Pakele remembered as softball pioneer

Tribune-Herald

Walter “Satch” Pakele, who made his splash with Big Island teams in the Amateur Softball Association and later coached at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, died earlier this month after a bout with cancer. He was 65.

Former T-H sports editor Andy Baclig remembers Pakele as the greatest men’s fastpitch softball pitcher of all-time in the Hawaii.

“He was the main attraction wherever tournaments were held,” Baclig said. “He garnered most valuable player awards wherever and whenever tournaments were held.”

Pitching for the Kalakoas Softball Club in 1977, Pakele hurled 64 complete games en route to 54 victories to lead his team to four tournament championships as well as a Parks and Recreation title.

Pakele, who was inducted into the Big Island Sports Hall of Fame in 2002, also pitched for Puueo Poi and the Hilo Fil-Americans

Pakele went on to assist Callen Perreira at Hilo High, his alma mater, and then followed Perreira to UHH, where he became pitching coach.

According to Perreira, Pakele could do more than just pitch.

“Satch was one of the better hitters on our Puueo Poi team,” Perreira said. “We never scored too many runs most of the time, winning 1-0, 2-1, 3-2. I remember Walter won it himself many times with clutch hits. He was an amazing guy; quiet and very humble.”

Friends may call Friday at Dodo Mortuary from 9-11:30 a.m. Casual attire is requested.