FIJI’S national baseball team is gearing up for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, with head coach Ken Tamaki setting his sights on victory.
Tamaki, a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteer from Japan, has been developing the team for the past 20 months.
Speaking to the Fiji Times, Tamaki believes Fiji has the talent to make an impact on the regional stage, despite the challenges they face.
“We are planning to take 16 players, all working adults aged 17 to 48,” Tamaki said.
“Our focus is on strengthening their physical condition and improving baseball skills ahead of the competition.”
Fiji has a history of competing in international tournaments, including the Pacific Games, Pacific Mini Games and World Baseball Softball confederations (WBSC) competitions.
However, unlike some other sports, baseball does not have a domestic qualification system meaning the team follows its own selection process.
Trials were held in October last year to identify the best players for the squad.
One of the biggest obstacles is lack of equipment, particularly a pitching machine that would allow the team to train at a higher level.
“We must devise a way to fight despite these limitations,” Tamaki said.
Despite these setbacks, Tamaki remains confident. His primary target is to lead Fiji to a gold medal in Palau.
“Baseball is popular in North and Latin America and Asia, but it suits the natural abilities of Fijians,” he said. ‘
“We hope people will follow our journey and support us.”
With determination and hard work, Fiji’s baseball team is ready to step up and make history at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games.
