MINI GAMES
The Fiji Islands Baseball and Softball Association is adamant that the development work with youth players over the past decade will augur well against the region’s best players at the upcoming Pacific Mini Games
The Fiji Islands Baseball and Softball Association is adamant that the development work with youth players over the past decade will augur well against the region’s best players at the upcoming Pacific Mini Games
Association secretary Inoke Niubalavu said the side would not lack experience despite facing nations with much bluer baseball blood.
“Let them pay attention to the big-name teams,” he said.
“Our development work started in 2012 and it has been 10 years that we’ve been working with a majority of the current squad members.
“We had sent the team abroad for trainings and also to participate in some competitions, so definitely, the national team won’t lack any experience and we hope it translates to the matches the team plays.
“FIBSA is confident that the national team will showcase their brilliance on the pitch and do the country proud during the Games. “We’ll just show up and play.”
He said there were 10 youths in the extended squad who were part of the U15 national team that participated in the 2018 Oceania Baseball Championship in New Zealand.
“They won the bronze medal. “The 10 players are top candidates to hear their names called on selection day to be part of the final 16-member national baseball and softball squad that is expected to be announced in a couple of months.
“All those youth players have acquired a lot of experience playing the sport and are able to play in multiple positions, which is a huge advantage bearing in mind the number of games the team will be playing during the nine days of competition at the Games. “They will be our key players.”
Meanwhile, Guam and American Samoa have rich baseball traditions and are ranked above Fiji which is in fifth position within the region, while Oceania giants Australia occupy the top position; New Zealand are a surprising fourth.
The 2022 Pacific Mini Games will be held in Saipan, Northern Mariana from June 16-25, with the sport of lawn tennis commencing on the first day of competition while the official opening will be held the next day.
