Wednesday, June 20, 2001

Ripken’s retirement
could ripen isle
baseball

Cal's possible future plans
include the revival of
Hawaii Winter Baseball

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By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.com

The retirement of Baltimore Orioles star Cal Ripken will sadden baseball fans nationwide. But it could provide benefits to the sport in Hawaii.

Hawaii Winter Baseball owner Duane Kurisu confirmed yesterday that the future Hall of Famer remains interested in an expanded role with the sport here.

"Cal continues to have the vision that Hawaii is a vital place for promoting international baseball," said Kurisu, who also is part owner of the San Francisco Giants. "I'm not sure what his role will be, but I know he wants Hawaii to be a focal point for youth baseball."

Ripken, whose retirement at the end of this season was reported Monday and officially announced yesterday, has participated in youth baseball clinics here in conjunction with HWB in 1998 and 1999. There is also speculation that Ripken could play a key role in the revival of the Hawaii winter league.

"(Ripken) asked his business partner (Ira Rainess) to call me about a month ago. We chatted briefly about possibilities," Kurisu said yesterday. "I had no idea at the time that Cal intended to retire at the end of this season."

Last year, HWB president Hervy Kurisu said the Hawaii winter league could make a comeback as early as this offseason.

The league, which operated from 1993 to 1997, had teams in Honolulu, Maui, Hilo and Kauai. The Kauai team moved to West Oahu for the final season in 1997.

HWB helped develop more than 50 major leaguers. Alumni include Seattle Mariners rookie sensation Ichiro Suzuki (Hilo Stars) and reigning American League MVP Jason Giambi (Kauai Emeralds) of the Oakland A's.

Even if the winter league is not revived, Hervy Kurisu said Ripken's continued involvement can only help the sport here. Babe Ruth baseball has named its 12-and-under league the Cal Ripken League, and that age group of Babe Ruth baseball has returned to Hawaii after an absence of several years.

"Cal is involved in promoting baseball throughout the world and he likes kids," Hervy Kurisu said. "Hopefully it all ties in. At least we can provide another avenue for local kids to play."