| The Oahu AJA Baseball Association which began play in 1924, opens its 85th season on Sunday December 16, 2012 with two doubleheaders starting from 10am at Patsy Mink Central Oahu Regional Park (PMCORP) baseball fields. Opening ceremonies will begin at approximately 12:45pm between games. The ceremony will honor the 442 Regimental Combat Team (RCT) and includes the veterans throwing out the ceremonial 1st pitch to open AJA Baseball’s 109th year and to commemorate the 442 RCT 70th Anniversary celebration put on by the Sons & Daughters of the 442 RCT and acknowledge AJA baseball’s integral part of AJA history and communities in Hawaii. |
| Defending State AJA Baseball & Oahu AJA Baseball Association Champion Waialae will attempt to win its 4th straight Oahu championship and 5th in the last 6 years to tie the record of 4 straight Oahu championships set by the powerhouse Waipahu franchise in the 1950s. The 16 game regular season features games played on Sundays mostly at Hans L’Orange field in Waipahu and the Ala Wai baseball field in Honolulu and games played on weeknights at Hans L’Orange, PMCORP and Ala Wai. The new six team double elimination Championship Tournament is scheduled to begin February 17, 2013.
For the first time in recent memory, the Executive Board is led by former AJA baseball players such as President Wally Izumigawa, League Manager Glen Higa, returning Board members Eddie Hayashi (56 years of AJA baseball experience starting as a batboy in the 1960s), Tom Ishigo (40+ years in AJA baseball) and Treasurer Randy Inaba, former UH and Sheridan All Star ballplayer. Ken Takata (92 years young), Bert Yasui and Wendell Koga, Board members since 1970s, continue to provide dedicated service. |
| Waialae, managed once again by Karl Sadanaga and Kenny Nakamoto, returns virtually their entire championship squad, led by League Most Valuable Player & Most RBI Chris Mols, two time Most Outstanding Player State AJA Baseball Tournament (2010, 2012) Chad Itokazu, Most RBI 2012 State AJA Baseball Tournament AD Mols, and All Stars Kevin Higa & Mike Higa. Davin Morita, the Most Outstanding Player of the 2011 State AJA Baseball Tournament along with workhorse pitchers Ryan Murakami and Randy Castillo return to anchor a solid staff.
Pearl City, 2nd place finisher in the playoff tournament, is led by new manager Darryl Nitta. Old timer All Star Designated Hitter Derrick Fujioka and brother Kevin Fujioka returns with two time Most Valuable Player Sean Yamashita and batterymate Kip Matsuda, former Mid-Pac and Long Beach star. Jayson Kramer, former UH & Mid Pacific pitcher leads its staff. Manager of the Year McCully’s Steve Otani returns with All Star 3rd baseman Colby Ho, veterans Duane Ito, Mason Suga, Gainor Nitta and the Uehara brothers (Scott, Andy, John). The pitching staff is led by former UH pitcher/outfielder Harrison Kuroda, workhorse Alvin Estes and veteran Jim Okano. |
| Returning manager Lon Tanigawa returns with a veteran squad led by League Most Inspirational Player & 7 time All Star catcher Shay Hirota, two time All Star 2nd baseman Doug Shimokawa and 6 time All Star and former Home Run champion Reid Matsushima. Veterans Kevin Matsumoto, Kyle Izumigawa & defensive wizard Bryce Uegawachi will lend a hand. Pitching will be led by All Star & Most Wins Jason Takamoto and Paul Kometani, former Texas Ranger farmhand.
Waipahu, led by new manager Blane Muraoka, returns a strong core of veteran players led by former three time Most Valuable Player (2009, 2010, 2011), All Star & Best ERA Shaun Kiriu; Home Run leader Zach Kometani, former All Star shortstop Landon Nakata, brothers Kaipo & Moku Paiva (AJA career Home Run leader), brothers Chace & Chevas Numata, perennial All Star Derek Costigan, old timer Nelson Inabata (former UH outfielder) & Mark Veneri. Long-time manager Fred Higa, returns to run Ewa on the field. He looks once again to AJA career stolen base champion, All Star & Most Runs scored leader Devin Oshiro, veterans Brad Taura, Jon Sakurai, Colby Kagawa, Ryan Tanabe, Brandon Tanaka, Brandon Yamamoto, Reid Goto & Lorin Nakagawa to lead Ewa back to the top. Former Championship Tournament Most Outstanding Player pitcher Adam Inaba, workhorse All Star pitcher Travis McGaughy & veteran Brandon Kameoka lead its pitching staff. |
| Strikeout leader Austin Sloan with workhorse veteran Eric Awaya return to lead Manager Stephen Kato’s Manoa pitching staff. Brothers Justin & Kevin Khan return along with veterans Galen Komo, Allen Komori, Bryson Tajiri, Bryan Tanabe, Kyle Yanabu, Grant Yamaguchi & Ryan Tamashiro.
Kaneohe, rebuilding with youth and the energy of Kaneohe old-time coaches Sheldon Murata, Clint Takekawa & Jeff Akamine, lead a young squad of Kaneohe natives led by All Star & Batting Champion Paul Nishimura, veterans Collin Kaneshiro, Logan Joseph, Kai Higa, Brandon Ogimi, Noa Okinaka & workhorse pitchers Baba Ching, Kapono Chang and Evan Kaneshiro. Mililani with new manager Chad Uyehara, looks to compete with All Star outfielder Waylen Sing Chow, former All Star Sean Murphy and its makule core, led by former batting champion Gordon Ishihiro, Lloyd Omori, Lane Inamine, Ron Mendiola, and father-son combo of Mike & Sean Milan and new recruits. |