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Little League kicks off with a bang
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Posted on Mar 05 2006
After months of planning, organizing, and practicing, young hard ballers finally got their opportunity to showcase their skills on the diamonds as the Saipan Little League Baseball Association opened its 2006 season Saturday morning at the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field.
With the 26 teams competing in the four leagues taking center stage, government officials and supporters joined SLLBA president Mike Borja and all Little League officials in applauding the youngsters, while stressing the importance of sportsmanship and fair play, as stated in the Little League Pledge, which all players recited.
Among those on hand were Bishop Thomas Camacho to give the invocation, Division of Sports and Recreation director Joe Lizama representing Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, and Department of Public Safety acting commissioner Ernest Williams, who represented Gov. Benigno R. Fitial. Also in attendance were sponsors Rep. Ray Tebuteb and Rep. Joe Guerrero.
The bulk of the 26 teams comes from the Major division, with defending champion Hustlers return to go for another title. Going after the Pacifica Insurance-backed team are the Bank of Saipan Red Sox, Joeten Motors Patriots, Wells Fargo Twins, Ol’Aces sponsored by the Law Office of Joey Arriola, Microl Toyota Matrix, Kautz Glass Pirates, McDonald’s, and Kagman 1-2-3.
Seeing action in the Junior division are the UMDA Hustlers, Micro Toyota Hybrid, UMDA Ol”Aces, Juan S. Tenorio Jets, AIC Marianas Fielders, and Law Office of Brien Sers Nicholas Comets.
The Senior division also has six teams as the Kagman Aztecs, Tanapag Falcons, Hustlers, Ol’Aces, Marlins, and Fielders will battle for the coveted title.
Capping the competition will be the Big League, which has the Ol’Aces, Pirates, Northern Angels, Fielder’s, and Tanapag Braves.
Games began immediately after the ceremony at both the Palacios and Tan Ge ball fields.
Shortly after the conclusion of yesterday’s games, Borja said the first weekend of the season was a huge success and recognized the efforts of all involved in organizing the games.
