By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
OUT of the debris left by Super Typhoon Sinlaku, an unbroken spirit is rising from the diamond as Saipan Little League Baseball prepares to return to the regional stage. The Majors and Juniors All-Star teams have been finalized to represent the CNMI at the 2026 Asia-Pacific and Middle East Regional Tournament, set for June 27 to July 3 at Hwaseong Dream Park in South Korea.
Following a season marked by extensive infrastructure damage and ongoing community recovery efforts, simply reaching this point is a significant achievement. Kat Coldeen, one of the five primary board members of Saipan Little League Baseball, said the journey to South Korea required overcoming unprecedented logistical and financial challenges.
“Our islands have endured so much, especially after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, but if there’s one thing the CNMI has always been known for, it’s resilience,” Coldeen said. “These young athletes are a reflection of that strength. They have continued to train, persevere and chase their dreams despite the challenges our community has faced.”
The severe impact of the typhoon forced the league to make difficult decisions. While Saipan originally planned to send a third contingent to Jakarta, Indonesia, for the Senior Division regional tournament, the widespread devastation created insurmountable logistical and registration challenges, forcing the league to cancel the Seniors’ trip.
In addition, widespread damage to the island’s athletic infrastructure left players without a place to practice. All three of Saipan’s major baseball fields sustained extensive damage from Sinlaku’s powerful winds and heavy rain.
To keep the All-Star dream alive, the Little League board worked directly with the Northern Marianas Sports Association to secure practice opportunities at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios and Tan Ge ballfields while recovery work continues.
Because of the severe economic toll the storm inflicted on local families and sponsors, the league was also forced to modify its selection process. Athletes in both divisions shifted to a pay-to-play model to help cover travel expenses, requiring significant sacrifices from players and their families.
The selection process also differed between the two divisions. The Majors All-Star team was chosen following a two-day open tryout at Tan Ge Ballfield. Meanwhile, the Juniors All-Star roster was determined through a collective vote by division managers, who used regular-season performance metrics to assemble the team.
The Majors All-Star Team consists of manager Bobby Coldeen, coaches Brandon Lieto and Chuck McDonald, and players Jesse Reyes, Gavin Deleon Guerrero, Skyler Leon Guerrero, Madden Deleon Guerrero, Joshua McDonald, Legend Coldeen, Khoen Torres, Carlos Rivera Jr., Elijah Pelisamen, Quinton Muna, Landon Lieto, Wilson Aguilar, Scott Muna and Jo’ell Herman.
The Juniors All-Star Team consists of Manager Eric Palacios, coaches Kyle Hocog and Jesse Reyes, and players Kaleb Reyes, Liam Sablan, Preston Santos, Aiden Lizama, John Damien Sablan, Trevor Manglona, Byron Cruz, Dayton Marchadesch, Lashawn Ada, Draw Nepaial, Eric Palacios Jr., Kai’po Camacho, Tiwsor Taisakan and Tim Galvan.
With the rosters finalized and practices underway on the remaining playable fields, expectations remain high as the CNMI teams prepare to compete against powerhouse programs from South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Japan and the Philippines.
“I expect these players to compete with heart, represent the CNMI with pride and enjoy every moment of this incredible opportunity,” Kat Coldeen said. “This team has worked hard to earn its place on this stage, and I want the players to remember that they belong here.”
“My expectation is simple: show up, play hard, support one another and leave everything on the field. If they do that, they will already make the CNMI proud. And, of course, we’d love nothing more than to earn a spot in the Little League World Series.”
As the teams prepare for their trip to South Korea, Kat Coldeen extended the organization’s gratitude to the volunteers who refused to let the 2026 season slip away.
“To our board members, thank you. After Super Typhoon Sinlaku, many would have understood if we had taken a step back. Instead, you stepped up,” Kat Coldeen said. “Despite the challenges, uncertainty and recovery efforts, you worked tirelessly to ensure our children had the opportunity to play the game they love and that our All-Star teams could proudly represent the CNMI.
“To our parents, thank you for your unwavering support, sacrifice, love and encouragement. And to our managers and coaches, thank you for your dedication not only to the game of baseball, but more importantly, to the development of our children.
“Most importantly, to our players: thank you for your hard work, determination and resilience. You are representing more than yourselves — you are representing your families, your community and the entire CNMI. No matter what happens on the field, know that you have already made us proud.
“Together, we have shown that even after one of the most challenging periods in our islands’ history, our community remains strong, united and resilient. Now it’s time to take that spirit with us, compete with pride and show the world what the CNMI is made of.”
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
