Former Vul drafted by Japan semi-pro team
Former UH-Hilo first baseman/outfielder Kyle Watase was drafted in the eighth round by the Musashi Heat Bears of the Route Inn BCL.
The Route Inn BCL, formerly known as the Baseball Challenge League, is an independent semi-pro league in Japan.
The league is not associated with Nippon Professional Baseball, Japan’s major leagues.
Watase, 24, played only one season for the Vulcans in 2014. He batted .309 with a homer and 12 RBIs in 32 games, and had a .990 fielding percentage with one error in 97 attempts.
“Kyle has more growth ahead of him,” Vul coach Kallen Miyataki said. “Given an opportunity and with the right timing, success is within his reach.
“Hilo is a place of opportunity and Kyle is a prime example of that.”
Spring training will likely start in February, when Watase, a 2010 Saint Louis graduate, will try to make the team.
St. Joe basketball fundraising car wash Jan. 9
The St. Joseph boys basketball program will hold a fundraising car wash n Jan. 9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school’s church parking lot.
Hilo High junior varsity softball tryouts Dec. 28
Hilo High School will be starting tryouts for JV softball (grades 9-11) on Monday, Dec. 28, at Walter Victor field starting at 3:30 p.m.
Players are required to complete their physicals/medical forms and have it on file with the school’s athletic trainers prior to trying out.
For more information, contact coach Kelly Galdones at hhsladyvikingssb@gmail.com.
