Little League Honors ‘The Professor’

The Molokai Little League is hosting the District III 9-10 Minors tournament at Kaunakakai Ballpark. At the opening ceremonies last Saturday, a Molokai resident was honored for his 59 years of involvement in Little League as coach, umpire, scorekeeper and PA announcer at the local, district and state levels.

Filemon “David” Nanod. Photo by Rick Schonely

Filemon “David” Nanod was given the Little League’s Volunteer Award for his years of dedication. Known as “The Professor” of Molokai Little League Baseball, the 92-year-old is  also a Molokai National Guard veteran.

Many special people were on hand to celebrate and talk about Nanod, including Senator Kalani English, Representative Lynn DeCoite and Councilwoman Stacy Helm Crivello.

“David ‘the Professor’ Nanod served as Molokai’s Little League ‘Wikipedia’ of rules and regulations and as [the League’s] icon, he served with a wealth of knowledge and humility,” said Helm Crivello. “The Professor’s love for the game of baseball is imbedded at our Molokai parks with huge footprints of service.”

DeCoite agreed, calling Nanod a “role model.”

“David is a role model to all of Molokai and has given his life to the people of Molokai and our community,” she said. “He has been a community person and always supportive of our keiki and for that reason we recognize him for what he has done and contributed to our keiki in baseball.”

Molokai Little League. Photo by Rick Schonely

The tournament started last Friday and will end Tuesday with the championship game. On Friday, Maui Upcountry beat Central Maui 5-4 and on Satuday, West Maui bested Molokai 12-2, while Central Maui also had a 12-2 victory over Lanai, and Lanai was eliminated from the tournament. Molokai lost to Central Maui 15-4 in four innings on Sunday, and was also eliminated.

Molokai Little League and the County of Maui hosted the tournament and the teams, coaches, players and fans have all had a great time. The Molokai 11-12 Majors All-Stars will play in the District III championships this weekend at Kihei, Maui.