Joe Cook - Baseball Ambassador of Cambodia

Cambodia's athletes seek a better playing field

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:07:27 GMT

By Rebecca Byerly
For CNN

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (CNN) -- Without proper food, shoes, or support from his government, Hem Bunting, the Cambodian Olympic marathon competitor, prepared for the Olympics and hoped for international support in late July.

Hem Bunting: With proper support, Cambodia could be competitive in international sports.

"It is hard to compete at an Olympic level when you do not get any support from the government," panted Bunting, 25, who had just run intervals on the bleachers of the dilapidated Olympic stadium in the capital.

A week before the four Cambodian athletes were scheduled to attend the opening of the Olympic Games, the President of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, Dr. Thong Kohn, appealed to all companies, suppliers, and donors for the $18,423 needed to send the four athletes and 10 supporters to the games in Beijing. The list included funds for shoes, Olympic uniforms, and pocket money.

A representative of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia said there was insufficient money for sports. Programs for sports would develop as education in the country improved.

"We need to improve and reform several sectors in Cambodia's education programs," explained Sambath Sothea, who is in charge of the Sports Marketing Program for the Cambodian Olympic Team.

"Part of this improvement should be in sports education, which is an important part of the personal development of young people who are the future of our nation. People have the tendency to forget Cambodia is a nation on the rise and need to give it some time to grow."

Once referred to as the Pearl of Asia, Cambodia's sports programs, economy, and infrastructure were destroyed during the Khmer Rouge reign, where it is estimated that 1.5 million people were killed between 1975 and 1979. The country has only now begun to emerge on the global market, with the country's first stock exchange scheduled to start in 2009.

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Bunting believed the only way sports would develop was through private donors.

"If we could get sponsored, we could go somewhere with sports in Cambodia, but the government is not going to support us because they are busy with other things," said the runner, whose best marathon time of 2 hours 26 minutes, 28 seconds placed him second at the Sea Games, a competition held among South East Asian countries.

"I work really hard but do not even have the basic things I need, like nutritious food to eat or clothes for training." Bunting ran on the busy streets of the capital without proper running shoes until the American New Zealand Bank (ANZ) sponsored him.

Sothea believed the partnership between the public and private sector was critical for the development of sports in the country.

"The government needs to reform sports and give it a more reliable structure," said Sothea who earned his law degree in France. "The private sector will be responsible for making investments."

In the wake of recent elections, which ushered in relative peace and political stability, major investment companies have flocked to Cambodia. Some of these investors considered sports a potential investment opportunity.

"From supporting the training and finances of an Olympic athlete to building industrial parks and helping Cambodia become a leading rice exporter, we want to invest in areas that Cambodians take pride in," said Marvin Yeo, the co-founder of Frontier Investment Partners. Yeo's firm planned to devote over $250 million to an array of areas, which include real estate, infrastructure, manufacturing, and agriculture throughout the next decade.

Another investor was also hopeful about Cambodia's future.

"The next five years will be the time investment takes off in Cambodia and the country starts to put itself on the map," explained Douglas Clayton, founder of Leopard Capital, which manages a private equity fund that invests in Cambodia. "You will see a major change in the country, and things like sports, which have been overlooked because of the lack of government support, may start to receive some funding from the private sector."

From farming to development

The growing interest in sports is another indicator of the country's aptitude for development. Cambodia has begun to see a generation that has taken an avid interest in their educations and future careers.

"Development is good for Cambodia," said Bunting, whose village got electricity only two years ago. "I would not have gotten a good education if it had not been for the foreigners who came to my village and started a school."

Though his parents were poor, uneducated rice farmers, Bunting studied development at Cambodia University and wanted to work with foreign organizations in the remote areas of the country to improve education and infrastructure. His talent for running was first discovered when he competed in a national competition in Phnom Penh several years ago.

Bunting is part of the growing number of youths who are becoming more socially aware in Cambodia.

"The days of the Khmer Rouge are over now, and the youth in Cambodia face different challenges, like how to become socially conscious and have a voice in the development of their country," said Long Kat, 35, the director of Youth for Peace in Cambodia.

While 50 percent of the country's population is under 25, and young people between the ages of 18 and 30 comprise more than 50 percent of eligible voters, they have only recently begun to engage in politics and their communities.

"Cambodia is not competitive in sports, education, or most jobs right now because we don't have any competition and little opportunity in the country," said Bunting. "But I think with the right support this could change."

Bunting said education and employment are the greatest concerns of his generation.

Investment in education

While both of these areas are projected to improve, some individuals remain skeptical of the many flaws that remain in the system. Investors pour in, but some intellectuals wonder what exactly is being done to improve the educational system and how this will impact the alarmingly high rate of unemployment.

"I lived in Cambodia for five years in the early 90's," exclaimed Clodagh O'Brian, who worked for an NGO in the capital at that time. "The city has transformed with buildings, paved roads, and soon skyscrapers. But, what has not changed that much are the schools. I would like to know how much investment is going back in to education."

Reports of corruption and bribes in schools are common, and children have limited opportunities in the current educational system. Education is one of the areas that Yeo and Clayton claim will improve as a result of the incoming investments.

"You will see growth in some sectors of education," said Clayton, who has worked in Asia over 20 years. "For example, as investors build more hotels in the country, others may start to invest in hotel management schools and language schools. Cambodia will gradually produce more skilled English-speaking workers."

Despite the difficulties posed by the poor infrastructure and the many challenges he faces, Bunting remained optimistic about Cambodia's future. "Being an athlete and just trying to live in Cambodia is not easy," sighed Bunting. "But, I think in several years, it could get better."

Sothea agreed.

"The important thing is not to win, but to take part," quoted Sambeth, who borrowed the philosophy from Baron Pierre De Coubertin, the founder of the International Olympic Committee. "Instead of complaining about where Cambodia is, we need to have a collective vision for where the country is going. Let's meet up again eight years from now and see where Cambodia and her athletes are."

Dreaming of the 2008 Asian Cups

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:35:36 GMT

Mourn ChanTon #5, Pitcher

Mourn Chanton and his team are dreaming to play in this year tournament at the 2008 Asian Cups held in Manila, Phillippines in late of November.

CNBT at the 24th SEA Games, Bangkok, Thailand. December 2007

During December 2007, we've competed the first time in the International tournament at the 24th SEA Games held in Bangkok, Thailand. We went 0-5 record, but most importantly we were there and competed. We gave-up 88 runs in 5 games and managed to score 8 runs, we scored a run from Indonesian and seven runs from Malaysian team. We were pround to play and represent for our country and people.

We barely have any field equipment or tool to keep our field cleans.

Since January 20, 2008, we started to working with our CNBT (Cambodian National Baseball Team). We have 6 new players added this year team, but most of them were from last year member. CNBT is made-up of 24 to 30 players ages of 17 to 32 years old. The players are pretty much from all over Cambodia; Banty MeanChey, KompongCham, KompongTom, Battambang, Phnom Penh, Svey Reing, and most of them are here in Baribo, KompongChnang province.

CNBT is sponsored by Joe Cook. Each player, coach and staff get a salary of $30 to $80 per month depend on their skill and experience of baseball. Foods and shelter also provided for the team. They get one day off, practices 2 days and play 2-3 games a week. The training begin as early as 4am til 11am and 1pm to 6pm daily.

Some of us don't even have a cleat to wear,

baseballs aren't barely enough for the game.

Ice to help keep our team cool during practice and game day

During February to June, it was extremely hot weather, we couldn't afford to buy ice for the team. This year food is getting very expensive in Cambodia, we don't have much to eat. We mostly growing our own vegatble and farm animals to help gives food for the team.

I'm on Fired for Baseball!

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:45:36 GMT

Looking good in Red, Joe and Chanda at CHC, Colorado July 19, 2008

Super Lowe's

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 19:29:39 GMT

Super Lowe and Joe DiMaggio, May 28th, 2008

Lowe and I met early this year when he read one of the article's by LA Times then later he gave me a suprise called. He was very humble and social over the phone. After the call was over, we seem like we're ment to be brother.

Lowe's got a one of the kid's named Ranny who is going to be in a senior and play baseball for the Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oak, California. Lowe's life is very similar to mine, we're both escaped from Cambodia and ended up here in the states since 1980s. But this guy is much better than me, he got 2 kids more then me and he's living in California and I'm here in Bama. He's a thug and I'm a redneck. LOL, HEHEHEHE.

I respect Lowe's. He's a wonderful father, husband and good friend. I always enjoy talking with him, we can speak for hours or even days. We always got something to talk about. We mostly talking about our good O'country of Cambodia. We seem to have the same idea about growing baseball there.

Lowe and his family here in Kali are supporting our baseball in Cambodia by help volunteering their times, efforts, and collecting donation and funds. Our Cambodian National team got food because of their generosity and kindness.

Our future goal is to build a team in Battambang with Moung, I'm talking about Cambodian National team, more like Cambodian LA Dodgers in Battambang. I would like to see Cambodian have about 8 to 16 Pro teams, one every province. This will really makes Cambodian team more experience.

For more Super Lowe and Joe DiMaggio, Please drop us your email at: joecook_@hotmail.com or give us a call at 334-790-5002. I can't give you Super Lowe number, cuz he's in Kali and he need some privacy, but you welcome to contact me anytime.

Arkun for the reading, Lear Huy!

Helping Cambodian Pitchers

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:42:14 GMT

Rudy Oblak, pitching coach for the Notre Dame Highschool in Sherman Oak, Cali

Coach Oblak able to allow me to took some pictures of his pitching tools so that I can show and teach the Cambodian National Baseball Team pitchers in Cambodia. Since they seen his pictures, the pitchers in Cambodia has been improves tremendously. Because of Coach Oblak, Cambodian team can now throws a good curve, slider, sinker, changeup, offspeed and a nice 4 seems fastball. We wanted to thank you for showing us the pictures of your pitching mechanic Coach Oblak and it really helping alot during our games.

Cambodian National Baseball Team is focusing on the 2008 Asian Cups

Sparky "The Kings"

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:35:13 GMT

Sparky "The King". He's dusting his moves

Sparky is a work alcoholic at the Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oak, California. He spent so much of his times at the baseball field than with wife Nancy's. I was lucky to met him in person in late May of 2008. This guy is super incredible, sharp and extremely friendly. He's enjoy his works and very serious of what he is doing so that the kids at the Note Dam Knights will always have the best ballpark the Cailfornia.

I really impress to see the Notre Dame Baseball Field, it's cleans and well maintenance. I was one lucky guy to be able walk around the field without being kickout by Sparky.

My heart goes to Mr. Sparky "The King". Keep up the good work for the Notre Dame High School, Sparky! You're my Hero, my man!

Hey Sparky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, Please take a day off for Nancy!

Go fishing or something, Sparky!

Where's the Waterbuffalo?

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:13:53 GMT

Coach Dill and Tony first arrival in Baribo, June 2008

Tom Dill - the Dean of Men and Varsity Baseball Coach at the Notre Dame High School, in Sherman Oaks, California with an overall record of 27-4 in the mission league. Tom's brought along his bodyguard - Tony Rondinello to Cambodia for the buffalo joy rides. Instead, they were standing in middle of the Cambodian Coopertown ballpark in Baribo, just 18 miles west of KompongChnang province. The weather was around 90s, dry, cloudy with the humidity of 76%. Rains an hour later, so the buffalo ride had waited til a few more days.

Tom also reunited with his long lost Cambodian friend's from Phnom Penh, his name is Chea Pov who I helped founded by internet. Among that, there're film crews; Mike Siv, Dan and Aramirez. I was trying to tell them about the waterbuffalo situation. They were extremely not happy with me, because they're unable to ride the buffalo as soon as they arrived. LOL, hehehehe.

They findally got a chance to rides the waterbuffalo.

We're dare you ridding the waterbuffalo in Cambodia.

Cambodian in the past

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:10:43 GMT

I made this film and assisted by friends of mine at work on May 17, 2008. The film is about Cambodia during the 1970s, Khmer Rough regime and the war that took Cambodian apart. I also mention about my father and two of my sisters that past away during the Khmer Rough ERA. Please enjoy this film.

To watch this film in a higher quality, please click here: Cambodian in the past by: Joe Cook

Thank you for watching and I hope to hear your comment.

Voices of the film: Khmer - Joe Cook, English - Westley, Chinese - Wang and Latin - Bruno (Africa)

Wang, Joe and Bruno (Africa) Mr. Chung and Joe

During at work in Mikata Japanese Resturant, Dothan, AL, my friends help me making this film that I really wanted to produce and show the people where I came from and why I end-up here in America.

Wang, Westly, Joe and Bruno (Africa)

My Amingo and Me.

Bill Morse Story of baseball in Cambodia

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:30:45 GMT

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Have I Got a Story to Tell! By: Bill Morse

Baseball and a Bottle of Red Wine

I got to the ballpark just in time to watch the end of morning workouts for the Cambodian National Baseball Team. The coaches were in the field hitting flies to the outfielders, the infielders were taking fielding practice, the water buffalo were grazing in the outfield, and Joe Cook, the man who brought baseball to Kampuchea (Cambodia) was standing behind the cage with a big smile on his face.

Joe left Cambodia during the reign of the Khmer Rouge. Wounded by a landmine and hiding from those who would have shot him on the spot, he reached Thailand and eventually made it all the way to Dothan, Alabama where he works as a cook in a Japanese restaurant. The locals didn't take to his Khmer name, so they just call him Joe Cook.

Joe fell in love with baseball and decided it was a great sport to bring home. He's spent everything he has made, and could borrow to develop this league. He has a few teams across the country and they play every day. 2-3 games a day take place at the rough field he built next to a rice paddy and behind a small village about 35 kilometers north of Kampong Chnang.

It wasn't easy to get there from where I work in Siem Reap. I took a 6 hour bus ride to Phnom Penh, spent the night at my cozy little hotel on the water front and hired a driver to take me on the 2 1/2 hour drive north to find Joe and the Cambodian Boys of Summer. (Actually Boys of Summer is a misnomer, since you can play every day of the year here.)

It cost me $180 to make the trip. $10 for the bus and $170 for the driver, Mr. Ryvann. Now there is another story in Mr. Ryvann. As we left downtown Phnom Penh he and I were talking, exchanging our resumes so to speak, and he said he had another friend from California he drove all the time, and asked if I knew Asad Rahman. I was speechless. As many of you know, Asad and I work together helping Aki Ra at the Landmine Museum.

My mother was right. Always be on your best behaviour. You never know when you will run into someone you know.

Anyway, Mr. Ryvann is a also a major in the Cambodian Air Force. He flies small planes, Cessnas and the like. But the Cambodian Air Force is grounded. They don't have enough money to keep the small fleet of planes, including 22 Mig 21s in the air. But he does still get his pay. $75 a month. That's why he is also a taxi driver.

We got to the field at 10:30 and I finally got a chance to meet Joe. I also got a chance to meet a couple of really great coaches who came all the way from California at their own cost to help the team. Tom Dill is the coach of the Notre Dame High School Baseball Team in Sherman Oaks, California. (He is a USC fan, so I didn't have too big a heart attack when I saw Joe wearing an ND hat). Tony Rondinella is a friend of his who couldn't wait to come over here and help Joe. They brought over 5 bags of equipment including gloves, hats and bats and balls. I brought over 80 t-shirts from the Dodgers, 175 balls from the Angels and 24 from the Palm Springs Power.

I forgot to bring my hat, so Joe gave me an extra one they had laying around. It said ND in big white print on the front. I looked at the hat. I looked at the cloudless sky, and decided the sunburn would go away faster than any pictures of me in that hat.

The balls were a good idea. The ones they were using were missing covers and beginning to unravel. Joe's built a pretty good backstop and that helps keep most of the balls out of the rice paddy that stands directly behind the field. But these guys can hit. And they sure can foul them off. It's fun to sit and watch the little kids chase balls. It's just like at a PS Power game. As soon as that ball goes behind the field or into the nearby lake, the kids are off as fast as they can to bring it back. But they do it for a different reason. If they run out of balls here, they quit playing. Ain't no Big 5 down the street. The nearest place to get balls is Bangkok. Or from supporters who are traveling over from the states.

The ground rules here a little different. Time is automatically called whenever a moto (motor bike), water buffalo, or buffalo cart passes through right field (See the picture at the top of the post). The field encompasses part of the village road, you see.

I guess the main thing you want to know is can these guys play ball. Yep. They play pretty darn good ball. They don't have the arm speed that American kids would have, but remember, we play ball from the age of 6 or 7 in the US and Canada. Most of these kids hadn't seen a baseball until they were in their teens.

The pitchers are throwing in the 70's and low 80's (they had a gun on them at the All Asia Games last year in Thailand). And they've got a catcher who is really good. I never saw him miss a throw, he blocks the plate well and can make the throw to second as good as anyone I've seen. The infielders are handling the ball pretty well and these kids took to coaching like a fish to water.

Tom and Tony watched them play a bit and realized the pitchers had no pick-off move at all. And the kids thought you stole on every play. It was a pretty wild game. Tom spent the morning working with the pitchers on pick-offs and when they started the game after lunch, you would have thought they'd been doing it all their life. Even picking off a guy trying to steal second.

I had to leave at 4pm since highway 5 is not very safe after dark, and it being monsoon season, we had a good chance of getting caught in the rain. And in a monsoon rain, you can't see more than a few hundred feet in front of you. Not good on a 2 lane road with pedestrians, motos, trucks, horse-carts, water buffalo, and cattle headed home. Not to mention the occasional chicken crossing the road.

We got back to Phnom Penh just as the sun was going down, and I went through my pictures. I can't wait to get back to see these guys again. I'm meeting Tom and Tony in LA when I get back and I'll bring some more of their equipment over in August.

Atlanta Cambodian Baseball

Sun, 25 May 2008 04:07:24 GMT

Atlanta Cambodian Baseball team.

I was in Atlanta, GA last Thursday May 22 and hang-out with Mung and Peter. They stayout in Northern Atlanta, close to Bufford Hwy off I-85 exit 99. They likes to go around and hang-out at the local recreation center where alot of little leaguers played. I don't remember much around there, but it sure is nice place to be. Makes me think of my old days.

These guys are actually Cambodians. Some of them were born in the states. I'm glad to see them get into baseball. They got a few pretty good players.

I hope to see Mung and Peter with SaKorn building up a few Cambodian teams. As far as I knows, they loves to play baseball.

Mung (left) Peter (Right)

They both related, uncle and nephew. Mung is around late 30s and Peter is in the early 20s. Both of these guys played baseball a few years back. Now they're getting back into the games.

Mung 5'10, 164lbs. Peter 5'7, 152lbs

Both of guys are playing baseball to be qualify for the 2008 Cambodian National Baseball Team (CNBT). The CBNT would hope to join the 2008 Asian Cups to be held in Manila, Phillippines in late November to Mid December.

I would hope to get Mung play first baseman and Peter play 3rd baseman for CNBT, but I'll see what they show me in July 26.

Keep up the good work guys. Our country needed ya.

Back to coach baseball

Wed, 21 May 2008 14:49:13 GMT

I'll be heading to Los Angles, Ca on May 28th. I going to be able to meet with Coach Dill at Notre Dame High School Dean of men baseball team and his friend Tony's. I hope to see Mr. Lowe and his son Ranny also Byan Lucas and his families. I will be in Long Beach on Thursday May 29 for the interview with the medias and back to LA the next day and hope to see the Dodgers or Angles game. I wanted to thanks Tom Dill, his friend's Tony and people in LA and Long Beach area for the contribution of this trip. I also wanted say thanks to Mark Dennis at Tomwest Company for the this trip as well.

Once done, I'll be in Taipei, Taiwan and soon home in Cambodia on June 1st.

I'll be meeting with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and National Olympic Committee officials on June 1-4 in Phnom Penh for the baseball movement in Cambodia. We will definetly discuss about the 2008 Asian Cups to be held in Manila, Phillippines in late November. I will also meet with other Cambodian government officials in June 14-20 and after. Alot of works with the officials in Cambodia when it comes to baseball.

June 4-12, I will be in Baribo coaching the National team and the little league teams. Stan Westland from Mississippi (Red Sox fan's) also join the coaching mission with me on June 4-26. He's gotta be very crazy person to doing this in Cambodia. People are going to Cambodia for Angkorwat or other great places, and he's going for basebll? This is nut for him. Maybe he's loves baseball and kids too much. Whatever it is, he will have a great time with the team.

Tom Dill and his friend's Tony Rondinella from Los Angles area also coming to Cambodia on June 17-27. They will bring tons of equipment to Cambodia this year.

Tom lost his friend's he met in Cambodia during his visited in 2001 and he'll reunited with his friend's Chea Pov this year because of baseball in Cambodia.

Picture from left to right: David Palese, Mike Griffin, Rick Dell, Joe Truesdale and Cameron McDoWall.

David Palese and Rick Dell - MLB International coaches will be in Cambodia June 19-24 to help our National team prepare the Asian Cup.

Jim Small - VP of MLB International will also join our baseball ceremony from June 19-22. I wanted to thanks MLB International and their entire staffs for supporting our baseball program in Cambodia. They have done a great job with baseball in Cambodia.

I'm always doing my job, find and collecting equipment and be able to send to Cambodia for the kids and their communities. I want to thanks Jim Small, his family and friends in Japan for donated these books to the kids in Cambodia in 2005.

Coach Dill, Tony Rondinella, Stan Westland will compete in the 2008 Buffalo Baseball Contest. They will ride the buffalo from homeplate around the horn to see who can hang on to the waterbuffalo the longest and win.

We'll here goes the schedule what's happening in Cambodia this year:

June 1 to July 2, I will be in Cambodia. Stan Westland also with me throughout the trip.
June 17-27, Tom Dill and Tony Rondinella will be in Baribo coaching the team.
June 19:
- Jim Small
- Rick Dell
- David Palese
- Howard McNeir
- Scott Carter (possible)
- Cameron McDowall (possible)
June 21:
- Ceremony:
  - 7am: Cambodian Government officials arrive in Baribo
  - 8am: Open Speech
  - 9:30am: Donation
  - 10am: Little League AllStars Game
  - 12noon: Baseball Festival
  - 2pm: Homerun Derby
  - 3pm: AllStar Game
  - 5:30: Rewarding
  - 6pm: Movies: Field of Dream, Cambodian loves this movies
- June 22:
  - Province Tournament of 2008
  - 8am: KompongCham vs BantyMeanChey
  - 10am: Phnom Penh vs Battambang
  - 12noon: KompongChnang vs Phnom BantyMeanChey
  - 2pm: Phnom Penh vs KompongChnang
  - 4pm: Battambang vs KompongCham
  - 6pm: Rewarding
  - 6:30 Movies: MLB Game: Dodgers vs Braves (2008)
- June 23: Trip: Angkorwat
- June 25-26: Back to Baribo coaching the team
- June 27-July 1: Road trip Games.
- July 2- August 06: Baribo Baseball Camp.
- August 08-22, Going to Bangkok, Thailand for play with Thai AA team
- August 23 to September 1: Break.
- September 2-20: Baribo Baseball Camp.
- Late September: Going to Tokyo, Japan playing with highschool teams.
- October 10: Baribo Baseball Camp.
- November 2-8: Team from the U.S. will come to play with Cambodia team
- November 25: heading to Manila, Phillippines for the Asian Cup.

That's it for now. For more information, please contact me. Thank you. Joe Cook.

The First Star

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:41:18 GMT

Ranny Lowe - The First Star

Cambodia may not be known for baseball or any other sports, but Cambodia's First Star is born and shinning very bright and can be seen all the way to the rice fields in Southeast Asia.

Mr. Lowe, Ranny's father, who survived the genocide - where over 1.7 millions Cambodian skulls had been executed, slaughter and tortured by hand of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. In 1979, he escaped and fled to the Thai border and eventually found a new home in Southern California in 1984. During his school years, Mr. Lowe enjoyed playing all kinds of sports and some of his trophies remain at his school to show his children how much he enjoys athletics.

Ranny was born in Granada Hills, California in 1991 with a very special gift. He started baseball at an early age with his father 's encouragement to play catch at the local ballpark. By the age of 14, Ranny and his travel team was one of the best in the State and they went on to play in an International Tournament in Tokyo, Japan.

With his great baseball skill and excellent grades, Ranny earned a position on the top-ranked Notre Dame High School's baseball team. Ranny plays short-stop like no one else. He has exceptional speed as well as a cannon for an arm. Notre Dame High School, in Sherman Oaks, California - 20 miles northwest of Los Angeles, with an overall record of 18-2 and 6-0 in the mission league. The Knights are now the number one ranked team in the "baseball rich," San Fernando Valley. Ranny is coached by Tom Dill - the Dean of Men and Varsity Baseball Coach at Notre Dame.

Ranny is a junior at 5'10, and 154 lbs. This season, he's started 19 games, and his fielding percentage is .904%. He has stolen 4 bases without being caught this season. But Ranny's not stopping here, he wants to prove that Cambodian's can play at a high level.

Ranny's #7 at SS

During the 2007, Cambodian team went to played in the 24th SEA Games. Despite the 0-5 record, the team had made many histories and records. They were the newest and youngest team, most of the players age of 16 to 20s years old. Some of them had only been played about a few years or less of baseball experience.

This November 2008, Philippines will host the Asian Championship Cup to be held in Manila. Ranny country is seeking to participate in the tournament. But the team is little skill of baseball and they're desperate in-need of coaches and equipment as well as fund to help building the team in Cambodia.

In Ranny's dream, he's deeply wants to play baseball to represent his people and native country of Cambodia where baseball is still young and an unknown sport.

Ranny had hoped to join the Cambodian team for the Asian Championship Cup but, unfortunately, he is still in school. We hope he continues to do well in school and plays hard for the Notre Dame Knights and helps lead them to a CIF Championship.

Ranny is the hero to the children in Cambodia and they're praying and hope that they get to see him play in the big leagues. With Ranny's passion, he can help the children in Cambodia by his example of strength and focus. We love and care for you Ranny! Good Luck with your season! Go Notre Dame Knights!

SEA SERIES

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:28:38 GMT

Welcome to the SEA SERIES.

SEA SERIES is the SouthEast Asia Series for the baseball tournament, regular season will begin in April 1st til the end of September. Playoff begin October to November.

SEA SERIES will be opening on April 1st, 2010 in their own country.

Each country require to have at least two National teams or no greater than 12 teams per country. Each team must compete other teams for their regular season games. The best team's in their country goes to the playoff. Each of their country team's must play a total of 10 regular season game with other SouthEast Asia teams. Each team must play 100 games of their regular season.

Example: Cambodia have two teams: CA and CB team, Malaysia have two teams: MA and MB. CA must play with MA total of 5 games and MB total of 5 games. So CA played total of 10 games with Malaysia teams. CA must play 10 games with Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Phillippines and Myanmar, total of 50 games. The rest of 50 games, CA must play with CB.

Each team must not have greater than 25 active rosters. International players are not allow to play for their country teams.

I am contacting with IBF - International Baseball Federation and BFA - Baseball Federation of Asia for their support. Please check back later about the SEA SERIES.

Thank you very much,

Joe Cook - SEA SERIES

Go To Cambodia

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:57:14 GMT

Picture yourself you're in Cambodia with these kids. "You'll never forget the moment".

Are you interested in going to Cambodia for a Baseball Mission? Well, let me tell you something, "It's always a beautiful days for baseball in Cambodia". You can always go to see AngkorWat or ride on a waterbuffalo, when you're tired.

Here's some information you need to know:

Our baseball camp is called, "Khoom Baseball Field", it's located in Baribo District, KompongChnang Province, it's 68 miles west of the capital Phnom Penh or about 3hrs ride. The weather is always about 70-90F with humidity around 70-80s year round. Rainny season is in late May til October. The best time to be in Cambodia is in November and December.

The field dimension is 241ft from homeplate to rightfield, 328ft to leftfield and 378 to centerfield. Rice fields all around the ballpark. The backstop is small and short. Dips and holes are everywhere. Flooded whenever it rains. Everythings crossing the field while we playing baseball; scooters, carts, bikes, animals and people. It's a busy Field.

There's about 20 of hotels and motels in the province of KompongChnang. From the hotels to our ballpark is about 30mins of joy ride. Transportation is avalible such as scooter $2-3, taxi cab $5-10 or waterbuffalo cart $5 for oneway. Hotel price range from $30-90/room. Each room have a single or a double bed, with internet, phone, shower & bath, TV & cable, and some include breakfast, pool and more.

If you can live like the real Cambodians, you can stay at our local house next to our baseball field. You'll eat and sleep together with the players and coaches. We don't ask for money, but it entirely upto you what you can pay for your chef, foods, drinks, and doing laundry for you.

Cambodians loves hot/spicy foods and we can serves regular soup, curry, stirfry, steam, fry and bake for your everyday taste. We got great chefs ready to plase you in Baribo.

There are a few local super-markets nearby for all your shopping needs. The most famous market is Phsar PLey and they open as early as 4am til the who's know when. You can find everythings there!

Only one internet shop in Baribo with 2 computers and it could get pretty busy sometime.

Joe Truesdale - using internet in Baribo

We have 3 local churches with over a thousand Cambodian Christians. Baribo New Life Church is about 10 mins from our ballpark. Mr. Kerry is our baseball chapel. Every Sunday, we goes to church in the morning and play ball in the late afternoon.

Budda temples are every corners. The monks loves to come and to watch baseball everyday.

Health Clinic is about a mile. They're happy we got baseball, because our ballplyers always come to see them when they got injured.

There's 4 Elementary schools and a Highschool in Baribo. The college is in the Province of KompongChnang.

To learn more about Cambodia travel agent, accommodation and transportation, please click here: http://www.tourismcambodia.com/ or http://www.yellowpages-cambodia.com/search/?q=hotel&area=

If you're interested, please call me at (334) 790-5002 or drop an email: joecook_@hotmail.com and come-on to Cambodia for a baseball experience of a Lifetime!

Mike Griffin- won the 2007 Khmer Homerun Derby

I appreciated, God Bless You!

Joe Cook - Founder of Cambodia Baseball

www.cambodiabaseball.org

Tel: (334) 790-5002 USA

Tel: (855) 11-736-415 Cambodia or 011-736-415

To learn more, please visit Cambodia Baseball website www.cambodiabaseball.org or Joe Cook website http://kbaseball.spaces.live.com/

Donate your Equipment

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:39:45 GMT

Jeng SovEm #99, SS

In the last 5 years, we had collected and shipped over $80,000 worth of equipment to Cambodia. Mostly were donated by MLB International, private businesses and individual throughout the United States, Canada and Japan.

Because baseball and our program is growing in Cambodia, we need more equipment and funds to expanding the project. Schools and communities are involving with our baseball program.

We're currently collecting baseball equipment, uniforms and as well as funds to help pay for the shipping cost. We will ship the equipment this May 18th from Dothan, Alabama and it should be arriving in Cambodia by middle of June. We hope you could get involvment our collecting project. Please join us.

For more details, please contact me and I would be happy to get together with you. Thank you very much.

Cambodian Fan's

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:39:47 GMT

Cambodian Fan's at the 24th SEA Games 2007

During our games in Bangkok, we had more than 100 Cambodian fans to help cheer our team. Some of our fans are Khmer Surin and they're been living in Thai since they were born. Our Cambodian fans were from Phnom Penh, KompongTom, Battanbong, KompongCham, BantymeanChey and Svey Reing area.

Even American and Thai people are help cheer our team during our games. We were very please and greatful to have such fans. Because of them, we able to play game much harder. We appreciate you as our special fan as well. Thank you.

MPR: News Cut

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:04:19 GMT

The kid from Cambodia

Posted at 1:05 PM on March 28, 2008 by Bob Collins

Over the years, I've gotten out of the habit of sitting around the family radio at night, so I don't often get to hear The Story, which airs on MPR weeknights at 9. Fortunately, I was on the road last evening and was reminded of a couple of things (1) Why radio is such a fabulous medium (2) How often in the humdrum of our daily lives, we really don't have an appreciation for what we've got, based largely on our ignorance of what others don't.

Last night, I heard an update of the story of Joe Cook, who helped create Cambodia's first baseball team. Cute stuff, with the story about having to play baseball with water buffalo and motorcycles running across the field.

But it's impossible to listen to his journey (delivered with an Alabama accented Cambodian accent) and not ask, "What would I have done in that situation?" Of course, most of us have no frame of reference because we don't come close to dealing with these situations.

Here's the Cliffs Notes version.

1. He was 5 when Pol Pot seized power and his father went to the battlefront, returning only briefly to tell his family "I will not be with you anymore." A few minutes later when his father left he heard "so many guns shooting, so many bombs exploding," and he found out a few days later his father was gone.

2. The Khmer Rouge sent him and his family to the "Killing Fields." He ate leaves, grass and tree bark to stay alive for two years.

3. He tried eight times to escape. He escaped on the ninth, as the Khmer Route shot at him and his family. Over the next few weeks, he found two brothers and his mother, but his sister never showed up. At age 7, they walked five months barefoot to the Thailand border and eventually made it to the U.S.

4. They settled in Alabama, and many years later, he found his sister was alive. He flew to Cambodia only to find out his sister had no money to get to the border, so she sold her 10-year-old son for $47. "She wanted to meet me at the border to show her brother how honored she was for him to come."

5. He bought her son -- his nephew -- back for $100. "That's Cambodia," he said. "Life is cheap." His niece and nephew proudly showed him where they lived. "I have to do something about this," he said. That's when he said, "I'm going to bring baseball back."

As a refugee, he wandered past a Little League game in Alabama when he was 12. Although unable to speak English, he was able to communicate to the coach that he wanted to play. So he did. He wasn't very good but he loved the sport. "Imagine playing baseball blindfolded, I had no idea where (the players) go or how they play."

6. In 2002, Joe, who is a chef, put together enough old pieces of equipment to bring baseball to Cambodia. "Baseball has always been in to me and I just wanted to do so much," he said.

Recently, Cambodia's national team was invited to play in an international tournament for southeast Asia. His team got smoked against Thailand, the #1 ranked team. They lost 16-0. "It was great," he told The Story. "I told them 'no matter win or lose, we're here.'"

The nephew he bought back was one of the players.

"Without baseball," he said, "we'd have no heroes."

Now Cambodia has one. And so should we all.

You can find his blog here, and after you visit it, trust me, you'll be having a much better day.

Comments (2)

First off, I love baseball like a I love viewing a natural wonder for the first time or being honored for an achievement; almost as much as anything else in the world [ of course family, friends, and MPR come before that :) ]

And baseball, much like soccer, seems to have the universal effect of bringing people together while enabling a person to forget whatever worldly concerns he/she is bound by. Unlike soccer, baseball somehow manages to remove whatever it is that causes soccer fans to hate/bring aggression onto fans of the other team and/or riot following the conclusion of many matches.

They lost 16-0. "It was great," he told The Story. "I told them 'no matter win or lose, we're here.'"

I'd say that is proof enough.

Posted by Tyler Suter | March 28, 2008 3:35 PM

Wonderful story, Bob. Thank you.

Posted by Jamie | March 30, 2008 3:15 PM

The Chosen Joe

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:58:38 GMT

"God created me in a place of a Million Skulls".

Without baseball: "Between late 1960s to 1980s, over 2 millions Cambodians perished because there's no baseball.

I was born on July 1, 1970 in the village of Srok Kar Koss, Svey Chech district of the BantyMeanChey province. It's near Battambong in the northwestern of Cambodia. My father was a high rank military for the Cambodian government in KompongThom province. During the Khmer Rough tookover the country in 1975-78s, an estimation of over 1.7 millions of Cambodians had been excuted, starvation or sick to death; "included my father and two younger sisiters". Not only that, but I was seperated from my 3 sisters and found them after 24 years later.

My family and I escaped into Thai border in late 1979 when the Vietnamese invaded the Cambodia and was nearly starved to death on the journey of freedom. We spent about 4.5 years in the Thai and Phillippines camps then later arrived in Chattanooga, TN in May 13, 1983.

My newphew and his new born sister. Kids looking for an open rice field to play baseball.

Life's in America was beautiful as it can be when I first touchdown. I discovered many new things such as; learn to operate TV, radio, turn-on light, water, stove and the most amazingly, "flushing a toilet". I was inspired and suprise by hundreds of new incredible-things which I was unable to understand when I was in Cambodia, Thai or Phillippines.

My niece's Moum (4yrs) loves to play baseball Baseball Glove is desperately in-needed

I realized that life in America is much harder than I thought. I had trouble learning English, making new friends, accepting new culture and region. At the local community in Chattanooga; baseball fields, Churches and kids seem to be everywhere.

We built the first baseball in Baribo (2002) We renovated Baribo field (2007)

I remember at first, I loves riding a bus. Riding a bus wasn't available in Cambodia. Well, in America is different. I took advantage of the bus on every Sunday. Now that's how learn about Christian faith and accept Jesus Christ as my personal Savoir, by Riding a Bus. Amen!

Kids learning to swing for the very first time Older folks learning to throw baseballs

I have difficulty making new friend, so I begin go to a sport complex. I relized that the kids playing something that I don't even know what it is. I watched for awhile and finally I have a gut to say something to a coach. I didn't even speak much English, I just speak in my body language and he understood what I wanted to say. He gave a glove and got a kid infront of me and we started to throw and catch. I was filled with joy from then on!

My neice's SeyLa (10yrs) My grand neice's MiLa (11yrs)

Playing baseball was a way of making new friends for me when I was a teenage. Involved with baseball got me stay of trouble and learning English. I remember when I was with the team, the kids taught me so much southern English words.

My cousin daughter Srey Neang (12yrs) Donating school supplies to the kids (BantyMeanChey)

I was in highschool and my family moved to westcoast (California), but I wanted to stay in Chattanooga while I was in 11th grade. I have no choice but to work and support myself. At first, I was offered for a busboy job when I was told at the school. By the time I came in the back-door, the head chef told me to COOK. It's hard for us to communicated at first, because I don't speak Japanese and he don't speak much English.

Cambodian stance and contact. I was coaching the National Team (Nov 2007)

I told the head chef; "Taka" that I can't cook, I'm here for a busboy and clean table. But he kept say; "You Cook!". After 2 yrs of training by Mr. Taka, everyone I cooked for were very please with my experience. Since then, I was known as Joe Cook!

Cambodian Heritage Camp

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:56:29 GMT

I was invited by the Cambodian Heritage Camp (CamHC) for the upcoming trip at Snow Mountain Rach, Fraser, CO. I will likely to be there on July 17-20 for the special speaker of the Cambodian Heritage Camp.

I am very exciting for this opportunity for this trip. It will be benefit toward the baseball program and kids in Cambodia.

Cambodian Heritage Camp

July 17-20, 2008 at Snow Mountain Ranch, Fraser, CO

2008 Co-Directors: Lori Hofferbert and Tracy McBrayer

“My child and I both make tremendous friends at camp. She shares a bond with other adopted Cambodian kids that is unlike anything else.” – Cambodian Heritage Camp Parent, 2007

Having completed a highly successful sixth year, the Cambodian Heritage Camp (CamHC) is reaping benefits generated by its firm foundation of committed families, the active participation of U.S.-based Cambodian communities, and the creative energy brought by all camp participants. CamHC provides a rich and meaningful experience for all family members through the exploration and celebration of adoption-related issues, the establishment of friendships among individuals and networks of families, and the instruction of Cambodian culture and history. We are continuing our growth in 2008 and hope that you can join us!

Cambodian Heritage Camp is a family camp where campers from age 3 to 18, plus their parents participate in classes, workshops and family-oriented special events presented by Cambodian Americans, adult adoptees, professionals in the field of adoption, and the campers themselves, all of whom enthusiastically share their perspectives and expertise with adoptive families. More than 40 Cambodian American young adults serve as counselors, acting as warm and caring role models and mentors to the children as they participate with them in cultural classes. Adult family members attend cultural and adoption-related workshops ranging from Cambodian cooking to the blessings and challenges inherent in our adoptive families. Founded and run by adoptive parent volunteers, CamHC is one of ten camps facilitated by the highly respected Colorado Heritage Camps organization, which has been running heritage camps for adoptive families for 15 years.

This year's camp will be our third in the beautiful Colorado Rockies at the YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch facility near Winter Park, CO www.ymcarockies.org - a family vacation destination in itself. We look forward to meeting new friends and old in July 2008 and encourage you to register early. Registration forms and information for Cambodian Heritage Camp 2008 will be mailed early in 2008. NOW is the time to request registration information, if you'd like to be on our mailing list.

What's Happening in 2008?

The theme for 2008 Cambodian Heritage Camp is “Building our Future”. We will join together in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado as we explore “building” in the internal & external sense. We will learn about traditional Cambodian buildings, from Angkor Wat, temples & palaces to village homes and schools. In addition to the actual buildings, we will learn about their significance in Cambodian culture. We will also explore “building” self-esteem, cultural respect & confidence in our children, as well as how we as parents can promote this and how the children can help themselves. Lastly, we will explore ways to build connections for advocacy and action. This will cover assistance agencies that help build Cambodia’s future and adoptive family networks to support and keep in touch with each other.

Parent workshop sessions will include cultural and adoption topics and will provide time for discussion and support as we “Build our Future” together as a community. We will have interactive cultural workshops specifically “built” for each age group of kids, including our ever growing adolescent group. The preschool and elementary kids will also have one HeART Talks session, which focuses on adoption related issues in an age appropriate manner. Our adolescents will again participate in the More than Me program, which is a way for them to give back to Cambodia.

We are returning for our third year to Snow Mountain Ranch. The optional Family Day activities will be offered again this year. The optional day will give families a chance to meet with old friends and make new ones, while engaging in various activities offered at Snow Mountain Ranch. Families will have an opportunity to participate in horseback riding, roller skating and swimming, or just come together informally.

Most of our Cambodian American friends from across the United States will be returning to camp this year. They play an integral part in camp, serving as positive role models, counselors and workshop/class facilitators. In addition, they travel at their own expense to camp, often taking time off from work to participate. We continue to be very thankful of their contributions to making camp successful and to sharing Cambodian culture with our families.

The Cambodian Market offers families a chance to purchase beautiful Cambodian items. This is also the main fundraiser for Cambodian Heritage Camp. You will find beautiful Cambodian jewelry, clothing, music, books, baskets, silk, silver and traditional crafts, as well as adoption related items.

Thinking about giving camp a try but want to know more?

Click here to read about last year's camp.

For more pictures of Cambodia Camp 2007 click here

We are thrilled that many of our friends from Cambodian-American communities all over the United States will be returning as counselors and instructors of workshops and classes. We deeply appreciate their commitment to teaching and passing on Cambodian culture to the next generation.

To volunteer or to learn more about volunteer opportunities contact:

Lori Hofferbert, co-director at: loricamcamp@comcast.net

Tracy McBrayer, co-director at: tfmcbrayer@bellsouth.net

As a non-profit 501 C(3) organization, Cambodian Heritage Camp is always seeking financial assistance to help keep camp costs reasonable for families, and still provide an outstanding program. If you'd like to help, please go to the Donations section of this web site, and thank you very much in advance.

We are also in need of donations of frequent flier miles to help defray costs of out of state speakers. If you have miles you can donate please email us at cambodiacamp@vincejulie.com

For more pictures of Cambodian Camp 2007 click here

We hope to see you at camp this summer. For further information, please contact us.

Baseballs in Cambodia

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 19:20:45 GMT

This is how baseballs in Cambodia look like after numberous of uses. Our baseballs landed in rice fields, it got soak and wet and when in use, it hard to last forever. We want to get the baseballs from the rice field so it won't get wet, but the rice field owner will sue us like $5 to $10 each ball if he goes down there to get it. Because when we go and get the baseballs, it kill their rices and they get very angery about it. Our backstop is small and short, we don't have enough money to make it big yet.

Here we have Rick and David examing the balls for the practice.

Rick Dell and David Palaese are the Major League Baseball International (MLBI) coaches. They have been in Cambodia twice to help working with players and coaches. Bill Thomas was also in Cambodia in July 2005 with David.