Jamieson Hirayama doesn’t waste his time on the mound. He comes in, he throws a few pitches, he departs.
It’s off the field that Hirayama’s in it for the long haul. The 2017 Waiakea graduate and fifth-year Vul already has two degrees, administration of justice and political science, with two more on the way soon: sociology and communications.
Yes, there is a plan here.
“Because I want to be a politician and a lawyer, all those fields are really important and interesting to me,” said the aspiring UH-Manoa (or UV Irvine) law student.
When it comes to local boy makes good at UHH, Casey Yamauchi is the poster child, and for good reason. Coach Kallen Miyataki writes Yamauchi into the top of his lineup at shortstop and watches him produce.
But Hirayama has carved out a niche all his own as a pitcher. Whenever he’s needed in relief, no matter how short that time may be, Hirayama is there
“He’s our spot guy, that’s his job,” Miyataki said. “He’ll come in for one or two batters, change the tempo of the game, then we’ll put someone else in. When the game needs to be changed, his number will be called.”
It might not be the role Hirayama once envisioned for himself, but it’s the one he’s embraced.
“I think at first it was tough, no one really thinks that’s going to be their role,” Hirayama said. “They either want to be the start or the full-inning (relief) guy.
“I enjoy the role though. It’s a tough position to be in, but I love coming in and getting that tough out for the team.”
Hirayama’s last high school assignment as a starting pitcher was a big one. He got five outs in the 2017 HHSAA baseball championship game against Maui High, which went on to win 6-1. (The Vuls’ Cody Hirata and Rysen Ross also pitched in that game for Waiakea, and Yamauchi collected two hits).
Hirayama didn’t expect to see the field early in his career at UHH, and he didn’t. Frankly, his coach wasn’t so sure he’d ever see the field at all.
“Jamieson wasn’t anybody,” Miyataki said. “He tried out and he persevered.”
He made his first five appearances as a redshirt freshman in 2019, the same year he debuted on the PacWest All-Academic Team and as president of the of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
This season, from the first pitch to last, he’ll again be on call in the bullpen. And he’s ready for his last call, which will close a baseball career started with T-ball when he was 3 or 4.
“I think when I first got here, I dreamed big about keeping on playing, I think everybody does,” Hirayama said. “But I’m enjoying my time and I’m ready to close the book. I’ve set my sights on a different career. I’m just excited about enjoying everyday out there with my friends.”
Hirata made his biggest impact at the state tournament as a junior in the 2018 semifinals when he weaved a one-hit shutout against Kailua.
During his high school days, Miyataki remember scouting Hirata and recording his fastball at 78 mph on the radar gun. Meanwhile, others were clocking Hirata in the 80s.
“Something was wrong,” Miyataki said.
Something also was wrong once when Hirata got to UHH.
“I was kind of twisted in my views coming out of high school,” he said. “(Miyataki) put me in the right tack. Last year, I was able to pitch some, to see what he’s actually telling me is working. Last year, getting to pitch changed my perspective of the whole game.”
Miyataki credits Hirata for the hard work he’s out in to mature as a pitcher and a person. These days, the radar readings are in sync. Hirata is clocking in the mid-80s.
“Using my legs more, not trying to throw hard, staying loose,” he said of his added velocity.
Hirata’s also working on a five-pitch arsenal as he attempts to earn high-leverage role. In nine games last season, his ERA was 7.27, but he flashed potential by striking out 11 batters in 8 2/3 innings.
“We’re going to throw him under pressure,” Miyataki said. “When you see him, he’s different. He just comes right at you.”
Other homegrown products on the team are Braeden Coloma (Kamehameha), Brett Komatsu (Hilo), Ty Honda (Waiakea), Cody Min (Waiakea), Boaz Ayers (Konawaena) andNick Antony (Hilo).
Of Coloma, Miyataki said, “Lots of potential. It’s up to him.”
