Maui goodwill tournament exceeds expectations

Three-day, five-game event deemed "a complete success"

The 3-day, 5-game event with a visiting team from Maui was everything that was hoped for, generating goodwill between both leagues. The comradery established on the field carried over to the Saturday evening barbecue, and everyone seemed to have a great time at event that was held at a 4-acre retreat up Kaloko mauka.

Kona all-stars Drew Comacho and Ryan Landis led the offensive barrage in the opening game, taking the local team to victory. Teammate (at least on this day) Keegan Lerma started atop the mound and was not a very generous host, yielding only one run to the visiting Maui team. Kona relievers Hopu Ahonima-Blanco and Keefe Lerma kept the game in check, but not without a threat or two by the Valley Islanders.

For Maui, Dave Prysinski, Raiman Johnson and Kevin Spaise each went 2-for-3. However, Johnson was the only one of them who was able to score ... proving once again that everbody loves Raiman.

Maui's left fielder Raiman Johnson accounted for both of the runs scored by his team, as a foursome of Kona pitchers stymied the visitors. Maui's Kevin Spaise took the loss, relievers Mike Foley and Dave Perzinski faring better, but the damage had already been done.

For Kona, the offensive charge was spearheaded by Shadow Diessner, making a rare appearance in the lead-off batter's position of the lineup. Jose Luis also crossed home plate twice to seal the deal for winning pitcher Steve Furchner and his trio of relievers: Jeff Barbas, Hondo De La Cruz and Jorge Perez.

A slugfest erupted in the late game, both teams teeing off on opposing pitchers. In this contest, Raiman Johnson took the mound for his one-and-only appearance in the goodwill tournament ... and goodwill is exactly what Raiman provided. By the end of the third inning, the Kona bench was feeling that "everyone loves Raiman" effect itself, enjoying an 8-1 lead.

Turnabout is fair play, however. By the end of the fourth inning, the highly-effective, but quickly-tiring Kona starter Tobe Kamalai was replaced by C.J. Hanna. Five runs and no outs later, the Maui bench was getting that "everyone loves C.J." feeling (and there isn't even any TV show about that!). Unlikely relievers John Brumbaugh and Ryan Landis mopped things up, preserving the win for the local team.

Offensively, Maui's Patrick Merrill, Matt Banet and Dave Perzinski crossed home plate on multiple occassions. For Kona, just about everyone saw paydirt, Kenny Benson's run eclipsing the tally on the scoreboard.

After the Saturday evening barbecue, everyone was a little bit late arriving at Simmons Field, but nobody seemed to care. In recognition of "Hawaii time", the early game began about half-an-hour late. Perhaps that was the ploy of the Maui team. Afterall, Maui Brewery brewmaster Raiman Johnson and his teammates had generously provided beer at the party.

For the Kona team, Keefe and his older brother Keegan Lerma shared the mound duty for most of the contest, the elder sibling squandering his baby bro's lead. Paul Skarbo and Mikey Marcotte emerged as the stars in this one for Maui.

In the other dugout, the name Larry Strozyk must be highlighted for a pair of blistering base hits including a double. Unfortunately for him however, his teammates left him stranded on the base both times.

After a weekend of play and partying, the Maui team was finally "all baseballed out" by the fifth game of the goodwill tournament ... hardly a time to have to face Jorge Perez. The lanky fastballer was definitely on his game, yielding only three hits in five innings. Relievers Jeff Barbas and Oscar Delgado wrapped matter up on the mound, each tossing a scoreless inning.

For Maui, starting pitcher Mike Foley took it on the chin. Offensively, Patrick Merrill Matt Banet and Nick Batres each batted 2-for-3, but to no avail, as those hits were scattered.

For Kona, credit Michael Harris and Donovan Aiona, a couple of seasoned veterans (old guys who guide the Canefire team during its regular KonaBaseball.com season) with a pair of plate crossings each! ... what a testamony to the concept of multi-generational baseball.

Before the play ended, just about everyone was talking about getting together on another day. Maybe a team from the KonaBaseball.com league will travel to Maui next time.

As two vans, loaded to the gills with Maui baseball players, left Simmons Field for the airport Sunday afternoon, the shouts of "We love you, Kona" echoed off the walls of the gymnasium ... and that says it all.

On October 10, 2009, KonaBaseball.com Commissioner Katherine Donovan completed the Ironman World Championship Triathon - her sixth such finish in a row, and she is now getting ready for Ironman China! ... [ details ]

Team alliances are being formed for the 2010 season, and new players, coaches and teams are welcome to join. Adults 18 years and older (as young as 15, by special invitation and parental consent) may participate. There is no maximum age limit, and players of all levels of skill are invited to join. Liberal substitution rules give managers flexibility so as to include everyone in each game.

In addition, the league has several paid positions available for backup scorekeepers and umpires. For more information, call Jim Donovan at 883-3331.

Go2 2009 Season's News