• It’s about time for regionals It’s about time for regionals By Duane Shimogawa Jr. – The Garden Island Playing on your home turf means more than you think. The familiar surroundings provide a great atmosphere for both the West
• It’s about time for regionals
It’s about time for regionals
By Duane Shimogawa Jr. – The Garden Island
Playing on your home turf means more than you think. The familiar surroundings provide a great atmosphere for both the West Kaua‘i and Lihu‘e bronco all-star teams, as the 2005 Hawai‘i Region Bronco Tournament invades Kaua‘i, today through Sunday.
The opening ceremonies are slated to start at 11:30 a.m. at the Waimea Athletic Field.
For years, these youth baseball tournaments were held anywhere but Kaua‘i, so when the announcement was made in April to award Kaua‘i the honor of hosting the 2005 tournament, it was something that was meant to happen and it’s about time, Kaua‘i parents and fans have the luxury of watching their sons/daughters on their home grounds.
“We are excited and we are also looking forward to showcasing our island and the incredible talent of our bronco division players,” Kaua‘i Region Director for PONY Baseball, Pat Baniaga said.
The first two days of the tournament (July 13-14) will be held at the Waimea Athletic Field, with the last three days (July 15-17) at the Lihu‘e County Park.
Lihu‘e faces off against the Hawai‘i Region at 12:30 p.m. and West Kaua‘i takes on the O‘ahu Region III team at 5 p.m. Both contests will be at the Waimea Athletic Field.
I predict that the fields both in Waimea and Lihu‘e will be flooded with an array of families.
However, I hope that the teams from Maui, O‘ahu, and the Big Island, feel welcomed, but just to an extent, because when the games hit the field, it will be all business.
Kaua‘i teams should take full advantage of this opportunity and show that they can play with the rest of the state on their own fields.
But as far as off the field festivities, Kaua‘i has a chance to impress the rest of the state, which is a great way to earmark another regional tournament.
Instead of being awarded the regional games, Kaua‘i should be asked to host at least every three years.
There are countless, selfless individuals, who have or will put in an insurmountable number of hours as volunteers, to keep the tournament as smooth as a baby’s bottom.
And why do they do it?
It’s all for the kids and rightfully so, because for most of them, they were blessed with individuals who helped them out when they were youth baseball players.
Whether or not a Kaua‘i team comes out of the ashes with the tournament’s top trophy isn’t the top story.
Instead it’s if the rest of the state feels the need to make this event a regular happening.
Oh by the way, admission for the bronco regionals is free, which is questionable, considering the high-caliber of play from the 11-12 year olds.
