Joey Salvador
Joey Salvador
School: Kohala
Sport: Baseball
Performance: Some past winners in this space have put the exclamation points on outstanding seasons at the HHSAA tournament.
Not Salvador. His singular performance came, seemingly out of nowhere, in the second game of the regular season.
Passersby last Wednesday afternoon at Walter Victor Stadium might have been surprised to see the home team, Hilo, trailing the Cowboys.
The Tribune-Herald sure was, rushing a photographer and reporter to arrive just in time to witness the tail end of Salvador’s handiwork. In his first high school start, the junior pitched a five-hitter as the Cowboys beat Hilo for the first time since 2006.
Salvador credited the rest of his team, but catcher Wily Perez and coach Pono Nakamura marveled at Salvador’s composure.
“He was unreal,” Nakamura said.
If Kohala (1-2) qualifies for the Division II playoffs this season, something that it couldn’t do last season, it will no doubt look back to Salvador’s performance as helping to pave the way.
5 questions
Favorite song: “Going Down For Real,” Flo Rida
What makes you happy: Being on the field and spending time with my family and friends. Oh, and the beach. LOL.
Favorite cartoon character: SpongeBob
Favorite food: Smoked meat
Favorite sports role model: Jim Abbott