| The Oahu AJA Baseball Association which began play in 1924, opens its 86th season on Sunday December 15, 2013 with doubleheaders at 10am & 1pm at Patsy Mink Central Oahu Regional Park (CORP) and Hans L’Orange baseball fields. No Opening Day ceremonies were observed since games were split between two ballparks. No games are scheduled this season at the Ala Wai baseball field due to light pole construction and maintenance. | ||
| Defending State AJA Baseball & Oahu AJA Baseball Association Champion McCully returns to defend the title. The 16 game regular season features games played on Sundays & weeknights at Hans L’Orange field in Waipahu and CORP in Central Oahu. The new six team Championship Tournament is scheduled to begin February 23, 2013 and conclude March 3, 2014 with the winner moving on to the State AJA Championship Tournament on Kauai, April 5-6, 2014.The Executive Board returns, led by former AJA baseball players such as President Wally Izumigawa, League Manager Glen Higa, returning Board members Eddie Hayashi (57 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 (93 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, will attempt to win its 5th Oahu Championship in the last 7 years. They return many veterans led by 2011-12 League Most Valuable Player & Most RBI Chris Mols, two time Most Outstanding Player State AJA Baseball Tournament (2010, 2012), returning All Star 2nd Baseman Chad Itokazu, Most RBI 2012 State AJA Baseball Tournament AD Mols, returning All Star Outfielder Mark Okano and veterans Kevin Higa, Mike Higa, 2013 Stolen Base Leader David Chu, Brandon Kon and long time catcher Danny Nitahara. Davin Morita, the Most Outstanding Player of the 2011 State AJA Baseball Tournament along with returning All Star & Most Wins pitcher Ryan Murakami and veteran Randy Castillo & Josh Nakamura return to anchor a solid staff. Newcomers include Jay Chow, Kevin Fujii, Brandon Ikeda, Drayson Ito, Keoni Kapana, Keith Kunitake, Riley Maeda, Jaryn Nakamoto, Tyler Oda and Easton Takamoto. Pearl City manager Darryl Nitta returns with a veteran squad led by old timer All Star Designated Hitter Derrick Fujioka and brother Kevin Fujioka, two time Most Valuable Player Sean Yamashita and brothers Kip, 2013 All Star catcher, former Mid-Pac and Long Beach star and Chase Masuda. Slick fielding Chad Quillopo, Adam Tamashiro & Skyler Tengan lead a fine defensive infield. Jayson Kramer, former UH & Mid Pacific pitcher leads its staff along with Tyler Inouye, Daven Hermosura and newcomer Cory Yuh. Moving to PC from Waialae is Chris Loo. Old time returnees include Todd Jinbo, Jon Fukumoto, Justin Pate & Reid Uyehara.
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| Manager and two time 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 returning Home Run champion Reid Matsushima lead a veteran Sheridan squad. All Star outfielder Reid Nomura, veterans Kevin Matsumoto, Kyle Izumigawa, Jason Takamoto & defensive wizard Bryce Uegawachi will lend a hand. Newcomer Kale Sumner will add punch to the lineup.
Waipahu with 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 (2013) Shaun Kiriu; returning Most Valuable Player & Most RBI leader Zach Kometani, returning Batting Champ & All Star Danny Kimura, former All Star shortstop Landon Nakata, brothers Kaipo & Moku Paiva (AJA career Home Run leader), brothers Chace (2013 Utility All Star) & Chevas Numata, 2013 Most Inspirational Award winner Nelson Inabata (former UH outfielder), Mark Veneri & Tripper Chung. 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, Colby Kagawa, Ryan Tanabe, Brandon Tanaka, Brandon Yamamoto, Reid Goto, Lorin Nakagawa, Corey Giammalvo & Ryne Miyamoto 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. |
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| Strikeout leader Eric Lum with workhorse veteran Eric Awaya, Austin Sloan return to lead Manager Stephen Kato’s Manoa pitching staff. All Star shortstop Easton Torigoe, brothers Justin & Kevin Khan return along with veterans Galen Komo, Allen Komori, Bryson Tajiri, Bryan Tanabe, Kyle Yanabu, Grant Yamaguchi & Ryan Tamashiro. Jonny Sakurai, formerly of Ewa, joins Manoa this year.
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 former All Star & Batting Champion Paul Nishimura, veterans Collin Kaneshiro, Logan Joseph, Kai Higa, Brandon Ogimi, Noa Okinaka & workhorse pitchers Kapono Chang and Evan Kaneshiro. Mililani with new manager Chad Uyehara & coach Ryan Deguchi, looks to compete with All Star outfielder Waylen Sing Chow and many newcomers, among them former PC stars Keith “Koro” Tanaka and Myles Takahashi and old timer veteran Lane Inamine. |