Agbayani only a step from majors with Mets

By Al Chase
Star-Bulletin

Ben Agbayani is in his fifth season in the New York Mets organization and is the only player with Hawaii ties performing at the Triple A level.

The former St. Louis and Hawaii Pacific University standout has started every game, either in left or right field, for the Norfolk (Va.) Tides of the International League.

"He is doing well and brings a lot of things to the game," said Jack Hutchinson, the Mets' minor league administrative assistant.

"Ben is one of those players who finds a different way to help the team win every time out. He contributes. He led the team in runs scored in April."

Agbayani isn't the prototype power hitter some teams like on the wings in the outfield, but, as a line-drive hitter, gets his share of doubles and triples with an occasional home run.

He was selected the best base runner in the Mets' organization at the Triple A level last year in 99 games for Norfolk after being promoted from Double A.

"He keeps producing at every level and is in the meat of the lineup. His offense overshadows his defense sometimes, but he's only made one error this year," Hutchinson said. "If he keeps it up, he has a chance (of making it to the major leagues)."

Here's a look at other position players with Hawaii ties.

Keith Luuloa: The second baseman, in his fourth season, returns to the Midland Angels of the Class AA Texas League after moving up one classification each of his first three years in pro ball.

Last year the Molokai High School and Modesto JC graduate led Midland in games played (134) and runs (80) and was second in hits (138), walks (47) and strikeouts per plate appearances (11.02).

A highlight was playing for the California Angels in the Hall of Fame Game at Cooperstown, N.Y., last August 5.

Chris Truby: After being named MVP of the New York-Penn League while playing third base for Auburn (N.Y.) in 1994, the Damien graduate is now in his third season with the Quad City (Iowa) River Bandits of the Class A Midwest League and has yet to put up the numbers he did in 1994.

Signed by the Houston Astros as a free agent in 1992, Truby has reached the point in his career where its time to move up or look for other employment.

Jason Ross: The 13th round draft pick by the Atlanta Braves from the University of Hawaii last year is off to a slow start with the Macon (Ga.) Braves of the Class A South Atlantic League.

The speedy outfielder finally got his batting average above .200 this past week (.211).

Ken Morimoto: The former Waimea H.S. and University of Hawaii at Hilo standout has made the switch from the outfield to shortstop, but is struggling at the plate with the Vero Beach Dodgers in the Class A Florida State League.

However, the Los Angeles Dodgers are happy he's back playing regularly after missing 40 games with an injury to his right shoulder in 1996. "We still like him," a Dodger official said.

Morimoto was a 1996 Pioneer League All-Star team honorable mention selection and was fifth in the Dodgers farm system with 41 stolen bases.

Kelly Phair: Following his freshman year at UH, Phair transfered to Lewis-Clark State to complete his collegiate career. The shortstop was signed as free agent by the Milwaukee Brewers in the off-season.

He's off to a solid start with the Stockton Ports of the Class A California League.

Nate Starkey: He played rookie ball last summer and the Molokai H.S. graduate was kept in extended spring training by Anaheim, but the Angels released the third baseman/catcher May 2.

Todd Takayoshi: Not wanting to spend another season in Class A ball, the catcher/designated hitter from UH asked for his release from the Anaheim Angels and was granted his wish March 17.

In four seasons in the Angels' farm system, most of it at the Class A level, Takayoshi compiled a .307 batting average, winning the Pioneer League title his rookie season with a .358 mark.

He is now a player/coach with the Reno (Nev.) Chukars of the independent Western League.

"With expansion coming, I'm trying to stick my foot in the coaching door and keep it in the playing door," Takayoshi said.

Takayoshi said that Jason Mears, who played for Hawaii Pacific University in 1994, also is a coach for the Chukars.

Chuck Jackson: After 12 years of professional baseball and three stops in the major leagues, the former UH outfielder has decided to retire.