"La existencia es el primer bien; y el segundo es el modo de existir".

Simon Bolivar

Ladies and gentlemen, unaccustomed as I am to public speaking - I believe that is the right way to begin - I would like to thank whoever came up with this extraordinary thought of recognising the work I do with the Pirates III and those who turn up for training sessions at Roundshaw. Yeah! I would like to see more of you guys going to the playing fields in Hannibal's way. Yeah! It pleases me a great deal that my work with you has been recognised. Having said that this award is not about me alone, it is about the club, the team and those who volunteer their services for I know only too well the amount of work everyone put on behalf of the club. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the great job that David Ward does for the club and baseball in the United Kingdom. David's leadership qualities has inspired me to guiding those I work with to better things and I have all the confidence in the world that they will come good this coming season by winning their division. That is their challenge as well as mine. Indeed, they can only fail in proving me right but second best is a cliché that I have an intense dislike for. As a player I was winner in many occasions and I loved it and if I can inspire this bunch of lads to do the same I will be a happy coach.

Pedro Figueras