Top high school seniors to play in Sugar Mill Classic

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	SUGAR MILL CLASSIC WHAT: All-star baseball game WHO: Graduating high school seniors WHEN: Tomorrow at 1 p.m. WHERE: Hans L'Orange Park ADMISSION: Free

There is no admission charge.

Graduating high school senior baseball players from around the state have been invited to play. Among them are state tournament MVP Isaac Kamai, a pitcher from Kamehameha, as well as teammate Keoni Ruth, a shortstop and pro prospect. Also tabbed to play is Roosevelt pitcher Kaimi Mead, who has signed with the University of Hawai'i.

The game has been promoted since its inception in 1999 by former University of Hawai'i infielder Eric Tokunaga, a member of the 1980 College World Series team that finished runner-up to Arizona. He also was named to the CWS all-tournament team.

The inaugural Classic featured future major leaguers Jerome Williams (Waipahu), who made one start for the San Francisco Giants last month, and Shane Victorino (St. Anthony), who started the season with the San Diego Padres before he was designated for assignment on Friday.

Some other pros who played in the Classic over the years include first baseman Chad Santos (Saint Louis), pitcher Kahi Kaanoi (Kamehameha), first baseman Kila Kaaihue (Iolani), all of the Kansas City Royals; Rodney Choy Foo (Kailua) of the Cleveland Indians; Bronson Sardinha (Kamehameha) of the New York Yankees; Brandon League (Saint Louis) of the Toronto Blue Jays; Rex Rundgren (Mid-Pacific) of the Florida Marlins; and Hubert Pruett (Kamehameha) of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Unlike seven-inning high school games, the Classic is nine innings.