You Make The Call

Friday, May 10, 1996

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Harold Nakasone, Waikiki: "I think he should continue to coach for as long as he wants to. He started this program from scratch, from absolutely nothing to what it is today. How can anyone even question whether he should continue or not? I know he made a lot of sacrifices along the way. People sure have short memories."

Garrett Morris, Haleiwa: "I think Les Murakami shouldn't be the coach anymore, but I know they're not going to get rid of him because he's Japanese. Rainbow football and basketball coaches are always under fire, but for baseball they never say anything. I guess he could lose every game and still be the coach."

Gordon Mark, Pawaa: "Les Murakami should continue. He's done a lot for UH baseball, including helping with the new stadium."

Kevin Kawamura, Kahului: "I really like coach Les Murakami. But in fairness to Bob Wagner being fired due to low attendance, then Hugh Yoshida must consider doing the same in Murakami's case. They've been cellar dwellers of the WAC for four years."

Ronald Imai, Honolulu: "I think 26 years is a little too long. A lot of the opposing teams that play here in Hawaii know that Murakami will play for the bunt or the hit and run."

Nancy Higa, Kailua: "I say yes, I think he still has it in him to carry us through. I believe he's doing a good job."

Larry Soares, Waianae: "It's time that Les Murakami move on, and his staff be replaced. It would be for the better of the program."

Ann Schwab, Makiki: "The very first reason that Les should not remain is that the fans will not return until he and his sidekick Carl Furutani are gone. The fans want to see some enthusiasm, some new ideas and some vitality put back into the program. He's old."

Fred Tam, Chinatown: "I think Les Murakami should take a long vacation. His days are numbered. He should let some young coach have a chance, because the baseball team is becoming like the football team."

Charles Schwab, Makiki: "It's not just changing Les. You've got to change everyone. They all have the same opinion, and it's just not good. Another thing is that he almost never takes the blame. He just doesn't know what's going on, and he won't back up the players. I've seen a player hit a home run and he turns his back on him as he rounds third base. This is no way for a coach or anyone else to act."

Richard Muramoto, Honolulu: "I think he should stay. He's done a lot for the university and the state."

Francis Kuahine, Kalihi: "If Bob Wagner got fired, so should Les Murakami. Is Les related to Hugh Yoshida?"

Dennis Yoshimura, Kaimuki: "He's had his chances, and the public is getting tired. He's not bringing the people in anymore. Look what happened to Bob Wagner. I feel sorry for him, but he's got to wake up and smell the coffee and retire."

Brad Choy, Mililani: "He should remain. He's got a good record, and you can't just toss him away like old newspapers.

Norman Kunishima, Waikiki: "What is so good about our coach? After a long silence I still can't think of anything good."

Roy Lee, Kaneohe: "He should continue, provided he hire white and black assistant coaches to recruit on the mainland."

Darrell Orot, Waianae: "He should be replaced. The past few years they've been ruining pitchers' arms. Recruiting's been terrible. They need a new coach."

Sam Kapahua, Waipahu: "Let Murakami continue as head coach. When he gets tired directing traffic at third base, he'll retire."

Charles Gill, Kailua: "I believe he's lost all enthusiasm for coaching, or appears to have. Maybe it's a good time to step aside and let a new coach come in."

Bill Ishikawa, Salt Lake: "With the stadium he has, Murakami has a big advantage in recruiting mainland players, yet he never gets the blue chip prospects. A coach with more charisma and style might get these athletes."

John Lee, Aiea: "It's a very political situation, but I'm glad to see some heat being put on. For years, I've felt his time is past.

Mark Mayaso, Aiea: "He's a friend to me. Without him, the team would be a total disaster."

Darrell Bactad, Hawaii Kai: "Don't get me wrong - Les Murakami is a Hawaii baseball legend. But these days you need enthusiasm and excitement to recruit raw talent from Hawaii and the mainland. And Les Murakami doesn't have these qualities."

John Young, Palama: "Murakami should resign or be fired. It's time for a change."

Wayne Kim, Waipahu: "I'd like him to stay. I've been following him since I was a baby, and I want to play for him some day."

Larry Matsumoto, Ewa Beach: "He made a top-notch program and has a big reputation around the nation. He should stay."

Dawn Murakami, Waikele: "He should stay. They're getting some good recruits next year."