Due to unusual circumstances surrounding permits in the early part of the Spring 2024 season, the Maui Adult Baseball League game schedule has gotten off to a slow start, with teams receiving frequent off-weeks over the course of the first month and a half. That’s about to change with a packed schedule in March, which includes 20 games at Maehara Stadium.
The La Perouse Pirates (3-0) and Upcountry Dirtbags (2-0) enter March with the only unblemished records. The Pirates pulled out a pair of one-run wins in extra innings — against the Kihei Centipedes and West Maui Brewers — and beat the Kaanapali Coast Monarchs by two runs on February 4. The Dirtbags picked up a pair of comfortable wins by defeating the Brewers and the Nahiku Gorillas in their only games.
Despite the sporadic opportunities thus far, a number of players have hit the ground running, with performances that would be considered anything but a “slow start”. The following players are recognized as MABL Player of the Month nominees for their performances during the months of January and February. The Player of the Month for February is presented by Sail Maui.
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The candidates listed were selected based on their performances up to this point of the season, with no more than one candidate per team. Voting is open to players, fans, and family, and is limited to 1 vote per individual.
Tim Brown made his MABL debut with the Dirtbags on February 18, and turned in a dominant performance against the Gorillas. The big right-hander earned the win, striking out 9 batters over 5 innings, scattering only 3 hits and walking none. Brown’s game score of 70 was the top pitching performance of the young season.
Brian Christina leads the league in runs (6), RBIs (7), and stolen bases (6) through the first month plus of the season, pacing a Monarchs’ offense that is averaging more than 10 runs a game. Christina has a .556/.667/.667 AVG/OBP/SLG slash line and an RC of 5.9, 95% better than the league average over that span.
The Brewers’ Bailey Garcia has started his MABL career with 4 hits in two games, including a pair of doubles for a .571/.700/.857 AVG/OBP/SLG slash line. Garcia’s 1.557 OPS is third in the league among qualified hitters. On the mound, he has fanned 7 batters over 3.0 innings, allowing a minuscule 0.67 WHIP and .182 opponents average over that span.
Much of the Pirates’ early season success can be attributed to the outstanding pitching performances they have received to date. LHP Mike Gilligan has lead the way going 2-0 and striking out a batter an inning over 13.0 IP. Gilligan’s 0.92 WHIP ranks first among qualified pitchers, highlighted by an outstanding 3.8 BB%.
After a couple seasons away from the league, Josh Hansen has returned with a scorching hot bat. One of the longest-tenured members of the Centipedes, Hansen is leading the league with 7 hits through 3 games, with a .583/.615/.667 AVG/OBP/SLG slash line, 5 runs scored, and 4 stolen bases.
Check out the stats page for complete hitting and pitching stats for every player in the league, and cast your vote below for the MABL Player of the Month for February 2024. The poll will remain open through March 5.
Vote for the MABL Player of the Month
- Brian Christina (51%, 150 Votes)
- Josh Hansen (38%, 114 Votes)
- Tim Brown (6%, 17 Votes)
- Mike Gilligan (3%, 10 Votes)
- Bailey Garcia (2%, 6 Votes)
Total Voters: 297
Waay to go u big stud!! Woohoo Joshua, ur a superstar to me, Always!! Gooo Pedes!!
Go Uncle Josh!
Josh Hansen is something else! He gets my vote devoted father, friend, and one hell of a baseball player someone get this man a contract!
Josh Hansen is exciting to watch and makes going to the game a fun outing for my family!
Brian Christina is one of the best players and he deserves to win this award after the hard work he has done for his team he even makes sure he balances family and the game and is great at both. Vote Brian!
Go Brian
Hands down the best teammate I’ve ever played with.
Killin it Hansen! Love it bro. This guy deserves a medal just as a human being. Rootin for you man! ☀️️
Go uncle josh!
Great work from all of you.