By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
SAIPAN marked a major milestone in sports infrastructure and community rehabilitation on Thursday as Gov. David M. Apatang joined Department of Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres and the Marianas Visitors Authority in a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling the newly renovated bullpen and facilities at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field.
The project is a centerpiece of the Commonwealth’s strategy to revitalize Saipan as a premier destination for international sports training while also providing real-world vocational experience through the Department of Corrections’ community outreach program.
The renovation comes at a critical time as Saipan prepares to host the South Korean national baseball team for its first training camp ahead of the World Baseball Classic in March.
“What they saw here was a place that already met many of their needs — our climate, accommodations and an environment that allows athletes to train with focus and consistency,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika Taijeron. “But there was one clear gap: we did not yet have a pitcher’s bullpen that met national training standards.”
“Rather than see that as a limitation, we saw it as an opportunity,” Taijeron added. “The Marianas Visitors Authority committed to building a facility that could compete at that level, and in response, the Korean national team committed to training in the Marianas.”
Taijeron said the project would not have been possible without the efforts of the Northern Marianas Sports Association, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, the Department of Corrections’ community outreach program, the Department of Public Safety, the Saipan Mayor’s Office and other partners.
The upgrades at “Tan Ko” Palacios Field ensure the facilities meet the standards required by professional organizations such as the Korea Baseball Organization.
Rehabilitation through restoration
What sets the project apart is the labor behind it. Under the leadership of Commissioner Torres, the Corrections Outreach Program has evolved into what he described as a “rehabilitative force” for the islands. Participants in the program spent months working on the baseball facilities while also restoring key tourist infrastructure.
“Running this agency and this program has really opened my eyes to what true change looks like,” Torres said. “It’s about hope, personal growth and grabbing that second chance bull by the horns.”
Addressing the outreach participants, Torres added, “You gentlemen absolutely inspired me and our community. You made the choice to turn things around, rebuild your lives and give back in meaningful ways. This proves that with support, people can turn the page and come out stronger.”
As the South Korean national team prepares to arrive this month, the “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field now stands as a symbol of Saipan’s resilience and its commitment to both the sport and the development of its people.
Also present at the ceremony were Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola, Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho, Senate President Karl King-Nabors, House Speaker Edmund Villagomez, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony Macaranas, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Frank Rabauliman, Department of Public Works Secretary Ray Yumul and Northern Marianas Sports Association board member John Hirsh.
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.
