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New ball field coming along
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Posted on Jan 31 2005
While the boys of summer look to start the upcoming season of the Saipan Major League on the hallowed grounds of Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field, the youngsters of the Little League will soon begin their quest for the World Series upon the smaller confines of the diamond in the back of the Oleai Sports Complex.
While the weather-beaten facility has provided for many memorable moments in recent history, its days as the premier venue for the island’s youth may be numbered, as the new ballpark on Capitol Hill nears completion.
Though it has neither a name nor a baseline, the facility has local baseball enthusiasts on the edge of their dugout seats in anticipation of opening day.
With a homerun fence of 250-feet around, the new park was designed with the interests of the future of the youth as well as the enjoyment of the adult softballers. The only things holding players back now are some of the finishing touches and the installation of the soon-to-be planted Bermuda grass.
“I talked to the contractor, and the seeds should be in this week. As soon as they’re finished back filling the dirt, they’ll start to plant the seeds,” said SML league coordinator Tony Rogolifoi.
After the seeds are planted, Rogolifoi estimates that the time frame for game play is three to four month, but not sooner.
“The use of the field will be completely restricted until the grass has fully grown. Afterwards, it will strictly be for the use of the Little League and the softball leagues,” he said.
When the grass has filled the field, the contractor will then make the proper cut outs for the dirt portion of the infield. With a little luck, players we’ll be able to start fielding grounders and shagging flies as soon as Independence Day.
