Festive mood during BP opener
A festive mood highlighted the opening ceremonies of the Dunkin' Donuts Baseball Philippines Series 6 last Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
Amidst the scorching heat, league officials along with title sponsor Dunkin' Donuts, the owners of the six participating teams and guests expressed confidence that the league would go on smoothly this time around after a year of hiatus.
Those who graced the event are Dunkin' Donuts officials led by Engr. Ernesto Co and vice president for marketing Cora Andoy, representatives from the United States Embassy and outgoing Pampanga governor Ed Panlilio.
Representing the teams are Bulls owner Norman Macasaet, Sharks general manager Rich Cruz, Dito Borromeo of the Tigers and re-elected Taguig vice mayor George Elias of the Patriots.
The day's lone game saw Manila stunning the fancied Batangas batters, 5-4, behind a three-run single by Nino Tator in the first inning and an impressive showing by Sharks reliever MJ Gante.
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The league took a minor hit in last year's Series 5 when members of the RP team members were suspended indefinitely. Most of them have since returned are playing for their respective teams in the ongoing tournament.
Series 6 was supposed to be held last October but officials postponed the scheduled start to concentrate on helping several communities that were hit hard by the floods caused by Typhoon Ondoy.
This time around, the five squads from the previous circuit returned in Series 5 champion Batangas Bulls, Manila Sharks, Cebu Dolphins, Alabang Tigers and Forward Taguig Patriots.
The Dumaguete Uni-Bikers decided to take a leave of absence but in came a new team in the Pampanga Sand Kings. As if the addition of the Sand Kings weren't enough, the donut chain became the league's major sponsor creating another major boost for Series 6.
Series 6 calls for a single-round elimination format with the top four teams advancing into the semifinals. The two teams with the best records will have a twice-to-beat advantage.
The semifinal winners will meet in a best-of-three title duel.
Aside from the games, the league will hold a Fil-Am day on July 4 at the Alabang Country Club. Activities for this event are still being finalized.