Miyataki Named Interim UHH Baseball Coach Following 2013 Season

The University of Hawai`i at Hilo has begun the process of filling the shoes of retiring head baseball coach Joey Estrella.

The school announced Tuesday afternoon that former assistant coach Kallen Miyataki will return to the program as interim head coach beginning April 14. The 2013 season ends on April 13 with the conclusion of a four-game series against Academy of Art University.

“I am excited that we have a qualified coach on our staff that can step in and run our baseball program,” UH Hilo Athletic Director Dexter Irvin said in a statement. “Kal has an extensive background, experience, and expertise to build upon a strong foundation, and help us become more competitive in the Pac West Conference. The timing of this appointment will help us not miss a valuable recruiting season and enable young men to make a strong choice and commitment to attend school and play baseball at UH Hilo.”

Miyataki, currently an associate athletic director with the school, spent 12 years on Estrella’s staff as an assistant coach, last serving in the dugout in 2006. Since that time, he has continued to stay involved with baseball around the island, working with teams in the Boys and Girls Club of Hilo’s RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program.

In the statement, Miyataki said he was “humbled and honored” to be named interim head coach, adding that his “philosophy is to develop life skills through the sport of baseball and become productive citizen in our communities. Winning will come as we develop.”

In his role as associate athletic director, which he has held since August 2012, Miyataki is responsible for overseeing athletics facilities and event management. He was the assistant athletic director prior to taking his current role.

The former Vulcan baseball player is not guaranteed to take the full time job, however. According to the university’s press release, the school is still searching for a full-time baseball coach. Miyataki will continue in his athletic department duties while fulfilling the baseball program’s responsibilities in the interim.