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Monday, May 22, 2000

Hawaii Winter
League revival
in works

The pro developmental circuit
has gained support from MLB,
Cal Ripken, and could restart
as early as the 2001-02 season

By Dave Reardon
Star-Bulletin

With support from future Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, the Hawaii Winter Baseball League could be back in operation as early as the 2001-02 off-season, the league's president told the Star-Bulletin yesterday.

"We may be too late for this year," winter league President Hervy Kurisu said. "But things are being worked out and we're optimistic about it."

Kurisu said his brother Duane, the league's owner, recently had a meeting with the commissioner's office. Duane Kurisu told the Star-Bulletin earlier this month that he was encouraged by the renewed interest from Major League Baseball and the involvement of Ripken.

Hervy Kurisu declined to say what the Baltimore Orioles third-baseman's role might be in a reborn league.

Two years ago, the four-team interisland pro developmental Hawaii Winter Baseball League shut down for financial reasons.

Kurisu said a new league's format would be similar to the 1993-97 league that had teams in Honolulu, Maui, Hilo and Kauai. The Kauai team moved to West Oahu for the league's final season.

The league helped develop more than 50 major-leaguers and many top Japan pros, but Major League Baseball decreased its financial support, causing its demise.

A television contract, more support from Major League Baseball and an improved Hawaii economy could help the league have a longer run this time, Kurisu said.

Despite the league's closing, the Kurisus kept their baseball offices open. They sponsor and facilitate various youth sports events through a nonprofit foundation.

One of those events was a 1998 clinic in which Ripken and other major-leaguers participated.Ripken returned for another clinic in 1999.

This year, Babe Ruth Baseball named its 12-and-under league the Cal Ripken League. That age group of Babe Ruth Baseball is back in Hawaii after an absence of several years, Kurisu said.

"Cal is involved in promoting baseball throughout the world, and he likes kids," Kurisu said. "Not only is he involved with clinics here, but throughout the mainland."

Kurisu said the interests of Ripken and Hawaii Winter Baseball dovetail, even if a new league does not come about.

"Hopefully it all ties in. Our mission is to benefit the children of Hawaii," Kurisu said. "At the least we can provide another avenue for local kids to play in postseason tournaments."