The University of Hawaiʻi paid tribute to legendary former head coach Les Murakami on Friday night, honoring his induction into the College Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025.The pregame ceremony took place prior to Game 2 of the Rainbow Warriors’ series against Wichita State Shockers baseball, drawing a large crowd that included more than 50 of Murakami’s former players and assistant coaches. “Fantastic,” Murakami said of the moment. “Like I tell everybody, there’s only so many words.”
Building a Program from the Ground Up
Murakami, who served as Hawaiʻi’s first head baseball coach, built the program from scratch and guided it for 30 seasons from 1971 to 2000. During that span, he compiled an impressive 1,079-570-4 record and led the Rainbow Warriors to their only appearance in the College World Series in 1980.The program’s home field, Les Murakami Stadium, bears his name — a lasting tribute to the foundation he laid for Hawaiʻi baseball.
Seeing so many former players and colleagues return for the ceremony made the evening even more meaningful. “Terrific,” Murakami said. “Every time I see them it makes me feel good.”
Photo: Michael Lasquero, HSRN
Former Wichita State head coach Gene Stephenson (left) and Hawai’i left-handed pitcher Derek Tatsuno (right) presented coach Les Murakami with his blue blazer.
Blue Blazer Moment
In a special highlight of the ceremony, Murakami was formally welcomed into the Hall of Fame with the traditional blue blazer presentation. He was joined by fellow Hall of Famer and former Wichita State head coach Gene Stephenson, as well as former Hawaiʻi left-handed pitcher Derek Tatsuno. Murakami had high praise for Stephenson.“Terrific,” he said. “Let me tell you something. That guy has to be a miracle worker, because have you ever seen Wichita. There’s nothing. I don’t know how he did it and he recruited so well.”
Photo: Michael Lasquero, HSRN
Senator Troy Hashimoto (left) and Representative Andrew Takuya Garrett (right) present coach Les Murakami with a proclamation.
The Rainbow Warriors wore special No. 11 Hall of Fame hats in Murakami’s honor, and his grandchildren delivered the ceremonial first pitch, adding a family touch to the celebration.After the ceremony concluded and the festivities settled, Murakami reflected with a bit of relief and humor.“I’m just glad that it’s over,” he said. “And then the weather held up, surprised me.”
