Purple and gold is going to be a very familiar sight at Patsy Mink Central Oahu Regional Park this academic year.
Hanalani is branching out to the diamond to field its first varsity and intermediate baseball teams.
A lot of energy is going into its fledgling baseball program, which has 16 varsity players, 16 intermediate players, and ILH D-II coach of the year Brian Tsutsui, formerly of Pac-Five.
The field is less than three miles from the school campus. Prior to this, Hanalani players suited up for Pac-Five, which also practices at CORP. Tsutsui’s role at Hanalani is a natural fit; his son, Matthew, plays first base for the Royals.
Athletic director Keoni Haole is optimistic.
“We’re not going to be one year and done,” he said, adding that the school is thinking about acquiring a new van to accommodate growing needs.
My Grandson plays for Royals Baseball – Kevin Simmons.