Campbell’s Baseball Boys Don’t Brake For Summer

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And it’s one ... two ... Obe Mataio is hoping to pitch strike No. 3 during Campbell’s game against McKinley June 25. Photo by Byron Lee, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The Campbell High School baseball team learned first-hand this year that the prerequisite for a good season in the spring is an equally solid summer season seven months before.

As his team progresses through its American Legion League this month, coach Rory Pico is quick to remind himself of the quantum leap his team made improvement-wise last year.

“Hopefully, we’ll keep improving,” said Pico, who led Campbell to an 8-6 overall record in the spring as well as a return to the OIA playoffs. “There’s a big difference from where we were at this time last year to where we’re at now.”

Campbell’s 2009 baseball season may still be nine months away, but in a sense, it can’t come quick enough for the Sabers and Pico.

Having returned to the OIA’s post-season this spring, and with the entire starting pitching rotation projected to be back in the fold again next season, the Sabers are expected to again be in the mix in Island baseball.

As was the case last year, they are banking on another solid summer as a springboard to bigger things. The team took a 7-4-1 record into the weekend in ALL play.

Their game against Leilehua Wednesday night at Fred Wright Park could go a long way in determining their post-season fate.

Although wins and losses are not foremost in his mind right now, Pico would like to see his team go on to the playoffs, guaranteeing more playing time for the up-and-coming lineup.

“We’re platooning; I’ve tried to play everyone in every game,” Pico said. “We have a good bunch of guys.”

Campbell must replace six starters from its lineup next spring, several of whom were clutch hitters, offensively.

“We may have to play some small ball, but we do have some kids who can swing the bat,” Pico said.

Far more settled is the defense this summer, led by the pitching. Senior-to-be Keanu Kapana and junior-to-be Kale Kaalekahi have both carried the load, following stellar seasons for the Sabers in the spring.

Both were a part of Pico’s three-man starting rotation during the spring, which also included Allyn Oliva-Respicio, who is affiliated with a different team in the summer months.

Pico also has the services of Kia Kapana, who recently completed his high school eligibility.

Under the American Legion League’s guidelines, Pico will trim his roster to 18 this week. The league’s regular season ends July 21, adding up to a 21-game slate.