Covering the Kaua‘i Senior Softball game between the Keonimana Gents and the Hanama‘ulu Hillsiders Saturday afternoon was a pleasant reminder that Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation spring sports season is closing in on being in full swing.
Baseball and softball are both at a fluid pace that has made the game enjoyable to watch for decades.
As societal tastes continue to change by gravitating to violent contact sports like football, mixed martial arts and boxing, these sports have become box-office bonanzas that generate millions of dollars for prospective advertisers.
Football, in particular, has arguably surpassed baseball as the national sport, but the two games have not only carried through, they have sustained their popularity and cultural relevance, and have even thrived despite the changes.
That brings us full-circle to the success that the Hawai‘i baseball players have enjoyed over the years in both baseball and softball.
After interviewing newly appointed Kaua‘i High School head coach Spencer Yates, it was a reminder of the success of the baseball scene in Lihu‘e and Hawai‘i in general.
Spencer Yates is the middle brother of a baseball family with a long-standing tradition.
His older brother Tyler Yates maintained a five-year Major League Baseball career as a member of the Oakland Athletics, New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres.
Spencer Yates’ younger brother Kirby Yates is currently an active member of the San Diego Padres, led MLB in saves last year, and is one of the top-tier relievers in MLB today.
Spencer himself was a standout player for the Red Raiders during the mid-’90s, and played baseball at the University of Hawaii-Hilo.
Several active players that have made it to the MLB from Hawai‘i include Kean Wong and Kolten Wong (Hilo), Jordan Yamamoto (Pearl City), Kirby Yates (Lihu‘e), Kurt Suzuki (Wailuku), Isiah Kiner-Falefa (Honolulu), Marcus Hatley (Honolulu), Jacob Hannemann (Kahuku), Rico Garcia (Honolulu), Scott Feldman (Kailua) and Dustin Antolin (Mililani).
Former University of University of Hawai‘i and Kaua‘i High softball player Jessica Iwata broke several UH records during her time playing shortstop with them from 2009 to 2013.
Hawai‘i, like baseball and softball hotbeds in California and Florida, is blessed with warm weather that allows players of both sports to cultivate their talent year round. As I saw at the Kaua‘i Senior Softball league game Saturday, and I’ve seen at many KIF games, there is a competitive spirit and drive that will make covering both sports entertaining.
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Jason Blasco, sports reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or jblasco@thegardenisland.com.
