MANILA, Philippines - Baseball fever hits Canlubang again as the town rich in baseball history holds its Little League competitions beginning Saturday at the Canlubang Baseball Stadium.
Canlubang’s young batters from nine teams will take centerstage over the next two months as they dispute top honors in the majors (11-12), senior league (13-13) and minor league (10-and-below) divisions.
The tournament, to be played in two fields set up at the old stadium, will also serve as qualifiers for members of the three teams that Canlubang Little League (CLL) will enter in next year’s Little League Philippine Series.
Canlubang LL officials led by Andy Locsin, Felix Yulo , Michael and Eva Yulo, Marice Cruz and Ely Baradas will lead the opening rites set at 2 p.m.
There will also be an exhibition match at 1 p.m. featuring last year’s LLB crew and the current squad. The drawing of lots will be held after the opening ceremonies, according to Rod Valencia, who serves as assistant tournament director.
Youngsters from San Ramon Elementary School, Canlubang ES, Rizal Institute, Camp Vicente Lim, Silangan Village, Sitio Old Stable and other communities within Canlubang are taking part.
Games will be played Saturdays and Sundays. Teams will play in a double-round robin format with the top 2 disputing the crown.
The month-long tournament is being held as part of Canlubang LL’s development program aimed at reviving the sport Canlubang was famous for in the past.
“Baseball is a part of Canlubang’s history and through the initiative of the Yulo family, we are trying to bring back the sport’s prominence in Canlubang,” said Valencia.