[ MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL ]
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
San Francisco Giants pitcher Jerome Williams had his Waipahu jersey retired last night by coach Milton Takenaka.
Waipahu retires
Williams’ jerseyThe San Francisco Giants pitcher
is honored by his high school
coach, Milton Takenaka
San Francisco Giants pitcher Jerome Williams sure hasn't forgotten his roots.
Williams, who went 7-5 with a 3.30 ERA in his rookie season last summer, was happy to be back at his alma mater, Waipahu High School, last night.
The school retired Williams' jersey No. 33 at halftime of the Waipahu-Mililani varsity basketball game.
"It means a lot, especially since I never thought something like this would happen," Williams said.
The jersey retirement was the brainchild of Williams' baseball coach at Waipahu -- Milton Takenaka.
"When Jerome was drafted (in 1999), I told him that once he made the major leagues that I would retire his number," Takenaka said. "And he finally did it.
"I'm proud of him, especially since he's kept his head on his shoulders. I knew athletically he wouldn't have a problem (competing in the majors), but I thought he might have a problem handling the money part, making so much. But he's done a good job of that, too. He's got everything in order."
Williams signed autographs before and during the game and tossed some baseballs to the crowd before the opening tip. He also gave out door prizes -- T-shirts, autographed photos and baseball cards -- at the half. One lucky winner received Williams' authentic No. 57 Giants jersey, which he also autographed.
The 22-year-old Williams, who grew up in Waipahu, spent much of the offseason living in Waikiki and said he will always consider Hawaii his home.
"I've seen all my good friends since I've been back," he said. "And I've seen a lot of people who aren't my friends. But it's all good."
Williams also enjoys making time to work with some of the Waipahu baseball players.
"I like to help out the school," he added. "I like to help the kids do the things that I've learned."
And Takenaka is all for Williams making his job easier.
"He helps our boys with conditioning and the pitchers with mechanics," the coach said. "He really makes a difference, because they can relate to a major leaguer. Their ears perk up and they realize it's not just their coach telling them something."
Williams leaves today for Fresno and soon he'll be going to a conditioning camp in Arizona to get ready for the 2004 season.
"The main thing is to stay healthy and go to spring training and maybe I'll have a shot to be in the rotation again," he said.
He definitely won't forget his rookie season.
"What has happened to me this past year is incredible," Williams said, "especially coming from Triple-A, which I didn't expect. I got a shot and I kind of proved myself. It was a real emotional season and a learning year. While it was happening, I was only 21 and I was playing with guys that I had always watched on TV and guys that are future Hall of Famers. I just soaked everything in."
Williams' No. 33 jersey -- yellow with blue and white trim -- will be displayed in the showcase at the Waipahu gym.
