Pro baseball will be back in Hilo on Saturday – in a way. ADVERTISING Pro baseball will be back in Hilo on Saturday – in a way. Former UH-Hilo ace Jordan Kurokawa, now a minor leaguer in the Philadelphia Phillies
Pro baseball will be back in Hilo on Saturday – in a way.
Former UH-Hilo ace Jordan Kurokawa, now a minor leaguer in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, is slated to start against the Vulcans in their annual alumni game at 1 p.m. at Wong Stadium.
UH-Hilo coach Kallen Miyataki expects Kurokawa to work an inning, and he wants the hard-throwing right-hander to bring his best stuff.
“I told him I need you to start to give us a reality check,” Miyataki said.
Kurokawa became a poster boy for the program during his Vulcans career, epitomizing the type of under-the-radar recruit that Miyataki feels can flourish at UH-Hilo. Ignored by larger schools coming out of Maryknoll School on Oahu, Kurokawa put together a sterling senior season in 2016, fashioning a 2.95 ERA and striking out 67 batters in 67 innings.
He was drafted by the Phillies in the 28th round and spent the summer of 2016 in the Gulf Coast League in Florida.
But Miyataki’s appearances also has its tangible benefits. Unlike some of their PacWest brethren, Saturday’s contest will be the Vulcans’ only crack at an exhibition game ahead of their season-opening series, Feb. 21-22 against Japan’s Chuo University at Wong.
“He’s going to be one of the hardest throwers were going to see all season,” Miyataki said. “Some may have pitchers that throw 91 or 92 (miles per hour), but nothing like Jordan.
“This will set the tone.”
Kurokawa will be joined by approximately 15 former players for the game, including Kyle Watase, who played for the Musashi Heat Bears in Japan.
Accoording to a UH-Hilo release, Kurokawa, Watase and the 2017 Vulcans will be available for autographs and photos after the game. In lieu of admission, a donation box will be available at the entrance.
“For me, it’s just a matter of getting out there and having the players enjoy themselves,” Miyataki said.
Look who’s back
UH-Hilo alumni expected to play Saturday: Devin Lee (2013-14), Kris Kahanu (2012-13), Micah Nakasone (2011-14), Jordan Kurokawa (2012-16), Richie Mariano (2011), Kyle Watase (2014), Tyler Nitahara (2012-13), Jordan Murai (2012-15), Zach Hamasaki (2009-14), Joshua Wong (2009-12), Jeremy Dela Cruz (2012-15), David Moody (2016), Thomas Ford Jr. (1997-2000), Yoshinori Tanaka (2016), Tyler Curtis (2005-06), Fausto Allosada.
