8th Annual Hawaii Mayors Cup

Feb. 1, 2020

Aloha Party Kicks Off 2020 Mayor's Cup

By Jeffrey Kimoto

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii — Perfect paradise weather welcomed 13 men’s teams and eight women’s teams participating on Jan. 20-23 at the 8th annual Hawaii Mayor’s Cup Tournament at Old Airport Field in Kailua-Kona on the big island of Hawaii.

The men’s teams were divided into two divisions based on their playing level. There was a total of 11 teams from the mainland/Canada and 10 local island teams.

The playing age was 60 years old for men’s, but each team was allowed three players between 55 and 59.

The sole AAA team Islanders, played in the upper division (Mauna Kea) against major and major plus teams, but advanced to the semis, only to lose to the Top Dawgs 21-20.

Danny Ayala’s Hilo team Moneyball was the No. 1 seed. They were looking to disrupt Top Dawgs two-year winning streak, but lost to East Bay Oldies and Arizona Old School in the bracket games.

Oahu Mortuary came up through the loser’s bracket to advance to the championship round against the No. 2 seed Top Dawgs from Washington state.

Having to play their fourth game of the day, Randy Faulkner’s Oahu Mortuary ran out of gas and lost to Top Dawgs 29-21 in the men’s upper division.

The lower division (Mauna Loa) was comprised of AAA and AA teams.

Bob Fitzgerald’s Kona Gold was dominant up until the semifinal round when they lost to Hilo Legends. Kona Gold had to come through the loser’s bracket against a hard fighting banged up mainland team MOGS. Kona Gold easily defeated MOGS 24-13 and had to face Hilo Legends again in the championship round. The second time was not favorable for Kona Gold. Hilo Legends pounded Fitzgerald’s team 19-5 to win the championship.

“This was my second year playing in the tournament,” said Chris Miller of Maryland, who played with MOGS. “The tournament is really great with good competition and camaraderie between teams, and you’re in paradise - you can’t beat that, win or lose!”

In the aged 50+ women’s division, Cathy Nichols combined mainland and Canadian players to make six teams and two local teams provided teams to make two divisions.

In the championship game of the Hawaii division, Lava Hotties beat Napua on a walk off home run in the bottom of the seventh inning.

In the mainland division, the Purple team won and Donna Vandergriff was MVP for the tournament.

Over 225 players and friends were entertained at the luau that featured hula participation and a fire dance performance.

Co-chairs for the tournament were Dave Fukumoto, Bob Fitzgerald and Jeffrey Kimoto.

Senior Softball-USA (SSUSA) and Elite Sports USA were major sponsors for the tournament.

Next year’s tournament dates are scheduled for Jan. 17 to 21. More information at www.hawaiimayorscup.org

Proceeds from the tournament benefited two local organizations West Hawaii Parks and Athletic Corporation which is building a 190-acre sports complex in Kailua-Kona, and the Hawaii United Way.

CLICK HERE to view a photo gallery from the 2020 Mayor's Cup.