The Long Island Braves baseball organization was shocked to learn it had flown 7,000 miles to play in a tournament that was cancelled, but at least Kaua’i’s “aloha spirit” was there to make the team’s trip worthwhile. When baseball coordinator
The Long Island Braves baseball organization was shocked to learn it had flown 7,000 miles to play in a tournament that was cancelled, but at least Kaua’i’s “aloha spirit” was there to make the team’s trip worthwhile.
When baseball coordinator Al Soto found out no one had told the Braves of the cancellation, he directed head coach Chris Tranchina to Dondi Viquelia, an umpire and administrator of Kaua’i’s Pony League, who then helped rework the Kaua’i Summer League schedule to create games for the Braves.
“Dondi and Al were really helpful,” said Tranchina. “Dondi even volunteered his time to umpire our scrimmage on Wednesday.”
Along with a number of games the Braves will play against Kaua’i teams this weekend, mayoral candidate Ron Kouchi donated a kalua pig and Hawaii Care and Cleaning provided funds for fruit baskets and drinks for the team’s going away party.
Tranchina says the Kaua’i Coconut Resort staff have been great hosts, and that Pizza Hut, upon learning of the Braves’ ordeal, provided the team with eight free pizzas following the “Concert in the Sky” show.
