Mel Chiba was 15 years old, a sophomore at Waimea High School. His dad, Ichiro, was catching for the Makaweli Indians when Mel was inserted in the top of the eighth inning against the Kapa‘a Homesteaders. Mel pitched two innings
Mel Chiba was 15 years old, a sophomore at Waimea High School.
His dad, Ichiro, was catching for the Makaweli Indians when Mel was inserted in the top of the eighth inning against the Kapa‘a Homesteaders.
Mel pitched two innings of shutout ball to his dad 45 years ago, the first time in the history of Americans of Japanese Ancestry baseball that a father-son battery took place.
Today, Mel is the CEO and President of the Kaua‘i Community Federal Credit Union and Ichiro continues to bring food from the Makaweli Indians’ camp to the battery of scorekeepers and officials in the press box.
Both individuals will be honored during the 75th Annual State AJA Baseball tournament, which opens at 10 a.m. today and continues through Sunday at Vidinha Stadium.
“Kaua‘i is honored to host this noteworthy event which pays tribute to the Japanese culture while fostering good sportsmanship, new friendships and healthy competition,” said Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. in a letter to the league.
The public is invited to the tournament, which features an AJA team from O‘ahu, Maui and the Big Island competing for the state title along with host Kaua‘i who will field an all-star team built around the nucleus of Kaua‘i AJA champions Hanapepe Rivermen.
At 10 a.m., Kaua‘i will host the Maui Daimyo in the first of two games.
Following that game, O‘ahu’s Waialae will go up against the Big Island champions Keaukaha Warriors starting at 1:30 p.m.
Formal opening ceremonies will take place between the Saturday games with Kaua‘i Mayor Carvalho delivering the keynote address.
Final round takes place Sunday with the consolation game starting at 9 a.m. and the championship game starting at 11:30 a.m.
“Team sports such as baseball benefits our youth as they help connect players with their peers while developing leadership skills, confidence, discipline and healthy exercise habits,” said Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona in a joint message to the Hawai‘i AJA Baseball Association. “With all-star teams representing O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island, this year’s tournament promises to be an exciting event.”
The AJA Association enjoys a long and rich history in our state dating back to 1930, the governor said.
O‘ahu’s Ewa took the state AJA title in 2009. Maui’s Daimyo held the title in 2008. Kaua‘i’s last state title came in 1982 when the Makaweli Indians were crowned state champions.
