press releases 2009

Young Boy From Panama Brings Baseball Dreams to Philly
by KYW's John McDevitt

Oct 1, 2009

Michael Ibarra

A documentary film crew following a 10-year-old Panamanian boy - with the love for baseball - is in Philadelphia for Wednesday night's Phillies game. 

Ten-year-old Michael Ibarra (photo) lives on a banana farm in Panama. He has a passion for baseball. When he was four years old, he fell and broke his wrist. A botched surgery left his hand/arm disfigured, but that didn't stop him from playing his favorite sport.

Michael and his parents are in Philadelphia for Wednesday night's Phillies game. He'll also get a chance to meet one of his heroes. Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz also from Panama. The trip is a part of a documentary on baseball in Panama. Eric Soussanin is producing and directing the film:

"Michael as well as Carlos Ruiz have always been told that they don't look like a 'prototypical' ball player. Carlos standing out at only at 5'10" and Michael with obviously his handicap. So we thought that Carlos would be a good sort of role model to be able to talk with Michael and make sure that he doesn't listen to what people say and that he continues on with his passion."

A number of Philadelphia businesses donated admissions, meals, and accommodations for the families' experience here in the city of brotherly love.

The documentary is being produced by funds from a US Fulbright Grant.