By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
AS the 2026 baseball season approaches, Saipan Little League is moving to strengthen the backbone of the game — the officials and statisticians who keep the sport running fairly and accurately — with two major training initiatives announced for January. The programs target both veteran volunteers and those looking to break into the sport for the first time.
Umpire course
For those ready to step behind the plate, Saipan Little League will host a comprehensive umpire course from Jan. 19 to 23. Led by veteran trainer and longtime baseball advocate Ton Rogolifoi, the five-day intensive program will focus on mechanics, rule interpretations, and game-management skills required to become a certified umpire.
The course will be held nightly at the Ada gym from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a registration fee of $50 per person.
Introduction to baseball stats training
Precision off the field is just as vital as precision on it. On Saturday, Jan. 10, the league will kick off its training calendar with an introduction to baseball stats training.
Taking place in the Ada gym conference room from 10:30 a.m.to 11:30 a.m., the session is designed to simplify the world of scorekeeping and statistical tracking. It will be led by local experts Ray Palacios and Ray Yumul, two well-known figures in Saipan sports and the community.
Registration for both events is currently open. Interested participants, coaches and parents can register or learn more by contacting the league at Saipanlittleleague@gmail.com or Instagram: @saipanlittleleague
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.
