By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

THE Saipan Little League Baseball 2007 season opened last Friday at the Francisco “Tan Ko’ Palacios Ballfield with 31 teams vying for the four division titles.
The Saipan Cell Patriots are back to defend their pennant and championship titles in the Majors.
Joining them in the Majors are the Tanapag Braves, the Pirates, As Matuis Twins, Red Sox, Ol’Aces I and II, Toyota Matrix, Hustlers, Little Legals, Dragons, McDonald, Athletics, Chalan Kanoa Bears, Reds and Aztecs.
The Hustlers are also out for back-to-back titles in the Juniors division, which had five other entries. They are the Jets, the Ol’Aces, Fielders, Pirates and Tanapag.
The Big League league has four teams in the Fielders, Hustlers, Aztecs and the Northern Angels.
Five teams are entered in the Senior League with the Jets leading the list. Joining them are the Falcons, Fielders, Pirates and the Hustlers.
The Majors, Juniors and Seniors will have a round-robin format in the regular season, while teams in the Big League will play in a double round robin regular season.
The 31 squads participated in the traditional parade of teams during the opening ceremony attended by SLLB and government officials.
CNMI District Administrator James A. Ada then delivered the welcoming remarks while Lt. Gov. Timothy Villagomez, Senator Frica Pangelina and Reps. Justo Quitugua and Arnold Palacios also made brief speeches.
Ada challenged the participants to do their best in the tournament and when the season is over, he hopes to see NMI little leaguers represent the commonwealth to the World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
In his closing remarks, SLLB president thanked the parents for supporting their kids, bringing them to practice and games. He said that without the parents, these kids will not be encouraged to join the annual tournament.
Villagomez threw the ceremonial pitch with Palacios catching the ball.
Meanwhile, Salas talked to team managers and coaches of each team and reminded them of the implementation of the pitch count.
The pitch count was implemented starting last Friday with 17 to 18 year olds limited to 105 pitch a day. Once a pitcher reaches the limit, he has to rest for a few days before pitching again.
For 13 to 16 age group, the limit if 95 pitches, 85 for 11 to 12 age group and 75 for 10-and-under pitchers.
SLLB is implementing pitch count to avoid injury.