LUBBOCK, Texas - Former University of Hawai`i pitcher Derek Tatsuno was officially inducted to the College Baseball Hall of Fame Wednesday as a part of the 11 members of the second class to join.
Tatsuno pitched three years for the Rainbows from 1977-79, carrying a career record of 40-6 with a 2.04 ERA and 541 strikeouts. He led the nation in strikeouts in all three seasons and became the first collegiate player to record 20 victories in 1979. Tatsuno also had 10 career shutouts and 34 career complete games. He was named the Collegiate Baseball Co-Player of the Century and to Baseball America's All-Century Team.
"Aloha," began Tatsuno, a lifelong Hawai`i resident. "Both my parents did not play sports, but they could not be more supportive throughout my college career. My coach at Hawai`i, Les Murakami, just missed out on a NCAA bid (UH then was a Division I independent) in 1978 when we went 38-14-1. The next year, we played 96 games - there was no limit on the number of games you could play then - and that helped me win 20 games (first Division I pitcher in NCAA annals) in '79. Coach Murakami and my teammates were responsible for all my success, and I want to thank the College Baseball Foundation, Hall of Fame voters, and all who made this possible."
Also being inducted in this class were legendary coaches Jim Brock of Arizona State, Chuck "Bobo" Brayton of Washington State, Bibb Falk of Texas, Jerry Kindall of Arizona and Dick Siebert of Minnesota, in addition to standout former players Jim Abbott of Michigan, Pete Incaviglia of Oklahoma State, Fred Lynn of USC, John Olerud of Washington State and Phil Stephenson of Wichita State.
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