It was a memorable day at the Lihue Baseball Park for the players, fans and Lihue Baseball League officials on hand on a bright and warm Saturday afternoon. Saturday was a special day for all in attendance as the LBL
It was a memorable day at the Lihue Baseball Park for the players, fans and Lihue Baseball League officials on hand on a bright and warm Saturday afternoon.
Saturday was a special day for all in attendance as the LBL honored everyone that helped make the 2003 Mustang and Bronco baseball seasons successful.
The league held a closing day ceremony with special home run and bunting contests, door prizes, awards, lunch and a Bronco playoff contest to lead off the festivities at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning.
The LBL also had a special guest on hand to offer a few words for the teams, players and fans at the park.
UH baseball coach Mike Trapasso flew over from Oahu to sign some autographs, greet those in attendance and offer his insight into success on and off the baseball field.
“I am just happy to have been invited today and to get the opportunity to say hello’,” Trapasso said. “Anytime you get the chance to speak to the youngsters, it’s important. We just tell them the same thing we tell our kids (UH players). We try and help our guys be successful on and off the field.”
Trapasso discussed three basic characteristics that the UH coaching staff looks for in potential players.
He talked about individual character, making the grades in the classroom and having the right physical tools as a player.
“We (UH) are really trying to build off a tremendous tradition that was set by coach (Les) Murakami,” Trapasso said to the Mustang and Bronco players gathered around him. “We are trying to start a new tradition and the only way I think you can do that is to do it with class, pride and respect.
“You have to be able to have respect for those things in order to be successful.”
Trapasso focused his discussion on being a team player and having the right mindset to be successful.
“The first thing is respect for your teammates. We want to have 25 guys that care about each other and have respect for the game. We don’t want to have guys that just care about their stats. The hardest thing to do is be selfless.”
Later, the UH coach discussed overachieving on and off the field.
He talked with the players about giving it their all in the classroom as well as on the field. Trapasso stated that the player that is disciplined and is determined to get better will get the most out of their ability.
He finished his discussion with a few comments about the physical tools of a player.
However, Trapasso was quick to point out that even the most physically skilled athlete will be a better player and person with the right mindset and strong work ethic.
The UH coach ended the presentation with two last requests.
He told the kids to have fun and enjoy the rest of the day.
With those final words, the kids rounded up their bats and prepared for the upcoming home run and bunt contests.
Trapasso looked on with a smile and offered his view on the festivities.
“It’s tremendous. You can just tell that there is a lot of pride here.”
Notes: While on Kauai, Trapasso also had some business to take care of.
Trapasso met the parents of Mark Rodrigues who will pitch at UH next season. Rodrigues, who graduated from Kauai High School in 2002 and played on the Red Raiders’ baseball team, is going to school and playing baseball at Los Medanos Community College in Pittsburgh, California.
In November, Rodrigues signed a letter of intent to play for the Rainbows.
Mark’s parents Julio and Caridad, met coach Trapasso for the first time while at the LBL closing ceremony on Saturday.
