The chase for happiness was rewarded with Hawaii baseball catcher Chayce Ka‘aua’s good health.
After being limited to 35 of a possible 104 games because of ailments the previous two years, Ka‘aua is having a break-through senior season, hitting .302 while playing in all 18 of the ’Bows’ games. Ka‘aua batted .462 in the past weekend’s four-game sweep of Illinois State. On Monday, he was named the Big West Conference’s field player of the week.
“He’s a guy who deserves anything he gets because of how hard he works and how much time he’s put into this program,” UH coach Mike Trapasso said. “I’m happy for him.”
Ka‘aua, a 2013 Hilo High graduate, had all sorts of luck — none good — the past two seasons. In the 2016 season opener against New Mexico, Ka‘aua suffered a broken middle finger on his right (throwing) hand while sliding into a base. He missed five weeks of games.
Prior to the 2017 season, Ka‘aua underwent a procedure to correct a sports hernia.
“I’ve been hurt these past two years and couldn’t really show my full potential,” Ka‘aua said. “I told some of the guys this fall, ‘If I can stay healthy, I know I can be a big part of this lineup and I can help this team win.’ I feel my hard work is paying off.”
Ka‘aua has shifted between catcher and designated hitter. Earlier this season, he filled in at catcher for Kekai Rios, who missed six games because of a hamstring ailment.
The ’Bows were without third baseman Ethan Lopez (sore wrist) against Illinois State. Rios played third, and Ka‘aua was used as a catcher, designated hitter and pinch hitter. He went 6-for-13, including driving in four runs in a 7-3 victory on Saturday.
“I put some good swings on (the ball),” Ka‘aua said. “I didn’t want to do too much. I tried to get some hits up the middle, and give my team a chance to win. I wanted to get on and drive in some runs, if possible.”
Trapasso said Ka‘aua’s improved health has enabled him to extend his leadership from the clubhouse to the field.
“Having a healthy Chayce is a big boost for us,” Trapasso said.
Ka‘aua said he has received several suggested remedies the past couple years. “I had a few people tell me I should get blessed,” he said. “I put my head down and kept working. Even through the pain, I knew there would be light at the end of the tunnel somewhere if I kept working. I’m dedicating a lot more of my time to rehab and bettering my body, taking care of my body.”
On winning the Big West award, Ka‘aua said, “it feels great, but it’s even better when you can get a sweep and help the team win.”
