Aloha and welcome to the Baldwin Bears High School baseball team who arrived from Maui this afternoon to play a pre-season baseball game against the Pearl City Chargers High School baseball team, spearheaded by Coach Gary Nakamoto (photo-left) who formally was a 26 year veteran coaching little league in Pearl City. I also spoke to Maui Coach Jon Viela (photo-right) late this afternoon and he related the only difference this year, compared to last year, is they are one year older with a little more maturity. Hopefully that will bring up the level of play in their games. He also mentioned that he has nine seniors playing their last year and about five of them were on the squad since freshman year, so hopefully the new players will look upon their experience and assume their leadership role. As for his players, coach mentioned that we should keep our eyes on his starter ace pitcher, #3 Brock Shishido, as well as his shortstop, #22 Jordon Negrini.
The weather at tonight's game at Patsy Mink Central Oahu Regional Park was cold, and it drizzled off and on. The Maui Bears played with a lot of "heart and team spirit," especially the two relief pitchers #2, Neil Morioka and #8, Brent Nakagawa. The Bears left Maui right after school to fly to Oahu, and had to deal with a plane delay, and also rush hour traffic on their way to CORP which didn't help their loss in tonight's game. Congratulations to both the Maui Bears (hope you all got your Zip-Packs) and the Pearl City Chargers. Maui Bears continue on this week in Honolulu against Iolani, Waipahu, Kailua, and Roosevelt High School. "Click here to see more photos"
