time and service as an executive of the continental governing body of the Americas, Pan-American Baseball Confederation (COPABE).
World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) President Riccardo Fraccari lamented the loss of a WBSC family member.
“Jim Wood devoted much of his time and passion to our sport and his nation,” Fraccari said. “He was a true baseball ambassador, also serving the Americas, and the World Baseball Softball Family is very saddened by his loss. He will be missed greatly, but we can take comfort in knowing Jim’s legacy will flourish through his many contributions and lives that he has touched and inspired through the years. I send our deepest condolences to Jim’s wife, Eva, their family and friends, and to the entire Bahamas baseball community.”
The Bahamas Olympic Committee communicated its mourning on the passing of Wood, who the National Olympic Committee said was “a mild-mannered giant who was passionate about sports and the sport of baseball.”
An invaluable part of Wood’s legacy and contributions to baseball and the youth of the Bahamas will live on through the development of the Bahamas’ first national baseball stadium, Andre Rogers Stadium, which had its groundbreaking ceremony last month in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas.
According to the Bahamas news agency Tribune242, the highest authorities in Bahamas also spoke out in honour of Wood following the news of the Bahamas baseball icon’s passing.
Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie said: “I want to lift his name up not just as a political figure but one who has made an invaluable contribution to youth development and baseball in this country.”
Wood was MCM Emeritus council member of Free National Movement and the opposition also paid homage to his contribution in the House of Assembly, according to Tribune242.
“We want to recognise Mr. Jim Wood for his role in nation-building and youth development as a baseball icon, using the games to reach and influence many young lives,” MP for North Eleuthera Theo Neilly said.
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