Mayor’s Cup senior softball tourney brings teams far and wide to raise money for United Way

KAILUA-KONA — The Mayor’s Cup kicked off this week, drawing kupuna softball teams from Hawaii and beyond for a chance to do something likely impossible most other places: play softball in January.

“Kona is beautiful, you know?” said Kerry Crosson, tournament coordinator, as he sat at a softball field at the Old Kona Airport park.

Crosson, 77, said the event began five years ago as a chance to attract softball teams to Kona between the holiday season and the arrival of “snow birds,” off-island residents who winter on the Big Island.

In the beginning, said Crosson, the tournament had eight teams. Since then, the total number of teams has more than doubled.

Three years ago, the tournament opened up to women’s teams, who have become the fastest-growing part of the three-day event, growing from four teams to seven this year. It’s the only senior women’s tournament in the entire state, Crosson said. There are also 10 men’s teams this year, for a total of 17 teams participating. Women must be at least 50 years old to play and men, 60.

“It’s a good way for people to kick off their softball season,” Crosson said.

It’s good athletics for a good cause. The tournament benefits the Hawaii Island United Way. Crosson said last year it raised $17,841 through registrations, donations, program advertising and a home run derby.

“We expect because of growth, we’ll probably be able to raise an amount greater this year,” Crosson added.

And the impact to the island is huge too, he said, estimating $300,000 in commerce for the island.

“It’s a tremendous benefit for the community,” he said.

Tim Woods, who coaches Kona team Palapala, said he loves that the tournament draws talented teams from everywhere.

“There’s some really nice clubs that come here from all over the country,” he said.

The South Kona resident said he’s played in the tournament for three years now and that having the chance to go up against high-caliber athletes is a real opportunity.

“Some of them, it’s a life,” he said. “They’re incredible ball players.”

Mike Hernandez, coach of the Jackie Rey’s team, likewise said the event is an opportunity for local players to go up against some great players as well as build camaraderie and develop friendships.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet new people,” he said.

There’s also a constant atmosphere of cooperation and friendly competition, he said.

Crosson made a similar point.

“It’s the aloha spirit that everyone conveys,” he said.

And while tempers might occasionally flare for a brief second or two out of a competitive spirit, Woods said, everyone gets what the tournament’s about.

“We’re here to have some fun,” Woods said. “It’s relaxed — it’s Hawaii.”