CNMI Senior League All-Stars recognized

Players and officials of the CNMI Senior League All-Stars, Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan, front row second left, and TSL Foundation manager Maggie Sablan, second row left, pose for a group photo during the awards banquet held in honor of the Asia Pacific champions last month at the Nami Bar of Kanoa Resort. (Contributed Photo)

“We are very proud of you (athletes, coaches, and managers) for bringing home the championship from the Asia-Pacific region. This is the result of all your hard work, your energy, and time invested in training to be the best. Tan Siu Lin Foundation, our president and chief executive officer Jerry Tan hosted this banquet to give you the recognition and appreciation you so well deserved,” foundation manager Maggie Sablan said.

Tan, during his opening remarks at the banquet held at the Nami Bar of Kanoa Resort, said the recognition was long overdue and he apologized for taking time before lauding the team as he wanted the players to settle down first after winning the tournament in the Philippines, heading to Maine for the World Series, and going to their respective classes upon their return to Saipan.

The CNMI Senior League All-Stars, who were composed of Kenji Yamagata, Virolanson Secharmidal, Melvin Sakisat Jr. Jobe Reyes, Jhace Palacios, Franko Nakamura, Michael Muna, Joseph Lifoifoi Jr. Darion Jones, A.J. Evangelista, Jeffrey Dela Cruz, Kelvin Deleon Guerrero, Nathan Camacho, Jerald Cabrera, Jessie Brel, and Craig Aguon, competed in the Philippines for about a week in July and won the regional competition after nipping Guam in the finals, 8-6. Then in the first week of August, they left the island anew to go to Bangor for the World Series where the CNMI competed (Senior League) for the first time since 2010. The team, which was managed by Patrick Tenorio and coached by Anthony Leon Guerrero and Jack Deleon Guerrero, returned to Saipan after more than a week and some players had to catch up in school, while others prepared for the start of their classes.

“We are very thankful to the foundation and Mr. Jerry Tan for recognizing our players and officials’ efforts. It’s always an honor to represent the CNMI in an off-island competition and the players needed every support they could get from our community,” Tenorio said.

The team manager added the players were surprised with the dinner banquet and the gifts they received from the foundation. Players, officials, and three other volunteers received shirts, bags, lunch certificates and $50 (each) worth of gift certificates that they can use at Athletes’ Foot.

In related news, Tenorio said only three players from the champion team will continue to play in the Senior League next season, while majority of his crew will move up to the Big League.

“Hopefully they will play great baseball again and get chosen to their respective all-stars squads and eventually win the ASPAC and make it to the World Series again. Players and coaches need to get back to work again,” Tenorio said.