Kalani Baseball Trivia
Think you know a lot about sports trivia? See how many questions you can answer involving Kalani Baseball Alumni. Click on the "A" button for the answers.
Q Name the Falcon who made Major League history by being part of the first All-Hawaii battery to play in a Major League game?
On July 17, 2007. As a member of the Oakland A's, Komine got into a game in the 8th inning against the Texas Rangers with fellow teammate Kurt Suzuki (Baldwin High, Maui) doing the catching. It is the first time in Major League history that a pitcher and catcher (battery) on the same team, from Hawaii, played in a major league game.
Q Who has the record for most wins as a manager in California Baseball League history?
Sakata was an All-Star shortstop and was part of the 1970 ILH and State Championship Kalani team. On June 4, 2007, Sakata notched his 527th victory as a California League manager, passing Greg Mahlberg to become the most victorious manager in the minor league’s 66-year history.
Q This former Falcon was part of three Super Bowl wins with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was a two-time Pro Bowler. Who was he?
Gerela played catcher on the baseball team and was a defense back and punter on the football team at Kalani. He was offered a scholarship to play baseball and football for the New Mexico State Aggies, where he excelled in both sports. His 11-year NFL career included a starring role in Super Bowl X with two broken-ribbed field goals and a tackle in Pittsburgh's 21-17 win over Dallas. Gerela even had his own fan club called "Gerela's Gorillas."
Q Who was the first Hawaii born and raised baseball player to see action in the World Series?
On October 15, 1983, Sakata was inserted as a pinch runner and then played second base for the Baltimore Orioles against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Orioles won the game 5-4 and went on to become the 1983 World Series Champions.
Q What current OIA (Oahu Interscholastic Association), team is the only team to win the ILH and State Championship in the same year?
As members of the original Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH), this is the only team (currently members of the OIA) in Hawaii baseball history to win the ILH and State Championships in the same year.
Q Name the former Falcon who was the captain of the US Handball Team, and played on the US Team in the 1984 and 1988 Olympic games?
Story was an All-Star outfielder and was part of the ILH and State Championship team. He was the quarterback for the football team and helped lead the soccer team to the ILH title in 1969. Story was part of the US Handball team from 1978-1988 and captained the team from 1986-1988. He was named the team's Player of the Year in 1980 and 1986.
Q This former Falcon was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, Baseball America, and Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-American in 1999. Do you know who he is?
He was also a two-time All-America selection, and was awarded back to back Big 12 Pitcher of the Year honors in 2000 and 2001. He holds Big 12 records for wins (41) and strikeouts (510). Komine also was an Academic All-American in 2002.
Q Name the last player to play shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles before Cal Ripkin started his 2,632 consecutive game streak.
Sakata opened the 1982 season as Baltimore's starting shortstop, and held the job through the first half of the season. On July 1, Cal Ripken Jr. started at shortstop in place of Sakata and that was the start of Ripkin's 2,632 consecutive game streak.
Q Who was the first American of Japanese Ancestry to play Major League Baseball?
Kurosaki was the team captain of the Kalani team that won the 1970 ILH and State Championship. The St. Louis Cardinals drafted him out of the University of Nebraska in 1974. He made his Major League debut on May 20, 1975. Kurosaki pitched in seven games for the St. Louis Cardinals as a reliever. He worked 13 innings and had a 7.62 ERA, but did not earn a decision.