More than wins: CNMI All-Stars race home after As-Pac tourney experience

CNMI All-Stars returned from South Korea with a win each and an experience of a lifetime.

After competing in the Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Tournament amid a shortened season at home due to Super Typhoon Sinlaku, they raced home as yet again, another super typhoon approaches the Marianas.

The 28-player delegation competed in the regional tournament from June 27 to July 3 against some of the top Little League programs in the region. And, despite limited training time and being placed in challenging pools, both teams managed to seal a win with the Juniors claiming a 14-3 victory over American Samoa, while the Majors edged Indonesia, 5-4.

With Super Typhoon Bavi approaching the Marianas, the Junior team and several Major players flew home early Friday, July 3, while the remaining Majors arrived Sunday morning, July 5.

Acting District Administrator Kat Coldeen said of the team’s experience in the tourney, "First and foremost, I'm just incredibly proud of these boys. This tournament was about much more than wins and losses. They had the opportunity to represent the CNMI on an international stage, build lifelong friendships, and show everyone the heart and resilience of our island. After everything our community has endured this year, seeing these young athletes compete with pride has been inspiring."

With the approaching super typhoon, Coldeen said everyone involved was also relieved the teams were able to leave South Korea before weather conditions in the Marianas worsened. "We're also very thankful that we'll be heading home before the next potential typhoon. Our thoughts are with everyone back home, and we're looking forward to reuniting with our families and our community."

Because only 30 seats were available on the emergency flight, Junior League manager Eric Palacios said most of the Junior players were traveling without their parents. As a result, all of the Juniors except one player, along with 10 Major Division players, left for Saipan on Friday, while several Major players stayed until Sunday.

Palacios, for his part, said the tournament gave the players valuable lessons that reached far beyond baseball. He said, "I thank my players and Coach Kyle [Hocog] for making this Asia-Pacific Baseball Tournament such an unforgettable experience for everyone involved in the trip. We coached our boys to take the experiences learned on the field and transition it into their daily lives, whether it be triumph or tribulation."

He also expressed gratitude to the Marianas Visitors Authority offices in Saipan and Korea for helping secure seats on the emergency flight so players could reunite with their families before the storm.

"Stay safe, Marianas!" he said.

Coldeen, on behalf of the Majors coaches, also thanked the Saipan Little League Board of Directors, coaches, parents, sponsors, donors and the CNMI community for making the trip possible. “These players carried the CNMI name with pride, love, and determination. No matter the final score, they have represented our islands with honor, and we couldn’t be more proud to welcome them back home,” she said.

Palacios thanked the following sponsors: Saipan Northern Island Legislative Delegation, All Star Sporting Goods, Saipan Stevedore, Marianas Geotech Services, Saipan Shipping, JET Holdings Co., Juan T. Tenorio, Herman’s Modern Bakery, Tom Yum Restaurant, The Bar Saipan, The Hut, Trader’s Insurance, and Scott Fu Hats.

The Majors Division team was managed by Bobby Coldeen, with Brandon Lieto and Chuck McDonald serving as assistant coaches. The roster is composed of Jesse Reyes, Gavin Deleon Guerrero, Skyler Leon Guerrero, Madden Deleon Guerrero, Joshua McDonald, Legend Coldeen, Khoen Torres, Carlos Rivera Jr., Elijah Pelisamen, Quinton Muna, Landon Lieto, Wilson Aguilar, Scott Muna, and Jo'ell Herman.

Meanwhile, the Juniors Division team was led by manager Eric Palacios, with Kyle Hocog and Jesse Reyes as assistant coaches. Representing the team are Kaleb Reyes, Liam Sablan, Preston Santos, Aiden Lizama, John Damien Sablan, Trevor Manglona, Byron Cruz, Dayton Marchadesch, Lashawn Ada, Drew Nepaial, Eric Palacios Jr., Kai'po Camacho, Tiwsor Taisakan, and Tim Galvan.