K. Ka'aihue and J. Papelbon are in the Major Leagues.

K. Ka'aihue and J. Papelbon hope to join them soon.

Kala Ka'aihue and Jeremy Papelbon have seen their brothers, Kila and Jonathan, make it to The Show. The younger siblings have a chance to live the dream themselves within the next few years.

Ka'aihue (Braves organization) and Papelbon (Cubs) are here for Hawaii Winter Baseball, Ka'aihue playing first base for the Honolulu Sharks and Papelbon pitching for the Waikiki BeachBoys in the pro developmental league.

Their teams meet in tomorrow night's season opener at Les Murakami Stadium. The Honu and CaneFires also open tomorrow, at Hans L'Orange Park in Waipahu.

HWB let one go through its legs scheduling its openers against a UH football home game. But it did a good job of bringing in some drawing cards in local boy Ka'aihue and Papelbon, brother of a prominent big leaguer.

The pro baseball future of Kala Ka'aihue was in serious doubt shortly after he graduated from 'Iolani in 2003 when he required elbow surgery.

“;I thought about hanging it up,”; said the son of the former Hawaii Islander catcher of the same name. “;Maybe go play football or golf.”;

Now he credits the injury for the hitting prowess that allowed him to lead the Double-A Mississippi Braves with 14 homers and an .874 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) this summer.

“;I had to give up catching and take up first base (because of the elbow),”; he said. “;As a first baseman you have more time to work on your hitting.”;

He got to see Kila play for the Kansas City Royals on his way here. His older brother by exactly one year was called up to the big team at the beginning of the month.

Papelbon has also seen his brother play—in the World Series. In less than four seasons, Jonathan has established himself as a three-time All Star, saving 113 games in 128 opportunities.

“;When I told him I was coming here he got jealous. He never got to go to Hawaii when he was in the minors,”; Jeremy said. “;I've got that to rub in his face. But he's got a World Series ring.”;

Jeremy doesn't throw as hard as Jonathan, but he ended the season with 35 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings, leading Daytona to the Florida State League championship.

Jeremy has a twin brother, Joshua, who is in the Red Sox organization. The Papelbons would be a tough group for a lineup to adjust to within a game or series. Right-handed Jonathan is a classic power pitcher whose fastball has hit 100 mph, Jeremy a crafty lefty in the mold of Tom Glavine, and Joshua throws right-handed with a submarine delivery.

Kala said he is often asked if he is Kila's brother.

“;The biggest difference is he swings from the left side and I'm a righty,”; Kala said.

Obviously he'd like to follow Kila to the majors, but for now he's happy to be playing baseball in Hawaii again.

“;Live pitching and home cooking,”; Ka'aihue said. “;Can't beat that.”;