In the wake of the tragedy that beset the nation of Japan last week,
Kyohe Hayakawa, a Japanese exchange foreign exchange student at
Tulare Union (Calif.), showed nerves of steel and powerful resolve in throwing a no-hitter for the Redskins in a 7-0 win over Porterville.
Hayawaka, whose family lives in the city of Toyota which is about five hours away from Fukishima where the earthquake was centered, said that his family is safe, but he still worries about them.
"They are safe, but I am concerned that another big earthquake is going to hit my hometown," said Hayakawa. "I seem to be more concerned than my family."
The no-hitter was Hayakawa's first win of the season, although he had pitched in several close games during the season. The no-hitter was a bit of a surprise, however, according to his coach Kevin Brown.
"He didn't have great command warming up in the bullpen before the game," said Brown. "By the second inning I had a feeling we might see something special. In the first two innings he missed one location and ended the game by throwing 19 first pitch strikes to the 22 batters he faced. The only blemish to a perfect game was a controversial two-strike pitch that led to a walk."
Hayakawa says that baseball is one of the things that brought him to America.
"I wanted to learn about the American Culture and play baseball in the United States," he said. "I played club baseball for three years, middle school for two years and high school for three years. The players in the U.S. are better and bigger than my competition in Japan."
Nevertheless, Brown knew he had a player when Hayakawa showed up for the first practice.
"He showed up at a Fall Ball game in his Japanese high school uniform and tennis shoes," said Brown. "I knew nothing of his skills, but after watching him warm up and his body actions, I knew I had a player on my hands."
Brown says that Hayakawa has been a solid third baseman and an outstanding leadoff batter for the Redskins. His pitching skills have also helped the team.
"Kyohe has excellent control and hits spots extremely well," said Brown. "His fastball is low to mid 80's with two different types of curveballs."
Hayakawa won't be able to see his family until he returns to Japan in July. But Brown says that the team has been very supportive of their new teammate.
"Everyone including our opponents have expressed concern about his family in Japan," said Brown. "The kids have respected his privacy and only talk about it when he wants to."
Brown added that Hayakawa's performance was even more impressive considering the recent events in his homeland.
"Kyohe is extremely disciplined and has an immense amount of composure for a young man," said Brown. "With the recent events in his home country, I am amazed at his focus with baseball. I am sure his no-hitter brought honors and smiles to a family experiencing tragedy in their country."
