GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Baseball and Softball Federation officially opened its Double-A baseball season on Sunday, marking the first time the Federation has assumed responsibility for organizing and managing the league.
Federation President Natasha Richardson said five teams will compete during the approximately four-month season: Los Panas, Dodgers, Tigers, Stingers and 721 Elite.
Games will be played on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, providing baseball fans with regular weekend competition throughout the season. See schedule at the end of this article.
The opening ceremony was held at the Little League Stadium and was attended by Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Melissa Gumbs, St. Maarten Sports Federation President Naomi Korstanje and Head of the Sports Department under the Ministry of ECYS Jonelle Richardson.
Federation President Natasha Richardson
This season represents a new chapter for Double-A baseball, with the St. Maarten Baseball and Softball Federation taking over the league from the Pelican League.
According to Richardson, discussions about the transition had been ongoing between the two organizations for approximately two years. The Pelican League indicated that it wanted to move in a different direction and subsequently approached the Federation about assuming responsibility for the competition.
Following those discussions, the Federation agreed to take over the league beginning with the 2026 season.
The Federation used Sunday's opening ceremony to also recognize longtime baseball contributor and Pelican League President Omar Williams.
A biography highlighting Williams' contribution to baseball was presented to the public during the ceremony, and he was given the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch to officially open the season.
The recognition acknowledged Williams' years of involvement in the sport and his role through the Pelican League, which managed the competition prior to its transition to the Federation.
Sunday's opening games were free to the public as part of the launch of the season. Beginning with the regular schedule, admission to games will be US $1.
The Federation said the season is expected to continue for approximately four months, with the five participating teams competing across the Friday, Saturday and Sunday schedule. See schedule below.
With responsibility for the league now under the national federation, the organization is looking forward to continuing the Double-A competition and providing players with a structured season while giving baseball supporters regular opportunities to follow local teams throughout the coming months.
