Flyin' in for their Hawaiian

For Mike Victorino, preparing to watch a World Series half a world away was about more than just booking flights and hotel rooms and securing game tickets.

Victorino, father of Phillies centerfielder Shane Victorino, knew he had to ready the 40 family members traveling from Hawaii and Alaska to Philadelphia for the special breed of fan that awaited them at Citizens Bank Park. In other words: This is the city where fans tossed snowballs at Santa Claus.

"Bar none, I think the fans in Philadelphia are the most passionate, the most dedicated - sometimes maybe a little over the edge - but who's keeping track?" Mike Victorino said, laughing. "I love this town."

Philadelphia has come to adore Shane Victorino, scrappy spark plug of a centerfielder. Seeing him play here, in the biggest series of his life, was nonnegotiable for the group so large it needed a tour bus to get to the ballpark.

"The family would not miss it," said Mike Victorino, an insurance executive and Maui County official. "Everybody will tell you this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You've got to savor the moment."

From Uncle Sheldon to cousin Leigh, they spent from 18 to 25 hours on flights, then donned Phillies shirts and caps and took to the stands with more than a little wonder at a stadium overrun with Victorino paraphernelia.

Securing tickets for 40 was a challenge, but the group scrambled, and found seats throughout the ballpark.

Leigh Tonari, Shane's cousin from Honolulu, waited out the rain delay with a box of popcorn. "We just saw this guy with a white T-shirt and a lei," Tonari said. "It said, 'Flyin' Hawaiian.' Unbelievable."

Tonari had been to Philadelphia once before, in the 1970s. But his wife, Celeste, had never visited. They considered booking a much less complicated trip to Los Angeles, but opted to hope and wait for the big show. The fans they met in the stands convinced them their decision was the right one.

"They're teaching us how to cheer with the rally towels," Leigh Tonari said. "This place is crazy. People keep talking to us about how much they love Shane."

Michael, Shane's look-alike older brother, had been to Philadelphia before, but had never seen a city so amped up.

"It's an honor to have my little brother playing in the big leagues, and in the World Series," he said.

In some ways, the army of Victorinos was just like any other group of tourists. The ladies spent a rainy afternoon shopping in Center City. Some arrived in South Philadelphia early to catch the Flyers game, having seen hockey only on television.

Today, they will head to the Eagles game, and later in the week they plan to see the Liberty Bell, Constitution Center and Independence Hall.

And, yes, they tried cheesesteaks. They approved. (The traffic they could do without, though.)

The Victorinos appreciate Philadelphia, they said, and not just because of the historic sights. There's a Hawaiian word, hanai, that means adopted - family not related by blood, but taken in and loved anyway. Shane's parents say he has a city full of hanai family.

"As a mother, I feel so relieved to know that Shane is in good hands, that people love Shane for himself," said Joycelyn Victorino, a woman with an easy smile.

Making his way through a packed concourse, Mike Victorino got stopped multiple times for photos and congratulatory handshakes.

"This is great," he said. "These fans are so excited."

He's not underestimating the Tampa Bay Rays, but he's hoping for a parade - for the city, for his son.

"We've always supported Shane through thick and thin," Mike Victorino said, "but now we hope for the ultimate in baseball: a World Series championship."