Six teams will vie for this year’s coveted crown and will be led by team Fielders, last year’s champions. The defending champs will square off against the Brewers on Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 pm. Last year’s pennant winners Ford Rangers have swapped sponsors to represent its new sponsor, St Michael’s, and will carry the name ‘Angels’ in the upcoming season. The Angels will face the Masters on Friday, Feb. 4th.
2010 participants Tanapag Falcons is the lone team that will not see action this year. The Masters are returning to the spotlight and will be joined by newcomer Ol’Aces, who will debut in the Saipan Major League. Eric Lizama, a former Falcon, will be donning an Ol’Aces uniform and act as both the team’s player and manager.
The D-9ers are also expected to return this year. At the helm of the team representing the northern part of the island is Bob Lizama. He who holds the bragging rights as the only SML player that has played every season since the league started in 1981. He will suit up for the D-9ers and split assignments as a player and coach. The Ol’Aces-D-9ers match up will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 8.
The Fielders captured the championship last year in their first appearance. They are expected to make another run for the title. In the brink of losing the best-of-five championship series to the Brewers, the Fielders regrouped and mounted one of the greatest come backs in SML history to edge the Brewers three games to two. The Fielders are currently among the SML’s elite champions.
To continue the tradition of developing its players hitting skills, the league has approved and will continue the use of wooden bats. The SML provides assistance in the form of allowing teams to use its wooden bats during game time only. However, teams are encouraged to purchase their own bats and not depend entirely on the league. The SML will make every effort to ensure its participants’ needs are accommodated.
