University of Hawaii baseball coach Mike Trapasso is hopeful foresight is 2020.
During this signing period, the Rainbow Warriors secured 10 commitments for the 2020 recruiting class. Four of the prospects are attending Hawaii high schools, a fifth is a Saint Louis School graduate who is attending College of Southern Nevada.
“I’ve never met a coach who didn’t have a ‘great’ recruiting class,” Trapasso said. “But there’s no question the athleticism and the versatility of this class makes it one I’m very excited about.”
There are four commits who each can play all four infield positions. Two pitchers began their college careers at Pac-12 schools.
“Obviously, November signing periods have to be taken with the understanding that the draft is still looming,” Trapasso said. “The bulk of this class will show up on campus next fall. And it is a recruiting class that, I think, can have an immediate impact.”
Trapasso said he would like to add another left-handed pitcher in the spring.
“You’re never done recruiting,” Trapasso said.
But for now, Trapasso said, “I’m really pleased with this class. I’m pleased with the job (assistant coaches) Carl Fraticelli and Mike Brown did.”
The commitments:
>> Kaimanuwai “Bubba” Akana, infielder, Saint Francis — Right-handed hitter who is a multi-sport athlete for the Saints.
>> Tai Atkins, left-handed pitcher, Kamehameha-Hawaii — He can throw in the high 80s.
>> Dakota Engleman-Donovan, right-handed pitcher, Central Arizona College — The 6-foot-7 hurler played at Oregon State. He can throw in the low 90s, and has a power sinker and slider.
>> Kole Kaler, infielder, South Mountain (Ariz.) Community College — Switch-hitter and good fielder.
>> Stone Miyao, infielder, Waiakea — Left-handed hitter can play anywhere in the infield.
>> Lincoln Orellana, outfielder, Sheldon (Calif.) High — The 6-4 lefty projects into a power hitter.
>> Zane Strand, right-handed pitcher, Central Arizona College — Former Arizona State pitcher has a fastball that tops in the low 90s.
>> Kevin Taylor, infielder, Westlake (Calif.) High — A right-handed hitter with plus speed.
>> Aaron Ujimuri, infielder, ‘Iolani — Athletic switch-hitter can play multiple positions.
>> Matt Wong, outfielder, College of Southern Nevada — Right-handed hitter with plus power is a Saint Louis alumnus.
