CAL RIPKEN, JR. SEASON OPENS

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