CNMI Major All-Stars prepare for ASPAC

The CNMI Major League All-Stars are gearing up to compete in the Asia-Pacific Little League Regional Tournament in Dededo, Guam after missing the competition last year in Surabaya, Indonesia.

Only three players from that squad remain in the team’s lineup this year—Craig Aguon, Jadrien Camacho, and Cedric Camacho—and the latter two said they are itching to compete this year after their missed opportunity in Indonesia in 2010.

“Of course we were upset for not getting to play last year, but this is a new year. Right now we are just really excited to play in Guam and show everyone what we’ve got,” said Cedric Camacho in an interview held during a break from Tuesday’s practice held at the Miguel “Tan Ge” Basa Pangelinan Ballfield.

“We’re going over there to win it, too,” added a confident Jadrien Camacho.

The CNMI’s Major All-Stars were not able to suit up in the 2010 ASPAC, never making it past the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines after being listed as stand-by passengers.

Players in the team are also looking forward to play in neighboring Guam, citing their “home field” advantage in the U.S. territory.

“We like that [the ASPAC] is in Guam because it’s close by and almost serves as a home field advantage for us…except when we have to challenge Guam,” smiled Rokie Tenorio.

Tenorio hit four home runs in this year’s Saipan Little League season and bagged a run and two RBIs in the CNMI district finals to defeat Tinian, 3-1, on Rota last month.

“We have been practicing since we came back from Rota and have been working on a little bit of everything,” said Major All-Stars manager Chel Castro at Tuesday’s practice.

Castro’s lieutenants in the dugout are Randall Aguon and George N. Camacho who will serve as head and assistant coaches, respectively.

Aside from the Camachos, Aguon, and Tenorio other members of the all-star squad are Jonathan Camacho, Nathan Camacho, Franco Nakamura, Perry Celis, Juden Joyner, Allen Cepeda, Robbin Virgil Secharmidal, Erik Cruz, Juan Quitugua, and Peterson Rengiil.

The team practices on Saturday mornings from 9am to noon and on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4pm to 6pm.

The all-stars perform warm-up stretches and runs; warm up throws to loosen their arms; break into infield and outfield units for defensive drills; and practice base running. Pitchers and catchers break put in some bullpen work and they also routinely conduct batting practice during the sessions.

The ASPAC Majors tournament will be held from July 8 to 16 at the Guam Little League Northern Region Sports Complex.