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SML Masters, Fall leagues pushed back
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Posted on Sep 21 2005
The Saipan Major League announced yesterday that the start of its Masters and Fall leagues has been pushed back.
Rather than this weekend, SML coordinator Tony Rogolifoi said the leagues’ kick-off date had been reset to Oct. 8 at the Kan Pacific Baseball Field in Marpi.
Rogolifoi, who is also director of the Division of Sports and Recreation, said his staff is currently working on the Marpi field, prepping the facility so that it can accommodate the games.
“Right now, they’re working on the infield, the dugouts, and the official stand,” he said, citing that he the field should be ready in time for the new opening date.
All SML games are to be played at the Kan-Pacific field as the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field undergoes a facelift in preparation for the 2006 Micronesian Games. All of the games will be held during the mornings on the weekends as the facility lacks the necessary lights for evening contests.
After all the construction on the Tan Ko field is completed, the venue should feature a grand stand for fans and grass infield. The lights will also be worked on to provide sufficient lighting for night games.
The SML Fall League currently has five teams, including the Pirates, Hustlers, San Roque D-9ers, Tanapag, and possibly an all-star team made up of the top Big and Senior Leaguers from the Saipan Little League Baseball Association.
The Fall League features players between the ages of 16-25, while the Masters league is for players 35 years of age or older.
Rogolifoi earlier said the aim of the SML Masters organizers is to form a four-team league with a total of 60 players. In order to ensure that no one team has too much talent, there will be a selection process in which the board of directors will distribute the big names evenly.
A meeting for anyone interested in participating in the Masters league is tomorrow, Sept. 23, at 6pm at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium for the finalization of rosters.
For more information on the SML Masters or Fall leagues, contact Rogolifoi at 664-2508.
