Les Murakami Honored with Hall of Fame Ceremony at Home Stadium
Legendary Hawai’i coach Les Murakami waves to the fans during a pregame honoring his induction into the College Baseball Hall of Fame. | Photo: Michael Lasquero, HSRN
HONOLULU – The University of Hawaiʻi paid tribute to legendary former head coach Les Murakami on Friday night, honoring his induction into the College Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025.
The pregame ceremony took place prior to Game 2 of the Rainbow Warriors’ series against Wichita State Shockers baseball, drawing a large crowd that included more than 50 of Murakami’s former players and assistant coaches.
“Fantastic,” Murakami said of the moment. “Like I tell everybody, there’s only so many words.”
Building a Program from the Ground Up
Murakami, who served as Hawaiʻi’s first head baseball coach, built the program from scratch and guided it for 30 seasons from 1971 to 2000. During that span, he compiled an impressive 1,079-570-4 record and led the Rainbow Warriors to their only appearance in the College World Series in 1980.
The program’s home field, Les Murakami Stadium, bears his name — a lasting tribute to the foundation he laid for Hawaiʻi baseball.
Seeing so many former players and colleagues return for the ceremony made the evening even more meaningful.
“Terrific,” Murakami said. “Every time I see them it makes me feel good.”
Blue Blazer Moment
In a special highlight of the ceremony, Murakami was formally welcomed into the Hall of Fame with the traditional blue blazer presentation. He was joined by fellow Hall of Famer and former Wichita State head coach Gene Stephenson, as well as former Hawaiʻi left-handed pitcher Derek Tatsuno.
Murakami had high praise for Stephenson.
“Terrific,” he said. “Let me tell you something. That guy has to be a miracle worker, because have you ever seen Wichita. There’s nothing. I don’t know how he did it and he recruited so well.”
Former Wichita State head coach Gene Stephenson (left) and Hawai’i left-handed pitcher Derek Tatsuno (right) presented coach Les Murakami with his blue blazer. | Photo: Michael Lasquero, HSRN
The Rainbow Warriors wore special No. 11 Hall of Fame hats in Murakami’s honor, and his grandchildren delivered the ceremonial first pitch, adding a family touch to the celebration.
After the ceremony concluded and the festivities settled, Murakami reflected with a bit of relief and humor.
“I’m just glad that it’s over,” he said. “And then the weather held up, surprised me.”
Senator Troy Hashimoto (left) and Representative Andrew Takuya Garrett (right) present coach Les Murakami with a proclamation. | Photo: Michael Lasquero, HSRN
Kapolei cruises by Waipahu behind Kapahu’s record-setting night
KAPOLEI – Rocked ‘em like a hurricane. After seeing their season opener cancelled from the effects of Hurricane Lala, the No. 4-ranked Kapolei Hurricanes (1-0) provided a storm of their own with a dominant 50-15 victory over No. 6-ranked Waipahu...
Hawaiʻi Tourism & Gaming Working Group Takes Closer Look at Lotteries, Online Gaming
During its latest meeting, the Hawai’i Tourism and Gaming Working Group focused its attention on examining not only how other states generate revenue through gaming, but how those systems are structured, regulated and used to fund public needs....
From Kalihi to Flushing Meadows: Andre Ilagan’s Journey Reaches the U.S. Open
Photo credit: Hawaii AthleticsAndre Ilagan grew up spending four or five hours a day on the tennis courts at Kalaukaua District Park. Next week, he'll step onto a much bigger stage. The Farrington High School graduate and former University of...
Training Camp Q&A with Hawaii Football OL Dean Briski
Dean Briski enters his final season with the Hawai‘i football team taking on a new challenge along the offensive line. The 2022 Samoana High School graduate and Pago Pago, American Samoa, native played 783 of his 788 total snaps at the left tackle...
Mana Wahine Wednesday: HPU Women’s Flag Football HC Kanda Korver
HONOLULU – Trailblazing programs need trailblazing people. Hawaii Pacific University became the first college in the islands to latch on to the runaway train of girls’ flag football popularity, announcing this past May that the school would be...
Hawai’i rolls in preseason tune-up against Chaminade
HONOLULU – Welcome back, Rainbow Wahine. The University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team swept through four sets of exhibition action against Chaminade on Monday, (25-20, 25-16, 25-10, 25-13), seeing all 15 players on the roster get action as...
First two week HS Football analysis and latest Lasquero rankings heading into Week 3
It has been a crazy first two weeks of the season with a number of thrilling games on opening weekend followed by a slew of cancellations with Hurricane Lala affecting the state. Because of the number of cancellations and numerous matchups...
Hawai’i football news, notes and takeaways from training camp’s third scrimmage
HONOLULU – Winds, rains and potential hurricanes? Despite inclement weather, the University of Hawai’i football team continued on the path of preparation for Week 0 against Stanford on Saturday morning as the team moved up the third (and final)...
ADVERTISEMENT