Saipan’s first set to go to Australia

On Sunday, June 13, Saipan will be sending four of its young athletes to Australia to participate in the baseball skills camp known as the Australian Baseball Academy, and the boys are ready to represent the island proudly.

Matt Kintol, BJ Sablan, Daryl Ada and Herman Kintol were selected to attend the academy in February by professional baseball scout Ray Brown of the San Diego Padres organization.

While at the invitation-only academy, the boys will be drilling seven days a week, train on the field eight to nine hours each day, and receive academic sessions in the evening, according to president of the Saipan Major League, Rose Igitol.

“It’s an honor to be a part of the team going to Australia,” said Igitol.

Before they will be permitted to take part in the six-week instructional program, the players are required to pass a strict nine-week physical training regimen.

Getting them ready for the trip is their coach, Jason Gay. With his no-nonsense approach to training, coach Gay has helped the athletes raise their level of physical conditioning.

“Once they get over there, they’re going to be trained by college and major league scouts. I do conditioning and drills. One day might be fielding, one day might be batting. I switch it up during the week, but basically it’s about keeping them working.”

Hailing from Kagman High School, 17-year-old Daryl Ada said that he has really benefited under the coach’s tutelage.

“He made me a better catcher. He’s a good coach. He’s the best coach I’ve had. He knows more about the game.”

Ada said that he has been playing the game for eight years now, and that it’s the sport he really loves. If he can get selected and makes it to the professional level, Ada hopes to play for the Boston Red Sox.

“I want to catch for Pedro Martinez. I just want to play and catch for that guy because he’s the best pitcher, to me.”

Also from Kagman High is 17-year-old senior BJ Sablan. Sablan echoed Ada’s sentiments about coach Gay, “Coach Jay really helped me a lot. He taught me a lot of new stuff. He told me things that I never knew about the game.”

Sablan has been playing the game of baseball for six years, and he is looking to improve his hitting skills, his speed, and become a better overall player.

“I feel special. I feel lucky. I feel proud of myself for having this opportunity. I can let the whole world know about our island.”

The youngest of the players is 16-year-old shortstop of the Senior League Pirates, Matt Kintol. Kintol’s dream is to make it to the professional level, and he thinks that this trip will help him.

“I know I’m going to learn a lot of things because I don’t really know baseball that well, the situations and everything. When I go to Australia I know I’m going to learn a lot.”

The overall impact of the trip is not lost on the young man, as he recognizes what this training means to the rest of the local players.

“I think it’s great. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime. I just want to go there to try it out and open doors for other kids that are growing up interested in baseball.”

The elder statesman of the group, 18-year-old Herman Kintol of Marianas High School. Kintol has been playing Little League baseball for nine years. With this being his last season in the league, he understands what this academy can do for him, and anyone looking up to him.

“It’s all in the drive, it’s all in the mind. Just keep on working hard. Take it just one step at a time. Don’t move too quickly. Just one step at a time.”