GM Walker calls in a few favors...
As the ladies settled into their plush first-class seats, they couldn't contain their excitement. "Can you believe this?" exclaimed Gertie. "I've never flown first class in my life!"
Betty, sitting next to her, agreed. "These seats are more comfortable than my living room sofa. And look at all the legroom!"
The flight attendants pampered them with gourmet meals and endless glasses of champagne. "I could get used to this," Beth said, raising her glass.
Upon landing in Honolulu, the ladies were greeted by GM James Walker and a welcoming committee of Hawaiian players, who adorned them with beautiful, fragrant leis. The players handed them ice-cold Brawndos, "the thirst quenchers," and one of the ladies couldn’t resist shouting the slogan, “It’s got what plants crave!”
As they shook hands with GM Walker, one of the ladies, Mary, couldn't stop asking, "Are you related to Walker, Texas Ranger?"
Chuckling, GM Walker replied, "No, ma'am, but I'll try to live up to the name."
GM Walker had gone all out for their visit. He had arranged for private helicopters to take them on an exclusive tour of the islands. As they boarded the helicopters, Beth kept asking, "When are we going to visit Magnum PI’s place?"
Their aerial tour was breathtaking. They soared over the stunning beaches of Waikiki, the lush greenery of the Na Pali Coast, and the majestic peaks of Mauna Kea. They marveled at the sight of cascading waterfalls and the vibrant coral reefs below. The ladies couldn’t stop taking pictures and exclaiming at the beauty of it all.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Gertie, her eyes wide with wonder. “This is paradise.”
After the helicopter tour, the ladies had some time to explore the island on foot. They visited the historic Pearl Harbor, paying their respects at the USS Arizona Memorial. They strolled through the bustling streets of Honolulu, enjoying the local markets and sampling delicious Hawaiian cuisine. Fresh poke bowls, succulent kalua pig, and sweet, juicy pineapples were among their favorites.
You just can't say no to these lovey ladies...
When it was time for the game at Iolani Palace, the excitement was palpable. The Tropics faced off against the Yellow Springs Nine. Despite Quintin Trewartha’s stellar performance, going 3 for 4 with 3 singles and scoring 2 runs, the Tropics fell to the Nine, 4-3. The turning point came in the top of the third inning when Raúl Morales hit a go-ahead, 3-run home run, giving the Nine a 4-1 lead.
“We came out on the wrong end of this one,” said Hawaii skipper Rich Kerr after the game.
The ladies cheered for the Tropics with all their might, enjoying the lively atmosphere of Iolani Palace. "Even though we didn't win, this has been such a fantastic experience," said Gertie.
After the game, they were treated to more of GM Walker’s hospitality. They dined on a lavish feast of traditional Hawaiian dishes and danced the night away to live music under the stars. They even had the chance to chat with some of the players, sharing stories and laughter.
As their Hawaiian adventure came to an end, the ladies couldn’t help but reflect on their incredible journey. “From the luxurious first-class flight to the breathtaking helicopter tour and the warm hospitality, this trip has been unforgettable,” said Gertie.
Mary, still grinning, added, “And to think, it all started with a question about Walker, Texas Ranger!”
With hearts full of joy and minds buzzing with the excitement of their Hawaiian escapade, Gertie’s Girls boarded their flight back to the mainland, already looking forward to their next adventure. As they soared through the skies, they knew that no matter where they went, their friendship and love for baseball would always lead to unforgettable memories.
