LIHU‘E — The first game of the 6th Annual Da Bash starts at 10 a.m., Friday when the Lihu‘e Baseball League Blue Jays open against the Windward Giants at the Lihu‘e County Park. The four-day baseball tournament features 23 teams
LIHU‘E — The first game of the 6th Annual Da Bash starts at 10 a.m., Friday when the Lihu‘e Baseball League Blue Jays open against the Windward Giants at the Lihu‘e County Park.
The four-day baseball tournament features 23 teams visiting Kaua‘i from around the state, pitted against Kaua‘i counterparts. Championship games for both Mustang and Bronco divisions are scheduled for Monday, the final day of the tournament.
The LBL Pirates, clinching the Mustang division title, recently, have the honor of opening that division, Friday, starting at noon.
“We need to have more facilities,” said Cory Gokan, chair of this year’s tournament, during an LBL playoff game. “We had to turn away 20 teams this year.”
Gokan said when the tournament idea was born six years ago, the LBL leaders felt having a tournament on Kaua‘i would allow players to experience a big tournament. Without the tournament, some of the players would never have an opportunity to experience playing with other teams.
Tom Vallatini, an LBL coach and former president, said when the tournament idea was firmed up, he and Craig Koga had the task of trying to recruit teams.
“We were practically begging teams to come,” Vallatini said during a Monday afternoon practice. “Today, we have a wait list of teams wanting to come to the tournament. It’s amazing how big this event has grown in such a short time.”
Last year, teams were already giving verbal commitments to attend as the tournament wound down.
During the four-day tournament, spectators can enjoy games on at least three fields at the Lihu‘e County Park, being able to enjoy the offerings of the food booth, which this year, will be chaired by Jabba Garcia.
“With Jabba in charge of food, you know there’s going to be good stuff,” said Ryan Koga, during a wrap-up organizational meeting, Monday afternoon.
Vallatini said the LBL teams had an opportunity to practice through Wednesday. Set up for the tournament takes place today with the first games starting Friday.
Admission to the tournament is free and all teams will be invited to a goodwill lu‘au Sunday night.
