Kyle Galdeira  -  K-Zone
SID/Web Editor

kyleg@hawaiiwinterbaseball.com


Honoring Alexander Cartwright
Posted on Wed Apr 16, 2008 at 02:00pm HAST

Today marks the birthday of baseball's inventor, Alexander Cartwright, and Hawaii Winter Baseball was on hand at Nuuanu's Oahu Cemetery to pay respects to the legend.

About 30 men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds gathered under a small tent adjacent to Cartwright's family pot in the cemetery. Some told stories about how the game has touched their lives, while others took the time to catch up with friends and recall fond memories of some of the game's greatest eras and players.

HWB President Hervy Kurisu addressed those on hand, offering his thanks to Cartwright as well as discussing HWB's goal of continuing to provide quality professional baseball for Hawaii. It was apparent that this game of baseball is not only an activity played on a field, but a unique culture in its own through which it's fans and participants can connect and pass on.

It was great to see HWB's voice from the radio waves, Don Robbs, as well as long-time Punahou coach and broadcaster Pal Eldredge among those in attendance. Also, Honolulu Advertiser reporters Stacy Kaneshiro, Kyle Sakamoto and his father Gordon were on hand as many remembered how former Advertiser scribe Ferd Borsch used to encapsulate all things baseball for Hawaii to read about.

Even Mr. Soccer himself, sports enthusiast and historian Jack Sullivan, was on hand to share memories from a recent trip to Cooperstown.

If you get a chance, head down to Oahu Cemetery and stop by Cartwright's grave--you can't miss it; the pink granite cask is fronted by dozens of baseballs and other memorabilia placed there by fans paying their respects. 


Posted under - hwb.com | 11 comments


Comments

  1. Duke said on 04/18/2008:
    Great stuff, Kyle. When you think about it, it's amazing to think that the father of baseball made a living among us in Hawaii. That sure sounded like a wonderful ceremony, and I regret missing out on it. Mahalo, HWB, for helping to keep Mr. Cartwright's dream alive here in the islands.

  2. Lance said on 04/20/2008:
    Nice tribute Kyle. I will be certain to visit the cemetery when I return for the 2008 season of HWB. Sorry I haven't checked in lately but I do pop in weekly to read your posts. And thanks for the update on the Japanese players. Keep it coming when you can. I got to see several 2007 HWB alumn in Eatern League action from the Phils, Yankees, and Giants organizations. Caught games at both Connecticut clubs on Saturday. I talk up the HWB every chance I get.

  3. Lance said on 05/07/2008:
    Thanks for the Japanese League update Kyle, that was great. And how about DeWitt's inside the park homer! Crazy!

  4. Lance said on 05/07/2008:
    .......I forgot to mention Jon Tucker and Ryan Finan are in town. I can't recall if any other former HWB'ers are on the team also (Orioles AA Bowie Baysox). I went to the game last night and may hit it again tonight. I noticed on MILB.COM that despite going 0-4, Darren Ford stole 5 bases the other night. He's leading the FSL in swipes.

  5. Lance said on 05/11/2008:
    http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Mat%20Gamel&pos=36&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=451143 Matt Gamel is on fire.

  6. Kyle said on 05/12/2008:
    Wow, thanks for the heads up, Lance. Great to see Gamel doing well, 8 HRs in Double-A is awesome, hopefully the Brewers are keeping a close eye on him. I know Wieters is red-hot in Frederick, and could be promoted soon. Mahalo! Kyle

  7. Lance said on 05/13/2008:
    "Little John" Mayberry is up in AAA as of now and doing great. Alex Hinshaw is also doing great in AAA Fresno, I believe he is now the "official" closer. 15.2 innings pitched, 21 k's, .57 ERA. Unfortunately Mark Minicozzi has some injury issues again and has not played this year.

  8. Lance said on 05/16/2008:
    Great news Kyle. Alex Hinshaw got the call. I'm happy for that kid.

  9. Kyle said on 05/22/2008:
    Yes, Hinshaw is doing great...through 1 2/3 innings, he's allowed one hit and struck out four--including Jim Thome! The Giants are really turning around now that their veterans are coming around, so it'll be interesting to see if Schierholtz will see any action as well. Mahalo Lance!

  10. Lance said on 06/03/2008:
    Alex is starting to show signs of bein a mere mortal....I hope his arm is holding up. Free Mat Gamel!

  11. Lance said on 06/06/2008:
    Kyle, the Texas League all stars have been announced...some familiar names....