Don Robbs, during his next-to-last game as the radio voice of University of Hawaii baseball Saturday, announced his “10 for 40” Rainbows.
“A number of people suggested that I do an all-time Rainbow team,” Robbs said. “I looked at the roster for all 40 years and came to the conclusion it wouldn’t be fair. How do you compare the early years when they played 70-80 games a year to the guys now who play 55? I decided it wouldn’t work.
“I chose 10 because (today) we’re going to honor 10 seniors who are graduating. These 10 are not necessarily all the best players, but they’re the most memorable to me, the ones who jumped off the page to me.
“And a special mention to greatest bat boy or girl of all-time, Renee Nishi.”
In alphabetical order, with comments from Robbs in italics.
>> Ricki Bass, OF, 1977-1980
“The best of a bumper crop of center fielders, and a World Series hero.”
>> Billy Blanchette, 1B-P, 1990-1992
“The perfect pitcher for that stadium and a multi-talented player who also could hit.”
>> Kenny Harrison, OF-1B-C, 1990-1993
“Played baseball like he was having fun and is the all-time best Les Murakami imitator.”
>> Mario Monico, OF, 1982-1985
“Sweetest swing.”
>> Ron Nomura, C, 1976-1979
“Samurai spirit. Caught every game Tatsuno pitched, and much of the time while hurt.”
>> Greg Oniate, OF, 1980-1983
“Power in a fireplug. Still the only .400 Rainbow hitter.”
>> Thad Reece, 2B, 1978-1981
“Hit the most important home run in Rainbow history, propelling them into the College World Series.”
>> Kekai Rios, C, 2016-?
“Simply put, he is the future.”
>> Derek Tatsuno, P, 1977-1979
“Still in the record book in 17 categories. If there’s a greater Rainbow baseball player I don’t know who it is.”
>> Kolten Wong, OF-2B, 2009-2011
“The most complete player since Tatsuno. The 25-million-dollar man. I’m gonna hit him up for a loan.”
