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Little League volunteers prep up field for opening
Saipan Little League Baseball Inc. volunteers joined the Northern Marianas Sports Association as the two groups worked tirelessly last Saturday morning to prepare the Miguel “Tan Ge” Pangelinan ballfield in time for next week’s opening of the 2015 season.
Kagman Little Legals player Garreth Weaver does his share in painting the dugout at the Miguel “Tan Ge” Pangelinan ballfield. The 9-year-old, who is excited to play this season, is one of the volunteers who helped in preparing the field on Saturday. (Jon Perez)
Officers, coaches, kids, parents, and other volunteers were seen either painting the dugouts and bleachers, or putting up the net at the back fence.
The 2015 season officially opens on Thursday, Feb. 5, where all teams—Little League, Junior, Senior, and Big—will line up at the Francisco M. “Tan Ko” Palacios baseball field. The ceremony begins at 5pm followed by a Big League game at 6pm.
SLLBI president Ben Jones and chief statistician A.J. Murig helped NMSA executive director Tony Rogolifoi and another volunteer in putting up the net at the outfield.
The Kagman Little Legals coaching staff and some of its players, parents and other volunteers put a fresh coat of paint at the dugouts and bleachers a new shade of green.
Atty. Robert T. Torres, who is also the sponsor of the Kagman Little Legals, donated the paint, brushes, and rollers.
Tony Magofna, one of the volunteers, said taking the time to help out is his way of giving back to the community.
“Anything for the kids. I used to play softball and my kids and grandkids watched me every time I play. Now, it is time for me to cheer and show my support to them,” said Magofna.
He, however, was saddened after seeing that some people wrote grafitti on walls of the dugouts, before they painted it.
“It is sad to see some of our public places get vandalized. People should learn how to take care of these facilities.”
SLLBI vice president Annie Flores, secretary and player agent Piding Tenorio, and several other volunteers accepted all the rosters and required documents of each team.
Malcolm Omar (treasurer) and Climaco Laniyo (safety officer) are the other SLLBI officials.
More than 20 teams joined the Little, Junior, Senior and Big leagues with 12 competing in the Majors (9-12 age group) division.
The Little Falcons, Tanapag Braves, Comets 1, Kagman Kags Boys, IT&E Comets 2, Little Padres, Ol’Aces, Jets, Red Sox, Twins, and McDonald’s are the other squads in the Majors Little League division.
