Members of the Maui Little League team sign small balls and toss candy to fans as the team parades past the crowd during the 2024 Grand Slam Parade in downtown Williamsport. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
By MATTHEW COURTER
When the Central Maui, Hawaii baseball team defeated their opponents from Eastvale, California, in San Bernadino last week, they became only the second team from the 50th state to secure a spot in the Little League World Series.
After losing 11-3 to Southern California on Tuesday, Maui made a comeback on Friday, defeating opponent Eastvale with a 2-1 win.
“The season was very competitive. We had many ups and downs. It is not an easy path,” Head coach Daniel Bolduc, who said he took over coaching duties two months ago, explained:
“The district championships weren’t that bad, but then you get to the states and the pitching and everything else is a little bit harder,” said assistant coach Kevin Constantino.
“Then you come to San Bernardino through the States, and it was a real thrill, man. Everyone’s watching our game. We’re the last ones to get here. We were the last ones to get our ticket stamped. It was a real thrill.” he said.
“I think the crowd was different at the first game, the atmosphere was different. Eastvale is way ahead,” Costantino explained.
Fans of Team Maui cheer as the team parades through downtown Williamsport during the 2024 Grand Slam Parade. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
“But in the third game it was so real that they knew what was at stake.” said the assistant coach.
“So it was a tough time, but they stuck together and played a great game,” said Constantino.
“The strength of the team lies in its will not to give up, to always compete, to always fight. And to know that there is always a chance.” said Bolduc.
“They are a good bunch of kids. They work hard and are happy to accept constructive criticism.” said the head coach.
As a result of their participation in the competition, one team member is visiting the Williamsport area for the first time.
“This is an incredible experience for these children,” Constantino said, adding that neither he nor assistant coach Ian Shimabuku have children on the team.
“Just anything you do for the kids. We were all retired and Dan asked us to coach pitching in a tournament and we stayed after that.” Said Shimabuku.
When asked what they were most looking forward to in the region, they said that the travel since the victory had left them with little time to plan.
Fans of Team Maui cheer as the team parades through downtown Williamsport during the 2024 Grand Slam Parade. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
“I’ll be honest, we don’t even have time to think about everything. Everything is going according to the motto ‘go, go, go’.” said Constantino.
“It was a short detour from San Bernardino. You win. You celebrate for an hour. And before you know it, you’re on a bus to a charter plane the next morning and five, six hours later you’re here.” he said.
“The kids here live like they’re famous all-stars, like major league players. It’s unreal, but live in the moment and enjoy this dream because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.” said the assistant coach.
“They’re excited for their first game tomorrow. They can’t wait. And I know they’re excited for the major league game.” said Constantino.
As for their chances of taking home the championship, Constantino said they are taking it one game at a time.
Members of the West Team (Maui) get their lunch at the picnic at Penn College for the Little League teams and officials. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
“We know we’re playing New England, but we haven’t really looked at all the other teams yet. We just want to take it one game at a time and not look too far ahead.” he said.
“I just want to see how these guys perform on this stage,” said Bolduc.
“They were practically thrown into the fire in San Bernardino, I don’t know if it will get any worse,” he said.
“But we could compete there, so we can compete anywhere,” said the coach.
