Watching the Central East Maui Little League team make the run they have this year with everything they have had to overcome has been a joy to watch. The community is rallying around the boys after they won the West Regional tournament in San Bernardino last week. 

There wasn’t much time to celebrate as the boys, coaches, and parents were on a plane almost immediately after their victory. Arriving in Williamsport, the team has become the darling of the tournament as the story the boys are carrying with them comes from all of Maui, and with it our collective hope that the boys will show the rest of the world exactly what Maui is made of. 

We want to take the time to thank all of our readers, coaches, moms, dads, and community at large for helping us give the community the photos and interviews during busy travel itineraries to talk story with us so all of you can ride along with them as they go through this once in a lifetime experience. 

Covering the boys on this journey has been a privilege as we all have relished the wonderful story the boys have created for all of us through their hard work and determination. 

Win or lose, the boys have already made us proud on the Valley Isle and we will do our best to share their journey as it develops in their pursuit of a Little League World Series. And this team has the chance to obtain excellence and the right to be called the best in the world at what they do best, play ball. 

Most people never get the chance to be the best in the world at what they do, and this team has that chance. Especially with the play to win the game in the bottom of the 6th inning with the bases loaded, this team is on their way with a nail-biting opening game victory against New Hampshire. 

Starting the Little League World Series with a win is the best way to continue this incredible run the team has been able to put together. 

Credit has to be given to the coaches and families that have supported these boys through their journey that has led them to a game-one victory to start the biggest tournament in the world for baseball. 

The whole world gets to witness what this team has known all along – that Maui is strong and resilient. 

The team will now advance to the next round of the tournament to face the champion of the Great Lakes Region in Hinsdale, Illinois. Their next game is set for 3 p.m. Eastern (9 a.m. HST) Friday.

Chee huu boys, we’re all rooting for you!