Manny Sablan, 3rd left, holds the CNMI Sports Hall of Fame plaque as he poses for a photo with the Northern Marianas Sports Association board members and president Jerry Tan, left, during the NMSA awards banquet Tuesday at the Hibiscus Hall of Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan.
MANNY Sablan, who has accomplished many feats in baseball, was inducted into the CNMI Sports Hall of Fame by the Northern Marianas Sports Association on Tuesday at the Hibiscus Hall of Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan.
The 42-year-old inductee was a product of the Little League program and represented the CNMI in the Big League World Series in 1997 and 1998.
Sablan also played in the Saipan Major League and was a member of the CNMI national team that competed in the South Pacific and South Pacific Mini Games, the Mobil Games and the Micronesian Games.
As an SML player, he also dedicated his time to coach in the Little League, leading the Patriots to undefeated seasons in the major and junior divisions.
Sablan was likewise involved in girls fast-pitch softball, and coached Saipan Southern High School, Mt. Carmel School and the Patriots Angels.
Last year, he managed the CNMI National Baseball Team that won the gold medal in the Pacific Mini Games hosted by the Commonwealth.
“I’m honored,” he said on Tuesday. “It was a surprise. Thanks to the board that nominated me for this award.”
Sablan, who started playing baseball in 1994, is still at it.
“It’s for the love of the game,” he added. “I keep going. Every year, I look forward for the season to start. Especially when it comes to the Micro Games and the Pacific Games. I’m lucky I played for all the events and played with all the great players in the CNMI for a few years before they hung their uniforms. I keep going and I share my experience with the young and the youth.”
With the Saipan Baseball League revitalized and set to start on March 25, Sablan is excited to see the return of the CNMI’s favorite sport. “Finally, baseball is back,” he said. “A lot of young talents are coming up, and they are the future of CNMI baseball. We have to share our knowledge with them.”
The Annual NMSA Awards Banquet is supported by the Tan Siu Lin Foundation which is led by Executive Director Merlie Tolentino.
This year’s other awardees will be featured in Variety’s next edition.
