‘Budweiser BASA had exceptional year’

Belau Amateur Softball Association last year donated $500 to Dandan Middle School. From Left, BASA president Leo Bobai, BASA board member Jonseng Shiprit, Dandan Middle School vice principal Reo Arriola, BASA secretary Elsie Ngewakl, Dan Dan Middle School principal James Sablanm and BASA board member Hector Efraim. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The Budweiser Belau Amateur Softball Association had an exceptional 2022, giving it a perfect 10/10 rating from BASA vice president McQueen Masaharu.

The reason for this high rating of their weekly Sunday games held at the Dandan Softball Field was because of a large number of teams that joined. A total of 16 teams consisting of six women’s and 10 men’s master’s teams joined the master’s league. 

The Queens of Diamonds won the women’s division championship, while Tokahao won the men’s division title.

Masaharu also said they had great officers and board members who worked hard to ensure that the league ran smoothly. “We thank all officers, members and volunteers for their great hard work,” he said.

The Queens of Diamonds’ first base Thelma Mizer in action during their championship game against the Hot Shots in the Budweiser Belau Amateur Softball Association last December at the Dandan Softball Field. (LEIGH GASES)

The highlight for the year was having a sponsor, Budweiser, which was announced before the start of the season last July. Masaharu also said the other highlights were  “finding enough teams, seeing everyone enjoying the games, and getting great reviews for BASA from the teams and spectators. We also had a great turn out for our home run derby where both female and male joined in their division winning great prizes.” 

Masaharu said because the overall turnout was a success for BASA last season, they are excited to do more for the community this year.

“There has been an enormous amount of requests to do an open league. We are planning and hoping this year 2023, BASA will be able to have both an open and master’s league. Masters can join the open league but under forty can’t join the Master’s league. And like last season, women can join master’s if there are enough women’s teams. As soon as we get confirmation from these leagues then we will have a sports calendar ready for all players,” he said.

Also, last Jan. 19, BASA, including president Leo Bobai, board member Jonseng Shiprit, secretary Elsie Ngewakl, and board member Hector Efraim showed their appreciation by donating $500 to Dandan Middle School, which is adjacent to the field that they played their softball games on. They turned over the check to DMS principal James Sablan.

After their successful year, Masaharu said, “We have reached our goal of giving you all an awesome 2022 season. The fun memories are surely etched in the minds of everyone. We had an awesome time with all players, coaches, managers, BASA officers, and board members.”

He then thanked everyone, along with their sponsor, Marianas Pacific or Marpac, for their support to their softball community and said, “We would like to thank each and every one for their endearing commitment and dedication to our growing softball family. We hope to count on the support of all you for the next coming season. BASA would like to thank our sponsor Marpac for the recent BASA season. We are excited and looking forward to another successful season with them. As a sponsor, their contribution was vital for BASA to complete an important task. 

He also thanked the Saipan Mayor’s Office for donating their trash trailer every Sunday and thanked all the representatives and individuals that contributed to BASA.

BASA was chartered in 2006. It believes in promoting health and wellness through sports, as well as providing support for various community non-profit organizations with manpower or monetary donations.