Second of 3 parts

Size wasn’t an issue when he started on the 2005 West Oahu team that won the Little League World Series.

It wasn’t a problem when he played receiver for a Saint Louis team that won the state title in 2010.

So it shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise when Kaeo Aliviado, all 5 feet 6 and 160 pounds of him, hit third in the lineup 28 times last season, in a spot generally reserved for the team’s best hitter.

"That’s what makes him so special," Hawaii coach Mike Trapasso said. "When you always have to prove yourself because of your size, you’re always going to have to come out with a high motor and play with high energy and that’s Kaeo."

While teammates and coaches around him can go on and on talking about Aliviado’s unique talents, the soft-spoken center fielder rarely says more than he needs to. That’s always how he’s been.

"I’m pretty quiet," Aliviado said. "I just go about my business and try to contribute to the team."

That’s Aliviado in a nutshell. But don’t confuse that quietness with weaknesses. He’s one of the hardest-working guys on the team, which is why he’s already started more than 100 games for UH.

"He’s a laid-back guy, one of those local braddahs," senior Kalei Hanawahine said. "But he’s always got a smile on his face and he’s always out here having fun."

He’s only missed four games in his first two seasons. He hit .238 with 12 doubles last season after hitting .239 as a freshman, but those numbers aren’t a true sign of the progress he’s made.

"The reality is, I really did see a jump because he was so much more consistent," Trapasso said. "His freshman year he gave away at-bats from time to time and last year his focus was so much better. He really did improve quite a bit for us."

Aliviado has played the game since he was big enough to hold a bat. His father, Layton, coached him every year growing up and still offers pointers after games.

"He’s always been hard on me, but that’s just being my dad and it’s good for me," Aliviado said. "Without that I wouldn’t be here."

It’s also helped him handle all of the attention that has come his way. Ever since he played in front of 25,000 fans on the West Oahu team that won the Little League World Series, Aliviado has been in the public spotlight.

Playing at UH as a local kid has only increased that spotlight, but it’s the attitude Aliviado takes with him to the field every day that allows him to handle it the way he has.

"Baseball is something I grew up around and something I love," Aliviado said. "I take it more serious than most people, but that’s the way I was raised. It’s more of a business for me."