The “Friends of Alexander Joy Cartwright Jr.” will hold their annual birthday tribute for the man credited with being the “Father of Modern Baseball” on Sunday at Oahu Cemetery in Nuuanu.
Cartwright, who is in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, is credited with creating many essential rules for the game, including the diamond shape of the field, the four bases being 90 feet apart, nine players on defense and three outs in an inning.
Cartwright — Sunday is the 196th anniversary of his birth — also is credited with performing many civic duties in Honolulu. He was the first Honolulu fire chief, founded the Honolulu Library and Reading Room and was an adviser to the Hawaiian Monarchy.
Cartwright was born in New York City and died in Honolulu on July 12, 1892.
The organizers of Sunday’s event believe steadfastly that Cartwright created the game of baseball, contrary to a recent report by official Major League Baseball historian John Thorn, who claims “Doc” Adams is the father of baseball.
The tribute will be held at the Cartwright family grave plot at Oahu Cemetery. The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which starts at 10 a.m.
Hawaii Hilo tops Chaminade
The Hawaii Hilo softball team erupted for five runs in the top of the sixth inning to top Chaminade 7-2 at Central Oahu Regional Park on Friday.
The Vulcans (26-16, 15-8) were led by Angela Aguinaga’s 3-for-3 day at the plate. Coco Stewart and Keyla Henmi each had two hits for the Silverswords (11-30, 6-19)
Zietz victorious in Australia
Kauai surfer Sebastian Zietz claimed the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro in Australia.
Zietz’s two-wave combined score of 17.40 edged Australian Julian Wilson’s score of 16.67 in the final of the World Surf League contest.
