CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — For Ceasar Perez, raising a young athlete means more than late nights and long road trips—it’s about heart, hustle, and helping his kids unlock his full potential.
Perez, the owner of DJ Sapphire Entertainment and Game Day Trailers, rents out tailgate trailers for Illini games. When he’s not setting up for game day, he’s cheering from the sidelines for his son Micheal Perez, a rising 9-year-old athlete with initials—and talent—to match: MVP. (His sister, Victoria, proudly sports the initials VIP.)
“Micheal’s always been a natural,” Perez said. “He started with soccer as a little kid, then got into boxing. That’s where I really saw the fire in him.”
Through boxing, Micheal learned more than just technique. He learned how to face adversity head-on. “He picked up that fight-or-flight instinct early,” Perez said. “And when he got hit, he didn’t flinch—he kept going forward. That’s what sports are about. Keep. Moving. Forward. It shows character. It shows heart.”
Baseball Beginnings
Micheal picked up baseball at just eight years old in the Peanut League, immediately impressing coaches and teammates with his quick feet and rocket arm as a catcher. He continued catching in the Farm League, building on his fundamentals with each game.
“He didn’t need to be pushed into it. He just got it,” said Perez, who’s coached at the 7U, 8U, and 9U levels. “From the start, he had a great swing and natural instincts behind the plate.”
In late 2023, they missed winter tryouts due to the fact they didn’t know tryouts happened in the winter. But by 2024, they came back with a plan, trying out for every major travel team in the area:
- Champaign Dream
- Illinois Braves
- Champaign Yard Goats
- Saint Joseph Bandits
- Mahomet Mavericks
Micheal earned a spot on the 9U Mahomet Diamond Dogs, a competitive travel team where he quickly shined as a catcher and utility player. Between wrestling and soccer, their regular practices and travel commitments kept them busy six days a week. “In just a few short months, his hitting and pitching improved drastically,” said Perez. “His tryout in December 2024 was phenomenal.”
A Dual-Sport Competitor
Never one to slow down, Micheal added wrestling to his training schedule in early 2025. It added a new edge to his understanding of competition. “In wrestling, there’s no backup plan—you get on the mat, no matter what,” Perez said. “Baseball can be different. Some kids sit out with minor injuries. Wrestlers? They’re hardcore. But both sports teach grit.”
Behind the Scenes of Travel Ball
Perez, who’s deeply involved as a parent and coach, knows the financial and emotional commitment of travel baseball. Costs can run between $1,200 and $1,500 per season, depending on the team and travel demands. “That includes uniforms, bags, helmets, hotel stays, food—all of it,” he said. “There are scholarships available, but most teams want an answer fast—usually within 24 to 48 hours of offering a spot.”
He emphasizes that travel ball isn’t for everyone, nor should it be a status symbol. “Helping your kid reach their maximum potential should be the goal,” Perez said. “If your kid’s not playing to get better—don’t do it. It’s too much time and energy otherwise.”
Chasing Excellence
While Micheal’s game reminds his father of Derek Jeter, Perez, a lifelong Cubs fan, says he’s also inspired by Shohei Ohtani and Albert Pujols—two athletes who’ve achieved greatness through relentless work. “I tell Micheal be the best. If anyone can be the best at something, why not you?” Perez said. “My motto has always been: Perfect is my goal. Excellence will be tolerated.”
Whether it’s behind the plate, on the wrestling mat, or just being a good teammate, Micheal Perez is proving he’s built for more than just the game—he’s built to compete.
