Baseball
CAL RIPKEN, JR. SEASON OPENS
Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio throws out the ceremonial ‘First Pitch’. (photo by Kevin Wang)
PRESS RELEASE – The organizers of the Guam Cal Ripken Baseball League (GCRBL), a division of Babe Ruth Baseball Program held their season opener and parade of teams this morning 10am, Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the Paseo Baseball Stadium. GCRBL officials welcomed (5) divisions with over 60 teams of youth baseball players ranging from 4 – 15 years of age.
Over 900 youth baseball players and over 120 coaches and managers watched on as Guam leaders including Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio, Senator Tina Rose Muna Barnes, Senator Tommy Morrison and Senator Brant McCreadie took turns throwing the ceremonial pitch.
Youth baseball players concluded the event with its traditional sportsmanship pledge and mission statementpromoting the use of regulation competitive baseball, teaches skills, mental and physical development, a respect for the rules of the game, and basic ideals of sportsmanship and fair play. In all aspects, the program is committed to providing participants the very best educational, sports experience possible; it’s Cal Ripken, Babe Ruth’s fundamental belief that every child with a desire to play baseball be afforded that opportunity.
History:
The GCRBL organizers started a pilot program seven (7) years ago with only 8 teams and two divisions ages 6 to 12.
In 2009, the GCRBL organizers added another division focusing on baseball players ages 4 to 6.
In 2013, GCRBL organizers added Babe Ruth 13 to 15 division under its purview.
GCRBL players qualify to compete annually in the Cal Ripken Pacific Southwest Regional Tournament held in California and Utah, any Guam team who successfully wins their regional division in the West Coast will have an equal opportunity to continue competing for the championship title game in the Cal Ripken World Series held annually in the East Coast, Aberdeen, Maryland.
Continued Progress and development:
The Yona Redhawks of the Jr. Rookie League walk out into the field at Paseo Stadium. (photo by Kevin Wang)
In 2008, Guam’s 10 year old “all star” team successfully entered the regional championship round of the Cal Ripken Pacific Southwest Regional Tournament in California.
In April 2012, the GCRBL organizers hosted a friendship tournament with youth baseball players from Alabang, Philippines. The Friendship tournament was an important opportunity for Guam teams to gain experience and playing time with other teams from Pacific Asia.
In July 2012, Guam’s 12 year old “all star” team successfully competed in the Cal Ripken Pacific Southwest Regional Tournament in California. The Guam team finished 3rd place and received a Sportsmanship Award.
League officials
1 – Commissioner: Roque Alcantara, Sr.
1 – Vice Commissioner: Joe Young
4 – Division Presidents: Joe Young, Tom Aflague, Dora Fegurgur and Faithe Escalona
TEAMS
Lt Gov Ray Tenorio greets players during the Cal Ripken, Jr. Little League Opening Ceremony Saturday at the Paseo Stadium. (photo by Kevin Wang)
Jr Rookie League (4 – 6 years old = 15 teams)
PMC Lil Cobras
B&M Lil Cobras
Santa Rita Braves
Barrigada Little Dodgers
Barrigada Dodgers
Stars
Northern Yankees
Sinajana Giants
Yona RedHawks #1
Yona RedHawks #2
Talofofo Rangers
Agana Heights Blues
Mangilao Tigers
Mangilao Tigers – B
Mangilao Cubs
Rookie League (7 – 9 years old = 16)
The Northern Yankees of the Jr. Rookie League walk out after being introduced in today’s Little League opening ceremony. (photo by Kevin Wang)
B&M Cobras
Cobras #2
Northern Sons
MTM Falcons
Northern Yankees
Rangers Green
Rangers Gold
Yona RedHawks
Sumay Braves
Agana Heights Blues
Mangilao Tigers
Rockies
Dodgers
Agana Heights Heart Breakers
Mangilao Cubs
Tatuha
Cal Ripken Minor League (9 – 10 years old = 10 teams)
Yona Red Hawks
Santa Rita Braves
Agana Heights Jaguars
Agana Heights Blues
TC Cobras
Talofofo Rangers
Mangilao Cubs
Mangilao Halu’u
Sinajana Giants
Islanders
Major League (11 – 12 years old = 10 teams)
Sumay Braves
Cal Ripken, Jr. Little League teams take part in the opening ceremony Saturday morning at the Paseo Stadium. (photo by Kevin Wang)
Yona RedHawks
Sinajana Giants
Stars
Axe Stars
Rangers
Mangilao Halu’u
Rockies/Islanders
Agana Heights Cougars
Tamuning Twins
Major League (13 – 15 years old = 10 teams)
Sen. Brant McCreadie ‘high fives’ players from the Cal Ripken, Jr. League. (photo by Kevin Wang)
Sumay Braves
Yona RedHawks
Yigo Nationals
Talofofo Rangers
Sinajana Giants – A
Sinajana Giants – B
Islanders
Cobras
Barrigada Crusaders
Mangilao Aguguhats