![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.fastpitchwest.com\/images_photos\/kona_300.jpg\")
\nName: 26th BOB RAPP MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT
\nDate: February 18-20, 2006
\nLocation: Wong & Victor Stadiums – Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island)
\nTeams : 18 (maximum)
\nFormat: Double elimination – 3 game guarantee.
\nEntry fee: $300 us dollars.
\nDeadline: JAN. 5 2006
\nClassification: OPEN<\/p>\n
Contact Person:
\nDerrick Imai
\nKats Athletic Club
\n757 Ho’olala Place
\nHilo, Hawaii 96720
\nPh: 808-959-2164<\/p>\n
For hotel\/accomodations\/car rental info:<\/p>\n
James Hirayama
\n Player \/ Coach Hilo A’s
\n Ph: 808-960-0748
\n email: jameshirayama@aol.com<\/p>\n
This is the 26th Annual Bob Rapp Memorial Fastpitch Tournament celebrating the memory of a great local Hawaii pitcher who passed away on the mound while doing what he loved to do. There is already a commitment from 2 Japanese Teams and a California team. The Hilo A’s (defending Tournament Champs) will have the services of World Class throwers Colin MacKenzie and Robbie O’Brien and the catching prowess of brother Shaun O’Brien. One of the Japanese Teams is Waseda University featuring Japanese National Team pitcher, Yukinori Nakashima. Waseda recently won the NAFA 2005 AA World Series. There are about 6 local Hawaii Teams and hopefully more mainland squads will get the itch to leave the Winter doldrums and play ball in paradise. Hilo, Hawaii is a less-touristed, fishing industrial port town located on the Big Island (aka The island of Hawaii) about 35 minutes from Volcano National Park. An inter-island flight of 35 minutes from Honolulu gets you there. It is a lush verdant area with waterfalls and awesome nature. The locals guys have great hospitality (aloha) and will have barbecues galore. The Kona Coast is located about an hour and a half on the other side of the Island is home to world class resorts, beaches and golf courses. Whale watching will also be in season during February.<\/p>\n
Come check out the local Hawaiian flavor!<\/p>\n
Aloha,<\/p>\n
Jeremy Spear<\/p>\n
P.S. I’ll be coming out of retirement to suit up with the Hilo A’s.<\/p>\n
Editor’s note:<\/strong> I played in this one in 1981 (you do the math \ud83d\ude09 ) I can tell you from first-hand experience that this is a tournament and trip you will not forget. Mark Bennett also played in this tournament a couple of years ago, if you want to hear stories of a more recent vintage. <\/em><\/p>\n