Here's an interesting one: "SEBA SIGNED AMERICAN PLAYER Feb 1 National Premier League team, Seba United, signed 20 year-old David Maredona Baleno of the United States. The American midfielder plays for Bradford University and is awaiting permission for his debut with the St James team." http://www.thereggaeboyz.com/news0602.htm "Bradford" is really Bradley. He's from Pittsburgh. http://www.bubraves.com/soccer/archive/2000-2001/roster/dbaleno.html Still looking for confirmation, as I haven't had time to check for a team or league website.
Why would any US player go to Jamaica to play professionally. ManyJamaicans come to the US, even if to play in the A-League. ANy idea how he's doing, or if he's still there?
That's the sum total of the information I've been able to find about the guy. Maybe I'll cruise over to the Jamaica boards and ask. And while I have no information about this guy other than what you see here, I don't think it's out of the question that a young American player (especially one who isn't being actively scouted by MLS or European teams) might just say "Jamaica? Why not?" There are worse places to hang out for a while.
It's one thing to visit Jamaica (as I have 3 times). It's quite another to live there. Unless he's got some $$$ and can afford to live in a hotel or a nice house, the standard of living there is piss-poor. Plus, the level of play can't be above A-league.
Well, some players are willing to go anywhere just to be a professional player once in his lifetime. Ethan and Andrew Shue went to Zimbabwe. Some guys went to Indonesia. And Jordan Older went to Brazil. BTW, great middle name.... Maredona