Mayor Roth signs Bill 103, naming the James “Jimmy” Correa Ballfield

Mayor Mitch Roth announced Thursday the signing of Bill 103, which will designate the ballfield within the Dr. Francis F.C. Wong Stadium in the Ho‘olulu Complex as the James “Jimmy” Correa Ballfield.

The bill, co-introduced by Council Members Ashley Kierkiewicz and Sue Lee Loy, marks a significant moment for the community as it pays homage to Correa’s many contributions to the sport of baseball and the lives he touched.

The initiative to recognize Correa gained momentum months ago, driven by a committee comprised of prominent sports figures and community leaders. Efforts to honor him culminated in a petition bearing over 1,000 signatures, a testament to the widespread reverence for his impactful legacy.

Bill 103 will go into effect on June 15, coinciding with what would have been Correa’s 105th birthday, symbolizing a fitting tribute to his enduring spirit.

“Jimmy was coaching people and transforming their lives before statehood,” said Sue Lee Loy in a press release. “To have the opportunity to name this field at Ho‘olulu Complex, amidst other revered facilities, is a perfect honor for him. He stands among pillars of servant leadership that have shaped our community over time.”

Council Member Kierkiewicz reflects on Correa’s profound influence, remarking, “Mr. Correa’s life truly embodied the spirit of the game. He dedicated himself to service, empowering the youth of our Hawai‘i Island community, instilling virtues of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.”

The Correa ‘Ohana expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon their revered family figure. Jimmy’s son, James Correa, reflected, “It’s a glorious day because he deserved this, and he really would have appreciated it.”

Ramon Goya, a retired University of Hawai‘i at Hilo athletic director and founding father of the Vulcans intercollegiate athletic program, who served on the committee, shares his sentiments, “I feel very grateful. I had a chance to play for Jimmy and coach with him. He was like my stepfather.”

“Jimmy has cultivated a generation of individuals on Hawai‘i Island, gaining recognition across the United States and worldwide for their contributions to baseball. This legacy began with trailblazers like Jimmy, who played a pivotal role in elevating Hawai‘i’s presence on the global stage. It’s an honor to memorialize him and his legacy,” Mayor Roth remarked.

Correa was a baseball coach for St. Joseph School, Colt League and senior leagues.

He also played for the Hawaiian All-Stars in the 1950’s, interacting with MLB legends such as Yogi Berra.

Correa mentored prominent hitting coach Kaha Wong — father of the MLB’s Kolten and Kean Wong — and longtime UH-Hilo coach and former atheltic director Joey Estrella.

Correa has been called the “Father of Hilo baseball.”

Correa’s grandson, Kainoa Correa, is the fielding coordinator for the MLB’s Cleveland Guardians (formerly known as the Cleveland Indians) — and has a storied history of MLB and college coaching, which includes him being the interim manager for the San Francisco Giants after the firing of Gabe Kapler last spring.

Editor’s note: All quotes are from a Hawai‘i County press release.