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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Aiden Lazaro becomes first-ever homegrown baseball talent to train at IMG Academy

Aiden Lazaro becomes first-ever homegrown baseball talent to train at IMG Academy

Published Jul 27, 2026 02:13 pm

At A Glance

  • Aiden Lazaro made a giant stride in his young and promising career after becoming the first-ever Filipino homegrown recruit at IMG Academy, one of the world's premier sports training centers located in Bradenton, Florida.
Aiden Lazaro to train at the notable IMG Academy. (Shelly Lazaro)
Aiden Lazaro to train at the notable IMG Academy. (Shelly Lazaro)
Aiden Lazaro made a giant stride in his young and promising career after becoming the first-ever Filipino homegrown recruit at IMG Academy, one of the world's premier sports training centers located in Bradenton, Florida.
Lazaro, a 13-year-old shortstop and catcher, could become the first homegrown Filipino to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) if he makes it through the tough process of further harnessing his skill and someday be drafted.
“I'm excited to immerse myself in a new training environment and learn from everyone at IMG Academy who helped develop some of the top athletes and professional players. I look forward to bringing home everything I gain from this so I could contribute more to my teams in the Philippines," said the Ateneo Grade 8 student Lazaro.
"I'm very thankful to IMG Academy for welcoming me into its baseball and holistic athletic training program and for working closely with my mom over the past few months to help create exciting opportunities for my future. I'm humbled by this privilege and I'm ready to work hard to make the most of it,” he added.
Lazaro, who entered the sport at age of five, excelled immediately in baseball, having been part of Ateneo’s juniors baseball crew when he was Grade 7 student.
He also a gold medalist with the National Capital Region (NCR) in last year’s Palarong Pambansa in Laoag, Ilocos Norte – a great follow-up to his feat of Most RBI (runs batted in) Award at the Asian Baseball Championship in Japan where captained the country's U12 National Team in 2024.
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