Little League gearing up for new season

The island’s Little League program is gearing up for a successful 2012 season and has set an organizational meeting next week.

Saipan Little League Inc.’s board of directors, led by president Juan I. Tenorio, is calling on all stakeholders of the program to attend a meeting next Wednesday, Jan. 11, 5:30pm at the pavilion behind the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Tenorio said topics on the agenda include finalizing the official membership paperwork for SLLBI’s 30 current active members, finalizing the 2012 team rosters, and reviewing updated details about required background checks of members.

The deadline for managers, coaches, and umpires to submit all required paperwork is Jan. 15. Required forms have already been circulated in past meetings.

Tenorio said most of the 2012 team rosters are already formulated and just have to be officially submitted to Little League Baseball’s head office in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

After local authorities carry out the required background checks, he said these documents will also be sent to the Little League head office where it will undergo verification process.

Since the SLLBI is a youth program, the board is trying to have the Department of Public Safety’s background check fee of $15 per member waived.

In addition, the board is also currently obtaining liability forms and weighing possible insurance coverage options for players this season.

The board is also still waiting to receive copies of the new 2012 rulebook, however no significant rule changes have been announced from the Little League head office.

Moreover, the SLLBI will keep its membership drive open for any interested parent or volunteer that wants to get involved and help out during the upcoming season.

The membership drive will remain open until opening day, which is targeted for Feb. 15.

All parents are encouraged to come out and support the cause.

“We have about 600 kids total expected to turn out this year and we need all the help we can get, said Tenorio.

He added, “Our goal is to develop these kids into good players, while at the same time, build up their character and team-building skills. We aim to help promote a healthy and active lifestyle through youth baseball and keep these youngsters off the streets and deter them from using drugs ands alcohol.”

As of now, Tenorio said the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios and Miguel “Tan Ge” Pangelinan ballfields are not available because the LG Twins, a professional baseball team from South Korea, is currently using the Oleai Sports Complex.

The LG Twins are here on island rehabilitating a group of about 30 bullpen and utility players.

Therefore, Tenorio said Dandan Elementary School and Koblerville Elementary School baseball fields may be used by the organization as substitute fields for some major division games if Tan Ge Field is not available.

He said Kan Pacific Field near Marianas Resort can also serve as a substitute field for the junior, senior, and big divisions, if needed.

The LG Twins are expected to finish their training session on either Feb. 1 or 16 at the latest.

For more information about the local Little League proggram, contact SLLBI president Juan I. Tenorio at 483-4836 or SLLBI secretary Peding Tenorio at 287-8091.