OKINAWA, Japan - The Kubasaki Dragons triumphed against the Kadena Panthers in two of three games, one at Kadena Air Base May 6 and the other at Camp Foster May 7, retaining their title as the six-time Okinawa District high school baseball champions.
“[The district championship] is the culmination of our season in Okinawa. It’s what we’ve been working on since the start,” said Randy Toor, the Dragons’ head coach. “It’s a big match for us because we’re the only two [American baseball] teams on Okinawa. The boys get excited for this game because there is something at stake.”
During the first game of the championship, Kubasaki won with a score of 11-4. In the final game, the Dragons blew past the Panthers with a score of 15-5 after losing to them 17-11 in game 2. Winning the tournament gives Kubasaki the opportunity to compete in the Far East Baseball Tournament in the Republic of Korea.
This year, the Dragons overcame the obstacle of playing with only two veteran players. The rest were underclassmen.
“No one really knew each other, but we all managed to come together,” said Andrew Estes, the pitcher and most senior player on the team. “The coaches really contributed to our success.”
The championship reflected the teams’ strong rivalry. Players constantly cheered their teammates on to motivate them, hoping to overtake the competition.
“More than any other game or any other team, we want to beat these guys,” said Dave Compton, the Panthers’ varsity head coach.
The two teams compete against each other roughly six times per season and occasionally play against Japanese high school teams.
For Tyler Smith, a freshman with the Dragons, being able to play baseball with a team is a grand experience.
“I really enjoy being out here with everyone playing a sport we love,” said Smith, who has played baseball for 10 years. “We’re not playing for money – we’re playing for fun.”
Baseball demonstrates using teamwork to overcome obstacles, said Compton. Ultimately, it builds camaraderie to last a lifetime.
“These kids will remember each other way beyond high school,” he said.