AJA BASEBALL LEAGUE
Drew Kadokawa FamR 455 March 16, 2005
AJA BASEBALL LEAGUE
American Japanese Association Baseball League. None-profit organization. Created to preserve cultural tradition.
THE BEGINNING
1899 Reverend Takie Okumura “Father of AJA Baseball” organized the first all-Japanese baseball team. 1900 Congress passed the Organic Act. The first AJA league was formed on Oahu in 1908 at Atkinson Park in Kaka’ako.
THE PRESENT
Currently 10 teams in the Oahu AJA Baseball League. Games are played at Hans L’Orange, Ala Wai, and CORP baseball fields. Must have any kind of Japanese ancestry to play.
SEASONS
Begins mid-December and ends mid-March. Throughout the season every team gets a chance to have their game broadcasted on 1420AM KKEA radio station. This seasons 1st round elimination playoff began. The top four teams will advance to the Oahu Championship Tournament and later the State AJA Tournament at Aloha Stadium.
BILLY BLANCHETTE STORY
Ex-University of Hawaii All-American pitcher. Contested that the league couldn’t discriminate his race. Players and coaches agreed, but league leaders did not. Not discrimination, it’s cultural tradition. Examples: Kamehameha Schools, Cherry Blossom Festivals, and Barrio Festivals.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Cathline Kira at 341-0343 or email: CKira@hotmail.com Men and women of all ages are welcomed but don’t forget…