When the Pearl City team captured the Junior World Series last Saturday, the players represented not only themselves, their parents and the state, but also the previous Pearl City teams that competed with as much commitment, but fell short of winning the junior championships the past three seasons.

No doubt, the team drew inspiration from these runners-up, and after three tries for the coveted title, the fourth time was indeed a charm.

The Junior World Series is often overshadowed by the more popular Little League World Series, which takes place in Williamsport, Pa. Still, qualifying for the Junior Series is no small feat.

"These players are champions already," said World Series Director Greg Bzura. "Each team has to win a regional or national championship just to qualify for the world series. The teams from the U.S. had to beat other state champions. The international teams had to defeat teams from their own countries and other national champions."

In the end, the Pearl City team faced off with the Philippines, defeating them 6-2. After the win, manager Mitchell Yamato told The Advertiser: "I don't know how many people believe in it, but I believe in baseball gods."

Dedication and hard work surely played a part as well.

The sight of Pearl City celebrating its victory will not soon be forgotten. But at the junior level, it should also be remembered that the competition itself is the most important thing.

So, congratulations to the 2007 Pearl City team, and to the three squads that preceded it, who are champions in their own right.