Hawai'i's top teams hope to repeat success
by brian mcinnis Advertiser library photo
It's youth baseball tournament time, and that means Hawai'i teams will try to build off recent success.
Last year, O'ahu claimed the Babe Ruth World Series championship for 14-year-olds, defeating Harris Township, Ind., 8-0. O'ahu went 6-0 in the final field of 10 teams to take the title.
Three other Hawai'i teams were agonizingly close to winning titles in their respective leagues' title games:
If successful, teams this year will advance through regional tournaments on the Mainland and play into late August.
O'ahu teams have already advanced to regional play in the PONY Mustang division, Cal Ripken 12-year-old, Babe Ruth 13-year-old and 13- to 15-year old divisions.
LITTLE LEAGUE
Advertiser Staff Writer
O'ahu won the Babe Ruth World Series championship for 14-year-olds last year.
Majors (ages 9-12): State tournament is July 21-26 at Hilo. The winner advances to the Western Regional tournament, Aug. 4-15, at San Bernardino, Calif. Regional winner advances to Little League World Series, Aug. 19-28, at Williamsport, Pa.
Juniors (13-14): State tournament is July 14-18 at Iron Maehara Stadium, Maui. Champion will advance to Western Regional tournament Aug. 2-11 at Forest Grove, Ore. Regional champion advances to Junior League World Series set for Aug. 14-20 at Taylor, Mich.
Seniors (14-16): State tournament is July 14-17 at Halawa Field. Champion advances to Western Regional tournament, Aug. 1-10, at Portland, Ore. Regional champion advances to Senior League World Series, Aug. 14-20, at Bangor, Maine.
Big League (16-18): State tournament wraps up today at Hilo. The winner advances to Western Regional tournament, July 22-26, at Sacramento, Calif. Regional champion advances to Big League World Series, July 30-Aug. 6, at Easley, S.C.
PONY
Pinto (7-8): There are no mainland tournaments for this age group.
Mustang (9-10): 'Aiea won the state tournament Wednesday at Hilo, and advances to the West Zone regional tournament, July 28-Aug. 1, at Chino Hills, Calif. The Zone winner advances to the World Series Aug. 3-6 at Irving, Tex.
Bronco (11-12): State tournament is July 13-14 at Waimea Athletic Field, and July 15-17 at Lihu'e County Park. Winner advances to the West Zone regional, July 28-Aug. 2, at Whittier, Calif. The Zone winner advances to the World Series, Aug. 4-9, at Monterey, Calif.
Pony (13-younger): The O'ahu sectional tournament is July 17-19 at Central O'ahu Regional Park. Winner advances to the West Zone regional tournament at Fullerton, Calif. July 23-27. The Zone winner goes to the World Series, July 29-Aug. 1, at Chino Hills, Calif.
Pony (13-14): The state tournament is July 15-19 at Central O'ahu Regional Park. The winner advances to the West Zone regional at Fullerton, Calif. Aug. 6-10. The regional winner goes to the World Series at Washington, Pa. Aug. 14-20. Last year, Mililani fell in the World Series to East Cobb, Ga., 3-1.
CAL RIPKEN/BABE RUTH
Cal Ripken (9): No state tournament.
Cal Ripken (10): The state tournament wraps up today at Hilo. Winner advances to regional tournament, July 21-28, at Bel Passi, Calif. Regional champion advances to World Series, Aug. 5-12, at Russeville, Ark.
Cal Ripken (11): No state tournament.
Cal Ripken (12-younger): O'ahu All-Stars won the state tournament on Monday and advance to regional tournament, July 27-Aug. 9, at Scottsdale, Ariz. Regional champion advances to World Series, Aug. 12-21, at Aberdeen, Md.
Babe Ruth (13): Iolani was selected as the winner of this O'ahu-only league and advances to regional tournament, Aug. 4-9, at Pangutich, Utah. Regional champion advances to World Series, Aug. 20-27, at Jamestown, N.Y.
Babe Ruth (13-15): O'ahu won the state tournament on Monday and advances to the regional tournament, July 27-Aug. 2, at Taylorsville, Utah. Regional champion advances to World Series, Aug. 13-20, at Abberville, La.
Babe Ruth (16-19): The state tournament is July 18-19 at Lihu'e. Winner advances to regional tournament, July 28-Aug. 2, at Watsonville, Calif. Regional champion advances to World Series, Aug. 12-18, at Newark, Ohio.
AMERICAN LEGION
American Legion (18-younger): State tournament is July 29-Aug 2. at Hans L'Orange Park in Waipahu. Champion advances to Western Regional Tournament at Clark Country Community College Stadium, Aug. 11-15, in Las Vegas. Regional champion advances to World Series, Aug. 19-23, at Fitzgerald Stadium in Rapid City, South Dakota.
