Dickinson to play baseball in US

Spencer Dickinson, seen here pitching for the Tanapag Falcons during last year’s Saipan Little League Baseball, will be playing high school baseball in the U.S. later this month. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Former Tanapag Falcons pitcher Spencer “The Big Daddy” Dickinson is taking the first step toward his goal of playing in the collegiate ranks, as he left the island last month to suit up for a high team school in California.

Dickinson is now with Rancho Mirage High School, which plays in the De Anza League. De Anza is the California high school sports league covering San Bernardino County, California and Riverside County. Dickinson’s school competes with five others—Coachella Valley High School, Desert Hot Springs High School, Desert Mirage High School, Twentynine Palms High School, and Yucca Valley High School.

“Our season will start late this month and I am excited for this opportunity to play in the U.S.,” Dickinson told Saipan Tribune. “I will be trying out for third base and pitcher. My first day with the team was good. My teammates and coaches are so welcoming and always want you to do your best.”

Dickinson is bringing with him an impressive Little League record when he suits up for his new squad this month. The 16-year-old was a member of the CNMI All-Star Team that played in the Asia Pacific Regional Tournament in all three divisions—Major, Junior, and Senior. Dickinson was part of the CNMI Little League All-Stars that defeated powerhouse Chinese-Taipei, 3-2, in 2014, making a home run in that historic win and pitching without relief.

He won numerous individual awards, including the coveted regular season and Finals MVP plums in his Saipan Little League Baseball’s playing years. Dickinson was the Finals MVP in the Junior League in 2016 and was part of the Tanapag Falcons Senior League Team that won back-to-back championships in the SLLB.

Initially, the many-time CNMI All-Star planned to play for the Falcons anew in the Senior League this season, but was told he will be over the age limit (16) when competition starts. Dickinson’s mom, Melissa, said his son was crushed when he learned the bad news. However, later he realized it was time for him to move up and challenge himself to play in the mainland.

“He is beyond excited for this chance and has always wanted to move while he was in high school to finish his education and play baseball in the states. He’s just following his dreams and it’s a blessing he has the chance to do so,” Melissa said.

“I want to accomplish my dreams and one of them is to play high school baseball and slowly make my way up to college and then further,” Spencer said.