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SBL opens 2016 season on March 28
The 2016 Saipan Baseball League will kick off on March 28 at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Ballfield.
Baseball followers and supporters will once again witness some of the greatest display of athletic skills, sportsmanship, competiveness and camaraderie at the island’s hub of baseball, as the 2016 edition of SBL rolls off with much excitement and anticipation. Eight teams, the most entries thus far, will see action starting Monday. Among the entries are the GSM Brewers, proud holders of three straight (2013, 2014 and 2015) championships in the league.
In the hunt to dethrone the defending champions are last year’s runners-up Tanapag Falcons, returnees North Starz, Yankees, Blue Jays, and newcomers Titanium, Aces and the CK Bears. Majority of the teams are filled with talented players, both young and old, and SBL looks forward to yet, another exciting season.
Games will be played every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting at 6:30pm. The 2016 season will adopt a two round-robin format with the Top 4 teams advancing to the postseason. The semifinals will be played in a best-of-three series, while the finals will utilize a best-of-five format.
All managers and coaches must attend a meeting today at 5:30 pm at conference room of the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium to finalize details of the league. Game schedules and ground rules will be distributed and SBL reminds squads to bring their preliminary rosters and team entry fees to the meeting. Roster/waiver provided by the league must be signed by all rostered players. Failure to sign waivers will result in non-participation this season.
The SBL at the same time, requests the presence of all active members of the umpiring crew for a briefing prior to the league’s opening on Monday. Umpire’s schedule and copies of MLB rule books will be distributed today.
Further information regarding the league and other related SBL matters may be obtained from SBL director Tony Rogolifoi and he can be reached at 234-6672, or 285-3966. (PR)
