Little League called its shot Thursday in canceling its World Series for the first time, but it left it up to state and local administrators to decide their own fates this summer.
In a nutshell: Youth baseball and softball seasons in Little League and PONY League on the Big Island are in limbo much like everything else.
With Hawaii’s stay-at-home order in effect until May 31 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eugene Narimatsu, the Big Island district Little League coordinator, said state and island representatives would meet via videoconference in the next two weeks to discuss plans moving forward.
“Everything is up in the air and a lot of ideas are going to be on the table,” Narimatsu said. “We’ll take guidance from Little League and the Department of Health, and we’ll meet with our local leagues.”
If conditions improve, it’s feasible that Hawaii Little League could try to hold state tournaments or all-star games for it various divisions, perhaps moving its seasons back, or leave the decision up to each district administrator.
Even if everything goes well, Narimatsu said, “Parents may be reluctant to put their child on the field. That’s something we have to take into account.”
Little League President Stephen Keener announced the cancellations of seven World Series (four in baseball and three in softball) in a Facebook Live broadcast Thursday afternoon from league headquarters in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, saying it would be “impossible” to hold the events amid ongoing restrictions on large gatherings and travel. Also scrapped were the accompanying regional tournaments.
Last season, Gold Coast Softball of Kailua-Kona came within a game of reaching the ages 13-16 World Series at the West Regional in Montana, and Central East Maui advanced to the U.S. championship game at the baseball World Series in Williamsport.
Narimatsu said registration in the younger divisions of Hilo Little League was strong this season, with seven teams competing in the ages 8-10 group before being shut down in March.
As for PONY League, officials have received no directives from their national board yet, an official said, but Thursday’s Little League announcement prompted Hawaii PONY officials to exchange correspondence.
According to the PONY schedule, Hilo is slated to host state tournaments in seven divisions from June 19-23.
“Pushing the tourneys back is possible if it’s feasible and safe for everyone,” said Craig Kawaguchi, a Hawaii PONY board member. “Safety is always a priority.”
Hilo is a powerhouse in the 12-and-under division, winning five state PONY titles dating back to 2013, and the Hilo 13s captured the World Series last season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
