Tribune-Herald Athlete of the Week: Nobu Yamauchi All-Star Ryan Ragual

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

It was far from a one-man show for the Nobu Yamauchi Junior All-Stars, who won their RBI baseball regional Sunday for the first time in 14 years.

It was far from a one-man show for the Nobu Yamauchi Junior All-Stars, who won their RBI baseball regional Sunday for the first time in 14 years.

Coach Tony De Sa points to Jacob Igawa’s work behind the plate, Casey Yamauchi’s all-around play (defense/leadoff bat/relief pitching) and the glove work and clutch hitting of Logan Respicio as just some of the contributing factors as Hawaii finished 4-1 in Santa Ana, Calif.

The list goes on and on – Donald Saltiban delivered quality innings on the mound and two home runs – but the nod goes to Ragual, who stole the show in the championship game, pitching a five-hitter with seven strikeouts and clubbing his third home run of the tournament as Nobu Yamauchi beat Arizona 10-1.

5 questions

Favorite song: “Alive,” by The Green

Favorite food: Chicken Katsu

Favorite sports role model: Mike Trout

What makes you happy: Besides family and baseball – fishing, detailing cars and riding ATVs

Favorite cartoon character: SpongeBob SquarePants

Nominate an Athlete of the Week, at www.hawaiitribune-herald.com