2005 Little League season draws 25 teams

A total of 29 teams will see action in the 2005 season of the Saipan Little League, which kicks off tomorrow at the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field.

Teams representing the Major Little, Junior, Senior, and Big Leagues will gather for the opening ceremonies at 9am and showcase sportsmanship, pride, and unity by taking the Little League pledge in front of their family and friends.

Before the kids can take to the dugouts, the teams will hear speeches from a number of officials, including Gov. Juan N. Babauta, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Juan L. Babauta, district administrator James Ada, House Speaker Benigno Fitial, Senate President Joaquin Adriano, Mayor Juan B. Tudela, as well as an invocation by Bishop Thomas A. Camacho.

After all of the well wishes, the officials will man the infield as the governor hurls the ceremonial first pitch across home plate.

League president Joe Salas made it a point to emphasize the cooperation of all of the islands as well as the community for the sake of the players.

“We want Tinian and Rota to become a part of this program, and stress the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork. Baseball is the name of the sport, but Little League is the driving force in the community. It’s the coaches in the dugouts, the players on the field, the parents in the bleachers, the grounds keepers, the vendors. We are bound by the program, not separated by water,” said Salas.

The Saipan Major Little League boasts 12 teams for the upcoming season, but the opening game will between the Pirates and the As Matuis Twins at 10am, followed by the Dan Dan Blue Jays and Kagman 1-2-3 at 12pm, and the Tanapag Braves versus the Ol’ Aces at 2pm.

The Church’s Chicken Bombers, Blue Jays, Hawks, Hustlers, Little Legals, Toyota Mariners, and McDonald’s take to the newly named Miguel Basa Pangelinan Softball Field on Sunday, March 6.

While the Little League players will have “Tan Ge” field all to themselves, the Junior, Senior, and Big Leagues have to share the Palacios diamond—each league having one game on each day of the weekend.

Following the opening day festivities, the Ol’ Aces of the Junior League will take on the Fielders. The Senior Leaguers will take the field next, as the Ol’ Aces challenge the Dan Dan Eagles, followed by the Northern Yankees and the Ol’ Aces of the Big League.

The remaining five teams of the Junior League will see action soon enough, but the Falcons, Jets, Marlins, Hustlers, and Pirates will have their chance on the field during the opening day ceremonies along with all of the others.

In the Senior League, the Aztecs, Hustlers, and Fielders will miss out on opening day, but Hustlers and Braves will lace ‘em up the following day. The only teams without a game are the Aztecs and Fielders, but they open up the second weekend of play on Saturday, March 12.

Likewise, the Braves and Comets of the Big League will have to sit out on opening day, but they’ll get to test the arms and bats on Sunday when they play at 3pm.