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CNMI vs Guam in Big League opener
Host CNMI will be facing its southern neighbor Guam in the lone opening game in the 2015 Asia-Pacific-Middle East Junior, Senior, and Big League Baseball Regional Tournament at the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field at 4:30pm on June 26.
CNMI Big League All-Stars manager Tony Rogolifoi, left, talks to some of the team’s pitchers during one of their practice sessions at the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field. (Jon Perez)
The opening ceremony begins at 3pm with the parade of all 14 teams from the six countries that will be vying for three division crowns. This year’s cast is led by defending Junior and Big league champions Chinese-Taipei and Seniors title holder CNMI.
The regional tournament will have its full schedule of matches the following day or on June 27. The competition, which will run up to July 6, will have more than 30 games, including the finals in each division. Teams are expected to start arriving on June 24 in time for the June 25 managers meeting.
CNMI Big league manager Tony Rogolifoi, who is being supported by head coach Jack Guerrero and assistant mentor Bruce Norita, said that they have been preparing the team not only against Guam, but versus other favorites, too.
“We know that there’s a standing rivalry between Guam and the CNMI. But Guam is not our only opponent. There’s defending champion Chinese-Taipei and the Philippines, which has also been a powerhouse in the region,” said Rogolifoi in an interview before the team’s practice session late Wednesday afternoon.
“We know we’re going to face tough challenges and it will be hard for all of us. We won’t guarantee a win. I would just want the boys to take it one game at a time,” said Rogolifoi, who has guided the CNMI to gold medal wins in the 2006 Saipan Micronesian Games and the 2011 Pacific Games in New Caledonia.
“We’re confident that the boys can score runs. We have a steady defense, and a great bullpen composed of the best young pitchers,” added the veteran baseball manager.
The team practices at least three to four hours a day, six times a week since the group was formed in late May.
“We’re just doing lots of offensive and defensive drills, including hitting and pitching. That is where we are focusing on. Majority of the members of the team are 17 years old, they are almost ready to play in the adult leagues,” Rogolifoi said.
The manager added that the coaching staff also stacked the squad with players who could also be tapped to pitch.
Frankie Lieto, Darrion Jones, A.J. Evangelista, Jesse Breal, and Jhace Palacios will be on the CNMI’s regular pitching rotation.
Cedric C. Ada, Jerald P. Cabrera, Keola Camacho, Keene Deleon Guerrero, Kelvin Jack Deleon Guerrero, Asalschigh Khobby Kaipat, Bradley R. Lieto, Joseph Lifoifoi Jr., Jose C. Lizama Jr., Peyton Lizama, M.J. Sakisat, and Verlance Secharmidal are the other members of the team.
“But anyone of them could also pitch if they are called to take the mound,” added Rogolfioi.
Meanwhile, the CNMI will also be competing in the Juniors division along with Australia, Guam, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. The host will then defend the Seniors crown against Guam, Hong Kong and the Philippines.
