In yesterday’s meeting with Coach Patrick Tenorio and several of the team’s players, Manager Tony Rogolifoi discussed the payment plans that the players may use to help pay for their trip. The plan will include two options – the first will include a payment of $200 per pay period from September to November, which will amount to $1,000. The second option would consist of $100 payments per pay period, which will also last until November.
“If majority of the 18 players agree that we go to New Caledonia, then they have to commit to our fundraising and efforts,” said Rogolifoi.
Rogolifoi suggested that the team do as much as they can to fundraise – both as a team and individually – in order to lessen the amount of money that they have to pay in the next following months.
To send the entire team including its coach and manager, the CNMI Baseball Team must acquire $43-44,000.
To discuss more on their decision, Rogolifoi has announced another meeting date for the rest of the National
Baseball Team’s players, which is set for next Saturday, September 18 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gym Conference Room. The meeting will start at 4 pm and will cover similar topics that were discussed in yesterday’s meeting.
Rogolifoi added that players attending the Baseball Clinic on Saturday must bring their own equipment, water, and uniforms.
The Clinic will be held at the Tan Ko Palacios Baseball Field from 9 am to 12 pm.
Opportunity awaits for CNMI baseball players
Three players from the CNMI National Baseball Team will have an opportunity to be scouted by Trevor Schumm from the San Diego Padres, a Major League Baseball team based in California.
According to Baseball Development Officer Ray Brown, he witnessed Vince Cepeda, Joshua Jones, and 15 year old Jeremy Rabauliman performing at a high level during the 7th Micronesian Games. He was also able to witness these players during his visit to Saipan in May.
Brown was amazed at Rabauliman’s ability to pitch at 84 mph, which he stated “would be harder than any player his age in Australia.” Brown positively remarked at Cepeda’s pitching speed of 88 mph, and Jones’ potential to throw a Major League curve ball.
Cepeda, Jones, and Rabauliman will have their chance for the San Diego Padres this upcoming December at New Zealand.
Brown also stated that interest for the players has been shown from Colby Community College in Kansas, and Indian Hills Community College in Iowa.
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