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Well, today was a great day! I was able to meet a great baseball player and a greater man in Wally Yonamine. This afternoon I was able to sit down and talk to him for about an hour. Mr Yonamine, is a very humble man that really didn't want to talk about himself. But I was able to get him to share a little. He talked about being born in Maui, and being drafted into the army. He talked about playing for the army football team, and being scouted by the San Fransico 49ers and later being signed by them. He shared about how proud he was to be the first Japanese american to play in the NFL. But had a little disappointment of playing for only a season.
He shared how a year later he move back to Hawaii, and started playing baseball, in which he excelled. He shared his story of playing in the PCL for the San Francisco Seals. Then later being persuaded to go to japan to play baseball.
It would take me forever to describe what we talked about for an hour.
Just a little on Mr Yonamine, he is the Jackie Robinson of Japanese baseball. He was the first american after WWII to play in the NPB. He is credited with changing the way that baseball is played in japan. He had 3 batting titles and an MVP. Mr Yonamine is also the only American in the Japanese Baseball HOF.
Mr Yonamine, was a wonderful man to meet. He was gracious when I asked for his autograph. Only smiled when I mentioned he achievement. A warm man who took the time to give my kids a hug!!!! He is a great "LOCAL BOY" from Hawaii, that we can only hope more of use become!!!!
Heres a short article about him. http://www.janespearl.com/about.html
These are few pictures, and a book he signed for me.
He shared how a year later he move back to Hawaii, and started playing baseball, in which he excelled. He shared his story of playing in the PCL for the San Francisco Seals. Then later being persuaded to go to japan to play baseball.
It would take me forever to describe what we talked about for an hour.
Just a little on Mr Yonamine, he is the Jackie Robinson of Japanese baseball. He was the first american after WWII to play in the NPB. He is credited with changing the way that baseball is played in japan. He had 3 batting titles and an MVP. Mr Yonamine is also the only American in the Japanese Baseball HOF.
Mr Yonamine, was a wonderful man to meet. He was gracious when I asked for his autograph. Only smiled when I mentioned he achievement. A warm man who took the time to give my kids a hug!!!! He is a great "LOCAL BOY" from Hawaii, that we can only hope more of use become!!!!
Heres a short article about him. http://www.janespearl.com/about.html
These are few pictures, and a book he signed for me.
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