On field and in classroom, this young baseball champ shines
When I first picked up a bat in kindergarten, it was almost taller than me.” That’s how Aiden Lazaro began his speech at the recently held “Parangal Sa Mga Atleta” at Ateneo De Manila Grade School.
The young champ continued, “Back then, I didn’t know that the baseball diamond would shape who I am today—not just as an athlete, but as a person, a teammate, and a student of life.”
Aiden’s baseball journey started when he was just 5 years old, during his first few weeks at Ateneo, when he and his mom Shelly spotted a poster announcing varsity baseball tryouts.
“I didn’t know anything about baseball back then—I had never even held a bat or a baseball before. But I was curious, so I tried out,” the student-athlete told Lifestyle.
One session was all it took for coaches to see his potential. “I made it to the team, and from there, baseball became a big part of my life.”
He’s been an Ateneo varsity player and team captain since kinder.
There’s a long list of teams and leagues Aiden has played for—Ateneo Shetland, Ateneo Pinto, Ateneo Mustang, International Little League Association of Manila All Stars, Philippine Bazooka, Manila Angels, Bughaw-Ropali, Silverbacks, Quezon City, Taguig Babe Ruth League.
Most recently, he’s played for the Ateneo Grade School Bronco, the NCR team for Palarong Pambansa, and the first ever U-12 National Baseball Team.
Aiden has won numerous awards including Rookie of The Year, Most Valuable Player, Best Player of The Game, Golden Glove, Most Home Runs, Most RBI (Runs Batted In), and Most Stolen Bases.
Milestones
Aiden told Lifestyle, “Being selected for the Philippine National Team has been a huge honor. Getting the Most RBI award at the Asian Baseball Championship in Matsuyama, Japan meant a lot, too. Being handpicked by the NCR Team for the 2025 Palarong Pambansa is also another milestone. But most of all, being able to represent Ateneo in tournaments here and abroad is something I’ll always be proud of.”
His baseball journey has also taken him to the US, Singapore, and Indonesia.
In his speech, he said, “Beyond the blue and white, I had the privilege to represent the Philippines on the world stage. Bringing home the Most RBI award wasn’t just my victory—it was our country’s victory. That moment reminded me that we, as Filipino athletes, can stand tall anywhere in the world.”
It’s not just the victories that he cherishes. “Winning games as a team is always special, but it’s the small moments in between—like hotel nights during tournaments, or playing alongside people who used to be my opponents—that make it unforgettable. Those memories stay with me.”
Aiden shared, “I love the bond it creates with my teammates. Whether we’re on the field or on the bench, there’s always a connection—a kind of unspoken communication that brings the team together. Baseball gives me a way to express myself while being part of something bigger than just me.”
He also values the friends he’s made through the sport. “Every practice, every game, and every tournament brings new memories and new people. The support system we have as athletes really keeps me going.”
Sports and academics
Aiden doesn’t just shine on the field, he excels in the classroom, too. How does he juggle baseball and academics?
“Discipline and time management are key. I follow a set schedule and make it a point to focus on academics whenever there’s free time. I’ve learned that if you stay consistent, it’s possible to give your best in both. It’s really about staying committed to your priorities. I don’t put one above the other—I try to give my best in both. Having a clear plan for each day helps a lot, and I make sure to stick to it as much as possible.”
This means training after class, late-night study sessions after games, and weekend tournaments that start before sunrise. “I kept going—not because I had to, but because I loved the game, and I loved representing Ateneo.”
At his graduation ceremony last week, Aiden received Ateneo’s Saint Ignatius of Loyola Award and the Distinguished Award for Sports Excellence. “It feels incredibly humbling. These awards represent more than just achievements in sports or academics—they recognize effort, consistency, and values. I’m grateful for the support of my coaches, teachers, and especially my family who have been there every step of the way.”
He’s called Ateneo baseball his second home. “Athletic greatness means nothing if it isn’t matched with discipline, integrity, and purpose. That’s what Ateneo taught me. We are not just trained to win games—we are formed to be men and women for others.”
He told his fellow student-athletes, “Your journey is valid. Your sacrifices matter. Your story is powerful… You don’t have to wait to be successful to inspire others. You just have to keep showing up, keep doing the work, stay true to your values, and play with heart.
His advice for them? “Don’t give up on what you love doing, even when it gets tough. Always try to get your schoolwork done first, so you can fully focus on your sport without distractions. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.”
Right after his grade school graduation, he set off for Laoag City to represent NCR at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa. He would emerge triumphant there as well, winning gold.
Aiden’s baseball and academic journey will continue at Ateneo Junior High School where he will play for the Ateneo Pony Division in the coming school year. “I plan to continue studying and playing baseball for Ateneo. I want to keep growing both as a student and as an athlete.”
His ultimate dream is “to one day make it to the Major League Baseball. It’s a big dream, but I believe that with hard work, the right mindset, and the right support, anything is possible.”
