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Take two for SML fall tournament
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Posted on Sep 26 2004
Two days ago, with sea of freshly grass and neatly manicured infield, Francisco M. Palacios baseball field was ready for the opening day festivities of the fall edition of the Saipan Major League.
The bags were in place, the baselines were marked, and even Mother Nature decided to cooperate for the start of the new season. The only component missing from the mix was the players.
According to league coordinator Tony Rogolifoi, circumstances not all of the teams were fully prepared for the commencement of hardball due to unspecified reasons, so this Saturday, Oct. 2, the boys will try it again.
Only the date has changed, as the nighttime fun has been traded for games under the sun due to the damage to the lighting array at the Oleai facility during all of the stormy weather.
The opening ceremony will begin bright and early at 9:30am, followed by the opening game of the season, featuring the defending champion Hustlers and the Pirates at 10am. Kautz Glass and the Northern Stars will take the field in the second and final game of the day. According to Rogolifoi, all teams must be present.
This autumn season will be filled with the sounds of the smacks and cracks of baseball, as the sultans of swat will be using wooden and composite bats in lieu of the aluminum clubs.
The SML made the change to wooden and composite bats this year because they are the only types of sticks that will be allowed under the rules of the Baseball Confederation of Oceania in next year’s South Pacific Mini Games in Palau. The SML is currently selling the wooden bats for $40 to $50 each.
As a reminder, all teams are required to wear the same color hats and jerseys for the games; however, the baseball pants worn are not required to match the color scheme.
Only individuals between the ages of 16-25 may play in the league. In addition to the roster, teams must submit the $1,200 registration fee made payable to the Saipan Major League, along with the insurance fee of $15 per player or a copy of the player’s health insurance card. New players will have to provide copies of their birth certificate or passports as well.
For further information, contact Rogolifoi by calling 664-2508.
