Nakamoto Retires From Pearl City Baseball After 18 Years

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At its recent awards night, the Pearl City baseball program bid farewell not just to a stellar senior class, but to longtime coach Gary Nakamoto as well.

The head coach for the last three seasons and an assistant for 15 years, prior to succeeding Mel Seki, Nakamoto confirmed that he is resigning for health reasons.

“I love the game, but I had to make this decision,” said Nakamoto, whose team won the OIA Division I title in each of his three years as head coach. “I didn’t want to, but I have to.”

Nakamoto’s legacy already is set in stone. During his three years, the Chargers went a remarkable 47-7 overall and were the state tournament runner-up in 2008 in addition to winning its three OIA championships. Pearl City went 16-2 this season, including 15 wins in a row before a loss to Punahou in the state tournament.

The school held a tribute to Nakamoto as part of its awards banquet.

“I wasn’t expecting that,” he said.

Meanwhile, the post-season awards continue to roll in for the outgoing coach and his players, as the OIA announced Nakamoto had been selected by his peers as the 2010 Red West’s Coach of the Year for 2010. Senior Kahana Neal also was named the league’s Co-Player of the Year, along with Campbell’s Charles Kaalakahi.

“I was very pleased with him,” the coach said of Neal. “He had a great season all-around. In addition to pitching well, his bat came around and he had only one error in 18 games. “

Neal was one of six Chargers to be selected to the First Team, joining Reid Ramos (second base), Chace Numata (shortstop), Jordan Oshiro (outfield), Austin Bali (outfield) and Royce Murai (utility).

Ramos and Bali are both newcomers to the list, having not been in the lineup as juniors.

“Reid improved the most and I’m happy for him,” Nakamoto said. “Austin had a tremendous season and was (named) Offensive Player of the Year by us.”

The Chargers also placed Numata (as a pitcher), Edwin Izumigawa (pitcher) and Chevas Numata (third base) on the Second Team, while Isaac Shim, Kawika Pruett, Tyler Tokunaga and Jonathan Kealoha earned Honorable Mention.

Numata, Oshiro and Murai all followed up fine junior seasons with repeat performances this spring.

For Campbell High’s part, Charles Kaalakahi was among the most impressive pitchers in the state and got the attention of Nakamoto and other Red West coaches.

“He’s a real good kid - very positive and a gamer,” Nakamoto said of Kaalakahi, who led the Sabers and coach Rory Pico to an 11-7 season and a runner-up finish in the OIA playoffs.

Chadwick Kaalekahi, younger brother of Charles, also made the First Team from Campbell, while catcher Michael Memea (outfielder) was a Second Team selection for the Sabers. Charles Kaalekahi also made the Second Team as a shortstop. Robert Kahana, Donato Gallano, Cole Nagamine, Avery Marquez and Kaeo Kapana received Honorable Mention for Campbell.

Elsewhere in the West, Michael Filio made the First Team from Kapolei as an out-fielder, while Brock Asher (outfielder) and Kainoa Ah Sing-Kaahanui (first base) were selected to the Second Team from Aiea. Na Ali’i also had seven players - Chase Iwata, Travis Uyeda, Chase Aquino, Owen Fuellas, Bryson Gabriel, Keanu Arke, Kevin Shibata - chosen for the Honorable Mention team. Receiving Honorable Mention from Kapolei were Cody Kamei, Brandon Damas, Trent Hiramoto, Christian Estabillo, Boom Ledward, Matt Moses, Logan Snell, Mycah Kincaid, Trey Kamachi, Luke Kim and Josh Simmons.