By Barry Villamil | MyPearlCity.com Sports
Mahalo to the Pearl City Little League (PCLL) Board of Directors for inviting me and former University of Hawaii Rainbow Warrior Baseball standout Matt Wong as guest speakers at this past Saturday’s PCLL Opening Day Ceremonies held at the Pearl City District Park. It was an honor to represent the community on such a special day filled with excitement from the players, coaches, PCLL ohana of volunteers, supporters and fans.
Rain delayed the call of “Play Ball!” on Saturday as puddling made the upper and lower Pearl City District Park baseball fields unplayable as of 8:00am, but spirits ran high and shined as players and coaches from the different PCLL divisions were introduced and ran onto the field. Light rain and a beautiful rainbow over the Koolau Mountains blessed the opening day ceremonies and season ahead while energizing the anticipation of the first pitch to be thrown in Spring, 2024.
Pearl City Little League Baseball is where dreams have come true for six decades as all-star teams representing different league divisions have won Hawaii District 7, Hawaii State, Regional, and World Series championships. The Pearl City District Park baseball fields are where it all begins for youth boys and girls ball players as they learn the game of baseball through teamwork, skills building, respect for one another, and most importantly, having fun from dedicated volunteer coaches who are supported by the PCLL volunteer ohana and community. Lifelong memories, friendships, and community bonding are perpetuated with each season through the magic of baseball and spirit of Aloha.
I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to once again capture the special moments for MyPearlCity.com Sports of the PCLL players and coaches in action during the regular season and at post season tournaments this summer. Last year was exceptionally rewarding capturing the Pearl City Little League Intermediate 50/70 team as they won both the District 7 and Hawaii State Championships, and also cheering them on while watching the team on live television broadcasts as they won the West Regional Championship and finished runner-up at the Intermediate 50/70 Little League World Series United State Championships.
Mahalo to Pearl City Little League Board of Directors, supporters and volunteers who are the heart and soul of the success of PCLL as a world class organization.
Current PCLL Board Members:
Stephanie Say, President
Garrett Arakawa, Vice President
Jennifer Trela, Treasurer
Stuart Ujimori, Safety Committee
Crystal Hermosura, Player Agent
Damon Funai
“We will be welcoming three new board members shortly. And we are so grateful to all of the volunteers that help to make our league successful” … PCLL Board
Also, mahalo to super Dad, Coach, Umpire, and National Anthem and Hawai’i Pono’i singer Mike Englar whose wonderful voice blessed Saturday’s PCLL opening day ceremonies. Amazing talent. Mahalo Mike!
GO PEARL CITY!
Video by Mary Villamil | Photos by Mary and Barry Villamil
