Philadelphia Phillies postseason record holder for most RBI in a single playoffs, Shane Victorino, paid a return visit to his home in Hawaii last week and everywhere the Pineapple Express went, a gigantic crowd of Shane-revelers were sure to follow. As you might imagine, even his most mundane appearances were covered ad nauseam by the local media.

Individually, most of these stories weren’t necessarily post-worthy, but when combined together — it’s like one giant mishmash of Shane. And that’s always entertaining. So please enjoy this compilation of Victorino news items that I threw together…

VICTORINO THROWS OUT THE FIRST PITCH IN HAWAII’S WINTER LEAGUE

Prior to a game featuring the Honolulu Sharks vs. the Waikiki BeachBoys at Les Murakami Stadium, the Gold Glove centerfielder tossed out the ceremonial first pitch to Waipi’o Little Leaguer Pikai Winchester. (fantastic name, btw)

It was a big honor for Shane, who always wanted to play in the Winter Leagues, but it was shut down in 1997. The league returned in 2006. However, the squad Shane used to go see play — the Maui Stingrays — aren’t represented this time around.

“To be in a position to do that is an honor and I keep saying that a lot of these things that I’m doing, I feel honored. I’ve come a long way, coming from a place like Maui, being able to do this and bring a community together and give back to a community is always a great thing.”

Shane Victorino returns home | KHNL NBC8
Photo credit: Rebecca Breyer/The Honolulu Advertiser

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A TRIPLE SHOT OF SHANE’S MALL APPEARANCE

The Lahaina Cannery Mall was Shane’s next stop. That’s where he was scheduled for a one hour meet-and-greet with locals at the grand opening of a Hawaiian Island Creations surf shop and sign his autograph for the first 300 kids who showed up.

Here are a couple pics which make it seem like everything went off without a hitch:

But despite the looks that all went smoothly with the signing, at least one mother present was perturbed by the “false advertising” and decided to send a letter to The Maui News. It read:

Welcome home to Maui’s own Shane Victorino. His visit to the Lahaina Cannery Mall was advertised in a way that indicated first 300 kids there would receive a free autographed picture of Shane.

It was never stated that that was all the autographs he was going to give out. Wow! My son was so excited that he emptied his school book bag to allow Shane to sign that instead of a picture. However, we were kicked out of line stating that only those 300 who had tickets were allowed to get an autograph.

I have never seen my son break down emotionally with large tears that he even made me cry. As humble as he is as an individual, he only wanted a signature from one of his many heroes. This one-time visit left my son with a heavy heart.

Maybe next time, the tickets should be given to the children like it was advertised and not to the many adults who waved their yellow tickets in my son’s face.

Raynette Romo
Lahaina

I actually feel bad for Shane in this situation. Although the poor wittle kid didn’t get his signature, Victorino was doing a good service for the people of Lahaina by showing up at their mall. He was scheduled for one hour and promised 300 autographs. He fulfilled his duties — which I heard he got upwards of $10,000 G’s a piece for — and then he’s gotta deal with crying families who felt slighted. Suck it up, lady. If your kid wanted to meet Shane that bad you should have showed up a couple hours earlier.

Victorino to meet fans in Lahaina next week | The Maui News
Victorino receives warm welcome home | The Maui News
Misleading advertising leads to heartbreak | The Maui News

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MAUI COUNTY COUNCIL IS PHILLIES TERRITORY

A week after the Lahania Mall debacle (and shortly after his charity golf outing), Victorino was honored by the Maui County Council, where it just so happens his father is on the board. Michael Victorino, his pop, took pride in the ceremony:

“Maui County can be proud. The state can be proud,” he said. “I know our family is proud.”

Told you.

Council members other than his father later smothered him while he signed Fightin’ Phils rally towels and got lei’d:

After a quick wardrobe change, Mayor Charmaine Tavares presented the Maui-born MLB’er with a proclamation in a public ceremony on the front lawn of the Kalana O Maui Building as he was mobbed by fans:

Council honors hometown star | The Maui News
Fans come out to mark ‘Shane Victorino Day’ | The Maui News

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Finally, here’s video from KHNL NBC8 where Shane sits through an interview on the local news. It was sort of an un-Shane like interview, being that he only dropped “No Questions Asked” two times. Check it out anyway:

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