By KEVIN JAKAHI
Hawaii Tribune-Herald
The Hilo All-Stars lost a lot of firepower with the age expiration from last year’s Little League roster, but coach Baba Lancaster’s crew didn’t lose any of its fight.
Waipio eliminated Hilo 5-4 at the Little League Majors (ages 11-12) state tournament Tuesday at Oahu’s Kilauea District Field park.
Honolulu defeated Waipio 11-0 for the state title and a spot to the West Regional.
Last year, Hilo blitzed defending state champion Maui 12-1 to capture the island’s first Majors championship in 30 years.
The Waiakea Lions in 1987 were the last Big Island team to win the title.
The only Big Island team to qualify for the World Series was Hilo American in 1961.
Last year, Santa Margarita, Calif., rallied to defeat Hilo 12-8 in the West Regional semifinals, and later Utah ousted Hilo 12-6 in an elimination game.
Hilo had comeback wins in its first two games.
The Little League World Series is the most prestigious youth tournament because of its history and the fact that it’s televised on ABC.
Ewa Beach in 2005 and Waipahu in 2008 are the only Hawaii teams to capture the World Series title.
The Little League World Series also features world competition with eight teams in the international bracket and eight from the U.S.
It’s also one of the toughest to reach, as noted by Hilo American’s 1961 appearance. It’s a grueling journey with tournaments for district (island), state, and regional, and a World Series bracket for the U.S. just to reach the championship.
For the Big Island, it’s the last significant youth tournament until the youngsters join the BIIF ranks. That’s when the top players — not just from the BIIF and state but the country as well — hop on travel teams to play in showcases, which are attended by pro scouts and big-name colleges.
It’s why the Big Island will never see another team like the 2011 Hilo All-Stars that won the Senior (ages 14-16) League World Series title.
That team featured three MLB pro players in pitchers Quintin Torres-Costa and Kodi Medeiros and slugger Kean Wong. (Back then, showcases weren’t as prominent as they are now.)
It is regarded as the greatest baseball team in the Big Island’s history, and maybe one day Lancaster’s ballclub joins that list.