NAWILIWILI — The Kaua‘i Senior Softball League is celebrating 36 years of existence, something officials recognized as an amazing feat for a large group of seniors who refuse to put away their bats. But hitting the ball — and chasing
NAWILIWILI — The Kaua‘i Senior Softball League is celebrating 36 years of existence, something officials recognized as an amazing feat for a large group of seniors who refuse to put away their bats.
But hitting the ball — and chasing it — is not the only thing the players do. The members of the eight teams in the league actively maintain the ball parks across the island, keeping the facilities in pristine condition.
“We all know that Kaua‘i has the best softball facilities in the state. Everybody wants to come to Kaua‘i to play, because the fields are in immaculate shape,” league manager Pat Baniaga said Wednesday at a Kaua‘i County Council meeting.
The council recognized and congratulated the league’s 36th annual season, presenting Baniaga with a certificate.
“You guys do a lot maintain and take care of our fields,” Councilman Mel Rapozo told Baniaga.
League members have completed 95 percent of the renovation of the Kaumakani Ball Park pavilion on the Westside.
“All that needs to be done is painting,” said Baniaga, adding that the project should be completed by next week.
The renovation was done “strictly by seniors,” and there were about 10 to 15 volunteers working each day to help finish the project, according to Baniaga.
“I’m 64 years old. I was one of the youngest guys there,” said Baniaga, laughing. “In fact, our head carpenter is 70 years old.”
League members are also finishing renovations at the Peter Rayno Park in Hanama‘ulu.
Councilman Derek Kawakami thanked the league, saying that the parks that the community has taken ownership of are “head and shoulders above” other parks as far as maintenance and beautification.
Besides being the league’s manager, Baniaga also coaches the Rookies, the team he plays for.
Baniaga said the Kaua‘i league is the only self-sufficient league in the state. O‘ahu, Maui and Big Island are “under the umbrella” of their county governments and funded through a senior program. A county coordinator in each of the county’s Parks and Recreation departments oversees the league, according to Baniaga.
State tournament
The annual state softball tournament is held each August, rotating every year between the four counties.
Last year the tournament was held on Maui, and this year it will be in Kona, Big Island.
“When you go to Kona — and hopefully Kaua‘i will bring home the bacon, as usual — it’s good, because it’s good camaraderie, it’s good aloha,” Councilman Dickie Chang told Baniaga.
In 2012, Kaua‘i will host the statewide tournament at Hanapepe Stadium.
“We anticipate to have at least 50 teams from the whole state,” said Baniaga, adding that when it’s Kaua‘i’s turn to host the tournament, the league needs “a lot of help” and will ask the council for support.
Chang said the tournament will be a “really big boost” for Kaua‘i, because many players will bring their families to the island.
Kawakami said when league tournaments are held, even local ones, there’s a “direct economic impact” in the neighborhood. “We see them at the grocery stores, we see them spending their money at the restaurants.”
Rapozo said the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau should consider that when state tournaments are held, visiting players and their families spend their money on the local markets, rather than in hotels and resorts.
“There’s a direct … positive impact on our economy,” Rapozo said.
Councilwoman Nadine Nakamura said they could have further discussion about possible collaboration with the Kaua‘i Economic Development Board to try to bring as many players and their families as possible to the tournament.
Camaraderie
Despite keeping healthy and helping to maintain the parks, the league’s main achievement is something else.
“I think that the biggest thing that we have, and most important thing in our program is the many friendships that we’ve gained in the 36 years,” Baniaga said. “The state tournament means something, but I think it’s more meaningful to go there next year and see your old friend.”
Chair Jay Furfaro shared with Baniaga a similar feeling.
“The enthusiasm and camaraderie that you folks enjoy is very, very heart-warming to us,” Furfaro said.
The league’s opener will be at 10:30 a.m., Feb. 12, at the Wailua Houselots ball field.
• Léo Azambuja, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or lazambuja@kauaipubco.com.
