All-Stars lose five, gain Garcia, Kintol

With just a week and a half remaining before their first practice, the Saipan Major League All-Stars have made a few adjustments to their roster for the 2005 South Pacific Mini Games in Palau.

Having selected 23 of the finest hardballers in the CNMI months ago, the organizing officials knew that they would have to thin their ranks in order to reach the 20-player limit before leaving for their trip next July, but nobody expected it to happen the way it did.

According to team manager Tony Rogolifoi, players Dane Lizama, John M. Reyes, Ned Norita, Kevin Kapileo, and Chris Camacho all withdrew their names from consideration for various reasons—dropping the total number of players to 18.

While the information came as a surprise to Rogolifoi, the manager received welcome news when Jester Garcia and Matt Kintol decided to forgo their previous plans for the games and opted for baseball.

“These are players that we originally wanted on the team in the first place, but there wasn’t enough room on the roster. Jester switched over from the softball team and Matt came over to us as well,” said Rogolifoi.

This Friday will be another step along the path to a strong showing in the Games, as all players and coaches have been called to attend a mandatory meeting at 6pm in the conference room of the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium in Oleai.

The rest of the roster consists of Jonathan Jones, Joe Guerrero, Jonathan Camacho, J.P. Flores, Byron Kaipat, Robert Bansil, Pat Alepuyo, Craig Sanchez, Greg F. Camacho, Tony Celis, Peter Tomokane, Joey Dela Cruz, A.J. Allen, , Tyrone Omar, Ben Jones, Jr., Jerome Delos Santos, Dwight Quitano, and Clifton Silil.

According to league president Rose Igitol, criteria for the players selected included batting average, errors committed, attitude, coachability, commitment, and experience. The committee was unanimous in their stance that the players must have the right attitude, and they stressed that they will not accept any quitters.

According to head coach Jess Wabol, the players will discuss fundraising methods to get them to the Games, and the issuance of luncheon tickets. While the boys will hit the field for the first day of practice on Tuesday, Jan. 18, they will begin their quest to raise $10,000 for the Games by March on Saturday, Jan. 22. The hardballers will go from making plays to making meals, as they will be cooking, selling, and delivering hot lunches. The cost for each of the meals is only $5, and the proceeds will go toward the team’s travel expenses.

For further information about the SML All-Stars, or to pre-order a hot lunch for Saturday, Jan. 22, contact Rogolifoi, by calling 664-2508.