Baseball runs through Tyrone’s veins

Everyone already knows about his exploits in the sports scene—both as a sprinter and as a baseball player.

While Tyrone Omar likes to indulge in any sport that suits him, baseball is still supreme for this multi-sport athlete.

Omar added another feather to his cap by winning the 2008 Budweiser Saipan Major League regular season most valuable player award.

This only proves how passionate the 21-year-old athlete is when it comes America’s pastime.

“I guess I love the game because I was raised around it so it’s like part of me,” said Omar, who gives the credit to his family by teaching him the rudiments of the sport.

All around him, his relatives and family play baseball, thus the game is in blood and runs through his veins.

It was in 2000 that he had his first taste organized baseball while playing with the Glazers.

He also played with the Ol’Aces and had brief stints with the Brewers and the Hustlers.

Omar’s favorite player in the Major League Baseball is Ken Griffey Jr. because “he plays all out in every game.”

Because it’s a team sport, Omar always has fun with the game and it’s a joy that he shares with his teammates.

Omar also volunteers that he wants to continue representing the CNMI in big tournaments such as the Pacific Games or Micronesian Games.

While baseball is closest to his heart, Omar, however, admits that he wants to become the Usain Bolt of Micronesia.

Omar said while he has training partners when it goes down to actual competition, “you’re on your own.”

At the track, he said “there is no one to blame but yourself if you mess up with your performance.”

So he makes a point to be always prepared and focused.

“I just love the rush that comes with my events, breaking records hopefully but the most important thing to me is to make my family, friends, and the whole CNMI proud.”

Omar’s philosophy in life is to “live life with love and respect for everyone even though you don’t know them.”

He has this advice to kids who want to play baseball or track or any other sport.

“Train hard, play hard and most importantly, have fun.”

Omar said winning the MVP this year was a surprise and he felt great about it.

He dedicates the award to his teammates because “without them it would never happen. I got a couple of awards before this one.”

His best tournament was in the Philippines representing the CNMI at the Junior League Asia-Pacific Regional Tournament.

“I was hot with the bat and me and John Sablan pulled of a triple play,” he recalled.

While out of the playing field, Omar visits McDonal’s regularly and grabs a double cheeseburger with large fries. “I only do this because I get nervous and to relax myself.”

Omar listens to her best friend Juanette Villagomez’s jams.

While he talks seriously about his games, Omar also has his funny side.

He said he just follow whatever his coaches have in mind but right now he is on vacation just like his idol Bolt of Jamaica, who reset the 100m and 200m sprints as well as won gold in the 4x100m relay in the recent 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The CNMI is not sending a team to next year’s Pacific Mini Games in Cook Islands, thus Omar is setting his sights on the 2010 Micronesian Games to be hosted by Palau.

“Hopefully they allow me to play both track and baseball. If they do, then I’m gonna try and help the boys defend our gold medal in baseball. And for track I’m gonna try and bust out my best Usain Bolt impression and set Micronesian records in the 100m, 200m, and the hardest 4x100m.”

And if he is in the mood, ‘I might just shock everyone in the 400m” which he says he’s not really that good.

He thanked his family, Kristy, my grandfather and mom for their support. He also appreciates the encouragement of Dwayne Davis, Christine Kaipat, and Juanette Villagomez .