FOR the first time in a year, Dean Yonamine woke up feeling relaxed. He took his 15-month-old daughter, Marissa, for a spin around the block in her stroller, and then began answering phone calls. Iolani's repeat extra
special for YonamineLots of phone calls. From family, old friends, former teammates and -- of course -- Iolani School alumni. All congratulating Yonamine on the Raiders' state baseball title.
Beating rival Punahou on Saturday for the championship made the experience special for the Iolani coach, the catcher for the Raiders when they won back-to-back titles in 1982 and '83. But it was an extra-sweet personal victory for Yonamine, a coming-of-age victory.
This was Yonamine's second go-round as head baseball coach. The first was in 1993 when, as a 28-year-old, his contract wasn't renewed after what was deemed a disappointing season by the administration.
"I think what that experience did was make me appreciate coaching a lot more now," said Yonamine, who remained as an assistant the last three years. "I think it gave me a better perspective than if I had stayed as a head coach all this time. You understand what an impact you have on the young men you coach.
"I know that I don't take a lot of things for granted. I spend as much time as I can with my daughter and wife (Rose). But Marissa hasn't seen much of her daddy the past few months."
As much pressure as the Iolani players were under to repeat, what with being nationally ranked by Baseball America, there was more of a burden placed on Yonamine. He inherited nearly the entire 1996 championship team from Herb Yoshimura, including last year's tournament MVP, Danny Kimura.
"It was difficult taking over a state champion," Yonamine said. "I personally know how important it is to the kids to win, how much of an impact it makes on your life. A lot of my closest friends are former buddies from the '82 and '83 teams. We're all best of friends. Those were the first people calling me today."
BASEBALL became a contact sport Saturday night with a player ejected from each team for running into the opposing catcher. No pun intended, but it really hit home for Yonamine and Punahou coach Pal Eldredge, both of whom were high school and college catchers.
From the view in the pressbox, plate umpire Alan Kimoto was justified in tossing both players -- and Iolani assistant Clem Hew. The ejections might have hurt the Buffanblu more since starting second baseman Keola Ane got the thumb, while the Raiders lost courtesy runner Ryan Mau.
There was some debate over who should be ejected in Mau's case, he or the player he replaced, Scott Tajima. Whenever Mau scores, it's Tajima who gets credit for the run scored so . . .
More of a debate is whether there should be courtesy runners in high school baseball. From a development standpoint, it's a disservice to a player.
From a student-athlete's standpoint, it allows for a few more players to compete for their school. And isn't that what high school athletics is all about?
PUNAHOU was a definite sentimental favorite for people rooting for the underdog. Or for those wanting a Hollywood finish much like that of "The Natural", in which Robert Redford's character wins the game in the final at-bat.
It reminded me of the final Hawaii Islander game in 1987, when Mike Yastrzemski had a chance to win it for the Islanders in what would be the final at-bat ever for the team. It didn't happen.
Eldredge tipped his hat to Iolani and, in doing so, was reminded of his love of the game. On the underside of his cap written in black marker was one word: "Pop."
David "Pop" Eldredge passed away last month. Not only was Saturday's game dedicated to his father but "every game I will ever coach the rest of my career will be," said Pal.
Cindy Luis is a Star-Bulletin sportswriter.
Her column appears weekly.