At its meeting Friday, the Maui County Council adopted Resolution 13-130 honoring Boston Red Sox player Shane Victorino for winning the 2013 Major League Baseball World Series.
Shane is the son of Councilmember Michael P. Victorino and Joycelyn Victorino of Wailuku and was born and raised on Maui, where he attended Saint Anthony School. Shane, known for his speed on the base paths and in the outfield, has been nicknamed “the Flyin’ Hawaiian” for most of his MLB career.
Shane was instrumental in sending the Red Sox to the World Series as he hit a game-winning grand slam over Fenway Park’s “Green Monster” in the bottom of the seventh inning of sixth and final game of the American League Championship Series on Oct. 19. Boston, which won the game 5-2, had been trailing 2-1 in the game before Shane’s home run.
“I could almost hear Mike screaming when Shane made that grand slam,” Councilmember Mike White said jokingly in reference to his colleague Councilmember Victorino. “Congratulations to Shane and the Victorino family!”
In the decisive 6th game of the World Series on Oct. 30, Shane again had the game-winning hit, with a three-run double in the third inning that gave Boston a 3-0 on the way to a 6-1 victory. Shane finished the game with two hits and four runs batted in.
Councilmember Don S. Guzman said that Shane “has strong family values” and credits Shane’s parents. “Shane remembers his roots and gives time and energy back to the community. He inspires Hawaii’s youth to achieve great things,” he said.
“I enjoy watching the Flyin’ Hawaiian,” Councilmember Stacy Crivello said. “I give kudos to Mike and Joycelyn for providing a solid foundation for their children to thrive.”
“He is a fast kid,” Councilmember Donald G. Couch, Jr. said. “He is a spirited athlete, and I extend my congratulations for all his achievements.”
Shane received National League Gold Glove Awards in 2008, 2009 and 2010 while playing for the Philadelphia Phillies, with whom he won a World Series in 2008. He also won an American League Gold Glove this year.
He was named to the NL All-Star team in 2009 and 2011 and was the league leader in triples in 2009 and 2011.
“I’m very proud of this boy,” Council Vice-Chair Robert Carroll said. “He is one that walks the walk and talks the talk.”
Council Chair Gladys C. Baisa expressed her appreciation and thanked Shane’s parents for “raising a wonderful son.”
Councilmember Victorino joined his wife at the podium to accept the resolution on behalf of their son.
“If my son was here, he would say that he is humbled,” Councilmember Victorino said. “I know my son is not always really the biggest, tallest, fastest, but he persevered through the years, and his achievements speak volumes about him and his dedication.
“My wife and I always taught him to give back – you don’t take, you always give back – and Shane has proven that in this community. That’s why we are proud of him.”
The Shane Victorino Foundation is holding a series of events on Maui this month, including a golf tournament and a clinic. The foundation promotes educational, recreational and wellness opportunities for underserved youth.
Joycelyn Victorino thanked the Council members and the community for their support. “We didn’t raise Shane alone,” she said. “We had help from family, friends, coaches and everyone in this community.”
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