(Natibu Sports Association) — It was the 3rd Annual Kim Tae-Kyun International Korea-Japan-USA Exchange Games in Hongseong, South Korea, but it was the first time that a team from the CNMI was able to participate.
Kim Tae-Kyun is a Korean baseball legend, and the games were part of his organization’s annual youth summer baseball camp program in collaboration with the City of Hongseong. A total of four teams participated: Kim Tae-Kyun’s Korean team, the Tokyo “Bambata” local team, the Japan All-Star “Make Progress” team, and the CNMI Natibu Sports Association Braves.
The event opened with a joint practice session with the Kim Tae-Kyun Korean team, followed by a Home Run Derby. Since no one hit a home run during the event, winners were determined based on distance, and the CNMI Braves took second place.
On the second day, the Braves faced the Tokyo Bambata team, ending the game in a 5–5 tie. The Braves were the home team, but no extra innings were played due to time limitations. In their second game, the Braves went up against the Kim Tae-Kyun Korean team, which was composed of the top 20 players from the baseball camp. The Braves played hard but fell short, 5–2.
The final game featured the Braves against Japan’s Make Progress All-Star team. Japan took an early 5–0 lead; the Braves rallied but ultimately lost 8–5.
Despite the losses, the Braves enjoyed the experience, learning from the competition and making new international friends. Overall, the CNMI team tied for third place with the Tokyo Bambata team.
In the awards ceremony, Elijah Babauta received the Team MVP Award, while Dylan Barcinas was named the Overall Best Defensive Player. All teams received parting gifts, including hats, shirts, and tumblers.
Kim Tae-Kyun personally invited the Braves to return, and the team looks forward to participating in the event again next year.
The Natibu Sports Association expressed its gratitude to the parents, coaches, players, sponsors, and supporters who helped make the event possible. “We know the CNMI is going through hard times, but your generosity is truly appreciated,” NSA said. “We believe these events will help the CNMI in the future.”
In fact, the Korean organization is already planning to hold a youth baseball camp in Saipan in 2026. NSA hopes to continue promoting the CNMI and building international partnerships that create more opportunities for young athletes.
