New bullpen brings Korean WBC team as CNMI baseball continues to grow

The completion of the new pitcher’s bullpen at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field on Thursday, Jan. 8, brings international teams back to CNMI, beginning with the Korean World Baseball Classic team and marking a return to hosting international training camps and competitions.

Before Typhoon Yutu tore through the Oleai Sports Complex in 2018, the CNMI regularly hosted regional tournaments and training camps for several professional baseball teams. While the bleachers and press box were later renovated and put back into use just in time for the 2022 Mini Games and ongoing local leagues, the absence of a bullpen prevented the CNMI from hosting off-island teams at the same level it once did.

Now complete after a little more than a month through a collaboration with the Department of Corrections Community Outreach Program, the Marianas Visitors Authority, and the Northern Marianas Sports Association, the bullpen is reopening those opportunities. This will boost sports tourism and give local players more chances to develop alongside higher-level competition.

Marianas Visitors Authority chairman Warren Villagomez confirmed that from Jan. 10-22, the Korean national team will hold their training camp in Saipan. According to the Korea JooAng Daily, Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Kim Hye-seong will join the team during the camp.

Villagomez said that this new bullpen just adds on to the CNMI as a sports tourism destination. “We hope there will be more sports related interests—not just in Saipan, but in Rota and Tinian as well,” he said. They are also looking at promoting the track and field to host training camps or more competitions.

Saipan Baseball League board member Herman Kintol said the CNMI will also host the 2027 WBSC U15 Baseball Oceania qualifier tournament and said that the newly built pitching bullpen is a welcome addition to the facilities. He added, “Having a team come to train here is great for our economy. We’re really excited. It helps attract former and new teams from Japan and Korea. We have beautiful weather year-round, a facility that’s up to par, and more importantly, we have a huge baseball community.”

Kintol also highlighted the local scene. The second season of Saipan Little League Baseball will open this weekend, Jan. 10 and 11. “Everybody—from elementary-age players to adults, boys and girls will be able to avail of this to practice in. So yeah, we're really excited and we’re looking forward to it.”

Kintol then thanked Gov. David Apatang, Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola, MVA, NMSA, Office of the Mayor of Saipan, and all stakeholders who contributed in the development of the bullpen.

From once again hosting training camps, to international tournaments in 2027, to local youth leagues taking the field this weekend, the islands’ baseball future is lining up.