By Eustoria Marie Borja
SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands — For the athletes of the Northern Mariana Islands, the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau represent more than just competition—it’s a chance to defend their hard-earned titles, showcase their passion, and create unforgettable memories.
The first wave of Team NMI, the Men’s National Baseball Team, departs Saipan on June 25, with a short stop in Guam before landing in Palau on June 27—just two days ahead of the opening ceremony on June 29. NMI is sending a total of 161 athletes in staggered arrivals to participate in this year’s regional sporting event.
At the heart of the delegation is the defending gold medalist baseball team, which is determined to repeat its success from the 2022 Pacific Mini Games, where they secured a thrilling 12–9 win over Guam in Saipan. This year’s baseball tournament begins June 30 at Palau’s Nippon Baseball Stadium, and the team is ready for the challenge.
“We’re very excited for the opportunity to showcase our team’s skill level and the preparation we’ve put in,” said team manager James “Jay” Kintol, who has overseen the team’s rigorous five-day-a-week training since late March. “It’s been a long two and a half months. Now, with just a few days to go, we can’t wait to get out on the field and play the game we love: baseball.”
But for Kintol and his team, the Games are about more than just defending a title—they’re about representing their community with pride and embracing the full experience the Pacific Mini Games offer.
“Putting on the NMI jersey is more than just representing ourselves—it’s about representing the tens of thousands of individuals in our community,” Kintol said. “It is truly an honor to carry that responsibility, and we should take pride in every moment we get to do so.”
Despite the high expectations, Kintol said the players remain grounded and motivated. “We have a solid mix of youth and experience on the team, and that balance gives us confidence. More than anything, we’re eager and excited to compete against other countries and represent NMI with pride.”
The 2025 baseball roster is packed with both returning champions and fresh faces: Anthony Salas, Anthony Tenorio, Ben Jones Jr., Brian Camacho, Darion Jones, Elijah Aughenbaugh, Francisco Lieto, Franko Nakamura, Harry Nakamura Jr., Jerald Cabrera, Jeremiah Suel III, John Peter Sablan, Jose Deleon Guerrero, Joseph Lifoifoi, Josh Jones, Kevin Villagomez, Lamarc Iguel, Nathan Camacho, Nokki Saralu, and Spencer Dickinson. The team is led by head coach Luis Iguel Jr., with support from coaches Giovanni Mira and Eric Palacios.
For many athletes, including team member Jeremiah Suel III, the excitement is just as much about the journey as it is about the game.
“I feel great, honestly. It’s a new field to be at, so I’m looking forward to playing there,” Suel said. “The pressure is definitely there, but we as a team are coming down to fight hard to defend that gold. It’s going to be a challenge—but also fun.”
Beyond the field, Suel is looking forward to immersing himself in Palau’s island hospitality and culture.
“I’m looking forward to defending that gold for sure, as well as meeting new people,” he said. “Going around the island for sure, and most especially having fun and making memories with the people out there.”
As the Games approach, excitement continues to build not only for the competition, but for the opportunity to connect with fellow athletes, explore a new place, and celebrate the spirit of Pacific unity.