Bears a surprise as baseball’s top seed

Fans aren’t alone in their surprise about Baldwin having the Division I top seed in this week’s Wally Yonamine/HHSAA State Baseball Championships.

"Definitely surprised by Baldwin getting the first seed," said coach Kevin Yee of the defending champion Waiakea Warriors. "Because the tournament’s on Maui, I can see why."

It’s tough to measure the value of having home-field advantage, but that’s what the Bears — and MIL runner-up Maui — will have. But some fans are wondering if Baldwin’s No. 1 seed is a maneuver to get more interest at the gate.

"I have mixed feelings about it," Baldwin coach Jon Viela said. "The No. 1 seed always gets a good draw, so that’s the benefit, but on the flip side, everyone’s out to beat No. 1. I really think that the playing field is really even throughout the state. We welcome the No. 1, but for me, personally, I like to be the underdog."

Baldwin has enjoyed success at the state tourney in recent years, including last year’s runner-up finish, which is a big plus to the HHSAA seeding committee.

"It’s not because of who we are this year, but what we’ve done in the past," Viela said. "But I don’t think we were going to be No. 1 if Waiakea won. Us being at home was part of it. I don’t know."

Whatever the case, the tourney promises to have parity.

"I think Mid-Pacific will win out," said Saint Louis coach George Gusman, whose team fell a win short of the tourney.

Freshman pitcher Chase Wago is a big bonus for the Owls, he said.

"We hit him pretty good the first time we played them, but he changed his style. Instead of challenging, he was middle here, off-speed, off-speed, curveball," Gusman said. "He’s pitching like (Mid-Pac’s) Ivan Dilda did (last year)."

Harrison, Medeiros picked for big event

Punahou catcher K.J. Harrison and Waiakea outfielder/pitcher Kodi Medeiros have been invited to the Perfect Game National Showcase.

The event will be held in Minneapolis, June 13-17.