LIHUE — The 2014 season is underway. And for Makaweli Indians player Bradley Chiba, Opening Day marked the continuation of a family affair. It introduced the fourth generation of the Chiba family to the Kauai Americans of Japanese Ancestry baseball
LIHUE — The 2014 season is underway.
And for Makaweli Indians player Bradley Chiba, Opening Day marked the continuation of a family affair. It introduced the fourth generation of the Chiba family to the Kauai Americans of Japanese Ancestry baseball league.
“My grandfather, Ichi, couldn’t be here today because he’s helping clean the church,” Bradley said of the ongoing tradition. “But my son is here.”
Sunday marked the opening of the 84th season of AJA Baseball. The ceremonies took place between one of three opening games for the 2014 campaign.
“I see a lot of new faces,” said Tom Shigemoto, president of the Kauai AJA league. “These younger players give hope that a tradition started 84 years ago will continue.”
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., helping by rendering the national anthem when the electronics failed, said there is a need to continue to hold on to some of the traditional values.
“It’s good to see the transition and perpetuation of ethnic culture and tradition where the young join with the elders to continue this sport which started 84 years ago,” Carvalho said. “Early in the spring of 2014, Kauai will be hosting the state AJA baseball tournament.”
Shigemoto acknowledged Carvalho’s message, noting that transcending the game of baseball, the AJA is about relationships and respect.
Joining Shigemoto on the leadership board, Brian Yamase and Mel Nishihara serve as the vice president, Gerald Ako as secretary, Russell Maeda as treasurer, and Earl Miyao is the league commissioner.
Kainoa Santos was acknowledged as the 2013 Most Valuable Player, was joined by player/coach Peter Ishibashi in accepting the championship trophy for the Kalaheo Farmers Sunday.
Ako said in addition to Kalaheo, the league champions in 2013, the league features the Waimea Tsunami under the leadership of Garrett and Kevin Agena, the Hanapepe Rivermen under Leroy Nonaka, Lihue under Curtis Matsumura, Kapaa under the coaching brothers Ikaika and Kainoa Pezario and the Makaweli Indians under Russell Nakata and Nishihara’s coaching.
Games are played on Sundays at Vidinha Stadium and, following the Kauai Interscholastic Federation soccer season, at Hanapepe Stadium.
There is no charge to view any of the games.
Sunday Makaweli will open the twin-bill at Vidinha by taking on the defending champion Kalaheo starting at 10 a.m. Kapaa takes on Hanapepe at 1 p.m.
Waimea Tsunami will host Lihue in a single game at Hanapepe Stadium starting at 11 a.m.
