TWO Rota players are among those participating in the tryouts for the CNMI National Baseball Team that will compete in next year’s Pacific Mini Games, the Saipan Baseball League said.
National coaches Deron Flores and Gary Cruz conducted a tryout two weeks ago on Rota.
On Monday, at the Tan Ko Palacios Baseball Field on Saipan, Rota’s Luis Hocog and Daniel Rangamar joined Saipan and Tinian players participating in another tryout.
The CNMI team will have 20 members and five alternates.
“This is the first time this has happened — opening up the tryouts to our brothers and sisters from Tinian and Rota,” Flores said. “It’s a very good thing,” he added.
“We saw the talent on Rota and Tinian. That’s why we invited four from Tinian and two from Rota to participate in the tryouts on Saipan,” Flores said. “After training with us, they will definitely be up to par.”
So far, he said, the Tinian and Rota players are doing well in the ongoing tryouts.
“The only issue is the airfare, but fortunately for Rota, the players are supported by their leadership,” Flores said.
With the recent rise in Covid-19 cases on island, the Saipan Baseball League has decided to break down the tryouts into three sections each week. On Monday, the focus will be infield and catchers; on Wednesday, catchers and pitchers; and on Friday, the outfield. But all the team members will train together on Saturday.
“We are looking for all-around, skilled athletes with a great attitude and are coachable,” Flores said. “We’re looking for raw talent — for guys who want to come out and grind every day.”
NMI Baseball Team coach Gary Cruz, left background, supervises players during a tryout last month.
