the community newspaper for east oahu since 1987
Dylan Buck (left) and friends, who were on last year's age 7-8 A's team

Baseball can create friendships for life

by BRYAN BUCK
Coach and Volunteer
*Archived November 2006 article

I first started playing baseball in Hawaii Kai back in 1977. I still remember most of the experiences I had, 30 years later. I remember countless friends and traveling to the outer-islands to play in tournaments representing the community. Even today I see so many friends from the past playing men's softball or out at the field. Many are coaching or now have children playing baseball.

My experience with Hawaii Kai Youth Baseball (HKYB) helped me in life. The six years I played helped develop my character and gave me confidence. That's why I'm now a coach and volunteer my time and money to help develop and improve HKYB today. I wanted to give something back and I enjoy seeing kids smile and laugh.

Back in the '70s and '80s HKYB was a very formidable organization. The community was young and full of talented children. Since then Hawaii Kai has matured but now with all the new developments, I'd like to invite the community to join HKYB.

If you're a parent with a boy or girl aged 5-14, HKYB might provide an experience that your child will look back on later in life and recognize as having had a positive influence in his or her development.

HKYB offers exercise and gets the kids out of the house and away from the TV. It also provides the opportunity to meet new friends and parents in the community. The players learn sportsmanship and get to be kids in the park.

If you would like to learn more about HKYB, please visit www.hkyb.org. Spring Registration is happening now so go online. HKYB has been in Hawaii Kai for over 30 years.