THE newly formed NMI Softball Association successfully hosted its inaugural T-Ball League, which concluded Saturday at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios baseball field.
Although the NMI Softball Association, which spearheaded by President Froilan M. Camacho Jr., is mainly focused on the revival of softball, they included T-Ball in their agenda in hopes to “start them young” and prepare the young players for the transition into baseball or fast-pitch softball.
“We do this to encourage the kids to learn the real game of T-Ball to get them ready for the next season and hopefully later into the Little League,” he said.
In T-Ball, outs are counted and plays are noted, he said. “The reason…is because that’s how T-Ball is programmed to be,” Camacho said. “We want to encourage the kids to practice and get better. We want to be more competitive next year because that’s how the mainland plays T-Ball, and we plan to mirror that program,” he added.
The turnout was very successful with four teams participating: the Pirates, the Padres, the Blue Jays 1 and Jays 2.
“Our overall goal is to bring the kids back into sport and educate them in the proper way. With baseball making its return at all levels, this is a great place to start,” Camacho said.
The NMI Softball Association at the same time expressed appreciation to its main sponsor, the Division of Youth Services, as well as to the Northern Marianas Sports Association, the teams and parents for showing their support.
The T-Ball League held games for the past four Saturdays and will host a “Fun Day” this Saturday, Aug. 17. The event will feature obstacle and other games for the children.
In September, the NMI Softball Association will host the All-Women’s Softball League. “This is for all the ladies to come out and play softball, and we want them to continue to be in the wellness and fitness programs of the NMI,” Camacho said.
He added that they will also assist the Public School System in its upcoming interscholastic softball and baseball leagues.
One of the Pirates swings and hits during a game against the Blue Jays 2 in the NMI Softball Association’s inaugural T-Ball League at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios baseball field.
A Blue Jay slides home safely for an earned run during a game against the Pirates in the NMI Softball Association’s inaugural T-Ball League at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios baseball field.
The Blue Jays 1
The Blue Jays 2
The Padres
The Pirates
NMI Softball Association officials
