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Meet the Senior All-Stars outfielders
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Posted on Jul 29 2015
First of a three-part series
The CNMI outfielders composed of Joaquin Jose Chong at centerfield, Franklin Jay Lizama at left field, and Aurel Joe Mendiola at right field face a daunting task of keeping the ball in play against their opponent’s heavy hitters.
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- NAME: Joaquin Chong POSITION: Centerfield AGE: 16 VILLAGE: Kagman III BASEBALL TEAM: NY Yankees FAVORITE PLAYER: Derek Jeter
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- NAME: Aurel Mendiola POSITION: Right field AGE: 15 VILLAGE: Dandan BASEBALL TEAM: NY Yankees FAVORITE PLAYER: Derek Jeter
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- NAME: Franklin Lizama POSITION: Left field AGE: 16 VILLAGE: Koblerville BASEBALL TEAM: LA Angels FAVORITE PLAYER: Mike Trout
Chong, Lizama, and Mendiola are members of the CNMI All-Stars squad that clinched a berth to the Senior League World Series in Bangor, Maine after topping the Asia-Pacific-Middle East Regional Tournament early this month.
Anthony Joseph Agulto, Craig Michael Aguon, John Richard Paul Atalig Jr., Ethan Franklin Babauta, Nathan Paul Camacho, Henry Jesus Lizama, Franko T. Nakamura, Brandon Win Pua, Jobe Anton Reyes, Lorenzo Lee Sebaklim, Robin Virgil Secharmidal, and Roke T. Tenorio are the other members of the team.
The Kagman III resident Chong, this season’s Saipan Senior League’s finals most valuable player, said he hopes that the positive vibes that they shared during the regional tournament would carry over to the Shawn T. Mansfield Stadium in Bangor.
“Hopefully, we bring all our good efforts and positive vibes during the regionals to the World Series,” said Chong, who is aiming to continue playing baseball in college.
The 16-year-old Lizama, meanwhile, said that he would do his best in getting on base and driving in runs when they open up their World Series campaign against Europe-Africa representatives Lazio Little League of Lazio, Italy on Aug. 2.
“I know that one of my strengths is my fielding and throwing skills. But the area that I need to improve on is my batting and pitching. I must learn how to read the pitches of opposing pitchers,” added the Saipan Southern High School student, who also plays at third base.
Chong and Lizama, in the last Saipan Senior League season, were part of the Enforcers team that scored a 4-2 win over the Red Sox.
Lizama, in the regular season, also belted three home runs along with Comets teammates Nakamura and Anthony Ilo.
Mendiola, who plans to enter the police force, said that he would also like to contribute his hitting like Chong and Lizama.
