Shane Victorino gave Hawai'i a lot to cheer about during the Philadelphia Phillies World Series championship season.

The cheers continued when the Gold Glove-winning center fielder was honored by Hawaii Winter Baseball before tonight's game between the Honolulu Sharks and Waikiki BeachBoys at Les Murakami Stadium.

It was the 1999 St. Anthony graduate's first public appearance on O'ahu since his season ended. He threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Waipio Little Leaguer Pikai Winchester.

"It's nice to be able to come home do and something like this," he said. "It's an honor, not only for Maui, myself or my family, but for the State of Hawai'i."

Although his postseason heroics were vital to the Phillies' success, Victorino downplayed his role.

"I just try to be myself and be the player that I am," he said. "Just go out there and work hard. That's what it's all about. I didn't want to be the hero. I just went out there every night to help my team."

Victorino will work out a couple days here before going to Maui to prepare for his fund-raising golf tournament, Shane Victorino's A Round to Remember, Saturday at the Maui Prince Makena Resort. It is a fund-raiser for the Alzheimer's Association Aloha Chapter, a cause close to Victorino's heart.

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