CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Move aside, Little Leaguers - these local guys are heading to Las Vegas for the Senior Softball World Masters Championship from Sept. 21 to 24. They are coach Jeffrey Lau; Gabriel Isayas, 76; Pat Brown, 78; Danny Lau, 89; and George Kaisan, 86.
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Boys of many summers
Keeping fit: Seniors play in baseball tourney
Danny Bow Tan Lau, one of the founders of the Finance Factors, has worn many hats throughout his 89 years, but a baseball cap has been an all-time favorite since he was a kid.
His love of the quintessential American sport has brought him two Senior Softball World Masters Championship rings (in 2000 and 2005), and he hopes he can win a third this month in Las Vegas.
He is taking his team to play Sept. 21-24 in the tournament. After playing on winning senior softball teams for more than 30 years, Lau formed the Hawaii Seniors when he turned 80.
This year, he is taking only five local men to play in the 80-plus division because his teammates are "dying off," he said. For the first time, mainland talent will make up the majority of his team. Two youngsters, ages 78 and 79, are also being allowed to fill the void, he added.
Lau, who stays in shape with racquetball, tennis, and golf every week, is modest about his role: "There are so many better players than me. I'm not in very good shape. I'm the oldest player on the team." What keeps him young, he jokes, is: "I look at beautiful girls."
He thinks about quitting, but the team would be at a loss without his management skills, sharpened by decades of corporate and community leadership. He still puts in a full week as Finance Factors' chairman and corporate secretary.
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Pat Brown, 78, is one of several Hawaii senior citizens who will be heading to Las Vegas to play in the Senior League Baseball World Series later this month.
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His executive leadership positions and dozens of awards take up several pages of a multifaceted bio. Among the numerous highlights are a Purple Heart from World War II, and Model Chinese Citizen of the Year (2003). Next month Lau will be one of several to win the inaugural Honolulu Forever Young award.
In spite of a bum leg, slammed by a ball a few weeks ago, he sticks it out in practice drills. Once a star batter and base stealer, Lau is now happy to slug a couple of hits per game and play the outfield.
George Kaisan, 86, of Kapahulu is as nimble and quick with his hands as well as his feet while fielding grounders and throwing balls. He attributes it to walking a mile every day and playing the game since he was a youngster.
"It's good exercise, it's fun, and I can afford it," he said. "I like getting out there, playing with the guys and having fun. I have something to look forward to, otherwise, it's: Get up, eat, sleep, watch TV. We all wait for that (weekly) softball day."
"I like to see different places I normally would not go to if it weren't for the tournament," added Kaisan, who's been playing in tournaments since 1984.
Pat Brown, 78, said baseball "keeps me alive. Most people when they retire sit around at McDonald's, drink coffee and tell lies. ... I just love it, I'm like a kid in high school who can't wait (to play)."
"We're going there (Las Vegas) to win it. I want a ring real bad before I die. Danny has two rings; I don't have one yet," said Brown, a former Hawaii Major Baseball League (of civilians and military teams) player for the Navy, and a competitor in other sports.
Other players making the trip include Joe Range of Haiku, Maui, age 88; Al Matsumoto, 84, and Bud Scott, 80, both of Honolulu.
Jeffrey Lau, a Honolulu attorney and Little League coach, has coached his father's team for the past seven years.
"I want him to keep playing to stay young. It's almost the reason for being at this age. It keeps them (all) active and competitive and enjoying life," he said.