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SML gets invite for Oceania qualifier
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Posted on Sep 30 2004
An invitation has been extended to the Saipan Major League to participate in the 2005 “AA” Oceania Qualification Tournament in Albert Park, Lismore Australia this January by the Baseball Confederation of Oceania Secretary General Chet Gray.
Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005, and continuing through Sunday, Jan. 23, teams with players ranging in age between 13 and 16 years of age from all over the region will be competing for a chance to represent the Oceania region at the IBAF World “AA” Championships.
SML league coordinator Tony Rogolifoi believes that fielding a team in this event would pay large dividend to the baseball program of the CNMI, as it did last year when the CNMI sent a team to compete in the 2004 “AAA” in Palau.
“The more baseball that our boys get a chance to experience can only be better for our program. We want to send a team to play this year, but we cannot do it alone. We need a sponsor to help us send the players there, and to form up a fund raising committee,” he said.
The cost to enter the tournament is $2,000, but according to Rogolifoi, the SML is not currently able to take on the cost by the Oct. 15 due date. The entry fee also covers the cost of the accommodations, however the team would still have to come up with the funds for the airfare.
Teams may only participate in the BCO qualifier tournament if they are invited, and players are routinely scouted in these events for their talent and potential. Last year, a handful of players were selected to participate in the baseball academy based upon their performance, and this year would be no different.
In 2006, the BCO is looking at having the CNMI host the tournament in Saipan, and Rogolifoi realizes that, while this year may be difficult, the benefit of having the tournament here in 2006 will be tremendous.
“What worries me is the $2,000. If we have willing sponsors that can come up with that on time, then we can work on fundraising for the airfare and send a team.”
For more information about the SML, the tournament, or to help sponsor an All-Star team to Australia, contact Rogolifoi by calling 664-2508.
