Pirates defend T-Ball 'ship

The sun was back on Saturday, Aug. 15, as the NMI Softball Association x Division of Youth Services 3rd Annual Summer T-Ball Tournament finally wrapped up after being postponed due to rain the previous weekend. 

The tournament ended with a championship thriller at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field between defending champions the Pirates and the Comets. When the smoke cleared, the Pirates defended their crown with a 23-21 win. 

Third place went to the Blue Jays, with the Lady Jays in fourth place and winning the Sportsmanship Award.

The Pirates roster was made up of Zeke and Huck Bauer, Paloma and Phoenix Blue, Kion Borja, Jace Brennfleck, Zachary Deleon Guerrero, Makai Owens, Juriah Santos, Ceylon Willsey, Sander Jordan, Isa Manalo, Cayden Masga, and Aaden Das-Duenas.

The tournament was a joint effort between DYS and NMISA to keep youth active through a positive outlet following two super typhoons while also helping them develop their bat-and-ball skills.

NMISA president Froilan Camacho said he was grateful that the association was able to field four teams out of the 10 teams initially expected and get the tournament started despite a late start.

DYS Administrator Vivian Sablan said, “Although we started a little late this year because of what we’ve gone through with the disasters, we’re glad that it did happen, even if it was a very short period of time … four out of 10 is still a great blessing.”

She added that DYS’ goal is to create prevention programs and said she is thankful for partners such as NMISA, which is always willing to serve as a community-based prevention group. Sablan also recognized the parents who brought their children to the tournament and supported them throughout the competition. 

She then said, “As you can see, it’s really a community effort right? It’s not only DYS, there’s so many other donors out there so every little piece matters, and when we put our hearts together, this is what it produces.”

On the goal of introducing and developing softball and baseball skills among youth, Camacho said, “We see fit to promote and learn the fundamentals of baseball and softball—this is how it begins—off a tee. This program is brought by a board to give kids at a younger age the opportunity to come out and learn the basic fundamentals of playing the sport.”

Sablan and Camacho then thanked the community members and organizations that helped make the tournament possible, including those who provided equipment, field maintenance, water, and other support.

Camacho said, “To our Media Groups, we are honored to have you be part of this Program. Your coverage helps us expand in many ways and helps the community be aware of our Summer Program. We appreciate your time being with us.”

He added, “Thanks to DCCA-DYS in partnership with the Program, the Northern Marianas Softball Association Inc. Board Members. Their donors include Toyota, Saipan Seventh Day Adventist Dental Clinic, HighLands Lawn Care, DC Tent Pro, Rep. Roy Ada, Rep. Malcom Omar, Rep. Edmund Villagomez, Rep. T.J. Manglona, Rep. Joel Camacho, and Rep. B.J. Attao. Thank you to Hybrid Shop for our uniforms. To all the teams, thank you.”