Masters a go while SML Fall future hangs in the balance

The SML Masters League may be the only brand of ball that kicks off this weekend at the Kan Pacific Baseball Field in Marpi, as the SML Fall League is having a difficult time drawing interest from local hardballers.

According to league coordinator Tony Rogolifoi, the SML Fall League was tentatively slated to host teams representing the Pirates, Hustlers, San Roque D-9ers, Tanapag, and possibly an all-star team made up of the top Big and Senior Leaguers from the Saipan Little League Baseball Association.

Unfortunately for the local youth interested in playing Fall-ball, only two teams were represented in this past Friday’s meeting in Oleai. The low turnout does not bode well for the anxious hardballers as Rogolifoi said that the season will be nixed if only two teams are entered.

The last chance for teams to have a say is tonight as the organizers of the Fall League will meet tonight in the conference room of the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium at 5:30pm.

The Masters on the other hand are all set and ready to go as the Typhoon, Hurricanes, Cyclones, and Tornadoes have made clear their intentions playball. The fearsome foursome will go head-to-head this Saturday as the Typhoon face the Hurricanes at 10am followed by the Cyclones and the Tornadoes at 1pm.

Special rules await the teams in the veteran division as they will have the benefit of special base runners at any time, designated runners for the catcher if they are on base with two outs so they can don their gear in an effort to help speed up the games, and no bunts throughout the season.

If the Fall League makes a 180-degree turn for the better, they will hit the field on Sunday, otherwise the young arms and bats could be shelved until the all-stars practice for the 2006 Micronesian Games.

While the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field receives a much-needed facelift for the Micro Games, the SML has moved all of its games to the Kan Pacific baseball diamond. The weekend contests will be held in the mornings as the facility lacks the necessary lights for evening contests.

The team registration fee is $1,200, and to register for the SML Masters League or the SML Fall League, contact league coordinator Rogolifoi at the Oleai Sports Complex by calling 664-2508.