LAHAINA — Little League baseball returns to the West Side with a burgeoning schedule for some 240 kids ages five to 17 years old. Indeed, after two shaky years of pandemic restrictions, the 2023 season looks to be a full go as West Maui Little League Baseball threw out the first pitch at opening day ceremonies at the Lahaina Recreation Center ball field last Saturday, Jan. 28.

The ceremony introduced the organization’s board of directors, coaches, and officials, followed by a parade of the players and exhibition games for each division.

Special guests at the program included Maui Little League Baseball District Commissioner Ernest Delima as well as West Maui County Councilwoman Tamara Paltin.

West Maui Little League Baseball President Anastasia Colt reports that the organization will field seven T-Ball, five Rookie, four Minors, two Majors, and one 50-70 teams, with Junior and Senior League teams on tap for later in the spring.

Colt is joined by Vice President Lani Moreau, Secretary Ali Bodick, Treasurer Cheryl Sinogo, Safety Officer Don Rosenthal, Coaching Coordinator Mike Diaz, Player Agent Jonn Kim, Umpire-in-Chief Emmet Markulis and Information Officer Kristelle Turalva Albano on the league’s board of directors.

“We had some new things for the league this year. There was a baseball camp for all divisions in November and a coaches clinic later in the month put on by (former professional player} Mike Diaz and his coaching team,” Colt said last week. Additionally, the league puts on first aid training, umpire clinics and scorekeeping training. At this time, we are still looking for adult umpires for our 50/70, Majors, and Minors divisions. Please e-mail to westmauibaseball@gmail.com if you are interested.”

She also recognized the league’s sponsors, which include Grand Wailea, Hitter’s Paradise, Cool Cat Cafe, Duke’s Beach House, 5A Rent-a-Space, Maui Resort Rentals, Kane’s Legacy Tree Services, Zero Emission Landscape Maintenance LLC, Horse Power Painting, Hello Flow, Hall Property, The Plantation House, Paulele Construction LLC, The Snorkel Store, Southerland Homes, Stone Source Hawaii, and Saray Photography.

“Our sincere thanks goes out to all of the league sponsors,” Colt added. “We also send our appreciation to the community for the continuing support of the growing league. And also to Maui County Parks and Recreation for the upkeep of the Lahaina Recreation Center fields, Ainakea Park, and Napili Park.”