On this date in 1986, half of the OIA was a jumbled mess.
Radford beat Leilehua 13-3 at Aloha Stadium to climb into a tie for the OIA Central crown with 11-4 records while Pearl City added to the madness by beating Waianae 5-4 to knot the Leeward race at 10-4.
Gaynor Sodetani hit a grand slam to finish Radford’s victory.
The Rams won the playoff with a 3-1 victory over Leilehua two days later behind Ron Hatfield‘s four-hitter and Waianae beat Waipahu 6-1 to set up the West championship against Radford. The Seariders went on to win that game and the OIA title.
Waianae was shut out by Iolani in the second round at states and didn’t place. Radford didn’t reach the state tournament until 2008.
Gaynor R.I.P.
Becky, sorry fir your lost. Baseball is Erwin’s favorite spirt. I’ll share this sad news to him.
Love and miss you so much dad! I’m so proud of u!
What a sad loss! Gaynor left this earth too early! He and my son Ron Hatfield played baseball together. His mom and I went to Radford as did our sons.