WAILUA — Back in 1990, a left-handed phenom from Hayward, California, with Kaua‘i ties, exploded onto the scene and captured the imagination of many die hard Rainbow baseball fans, while bringing in new ones with every pitch he delivered. Levon
WAILUA — Back in 1990, a left-handed phenom from Hayward, California, with Kaua‘i ties, exploded onto the scene and captured the imagination of many die hard Rainbow baseball fans, while bringing in new ones with every pitch he delivered.
Levon Largusa, who was apart of the “Golden Years” of university of Hawai‘i baseball (1990-1993), recently visited the Garden Isle for a family reunion.
Now a pitching coach for a Denver high school baseball team, Largusa seems to miss the place where he started out.
“I love this place, the fans, the people, everything. It just brings out so many great memories just being here,” Largusa said in an interview, yesterday at the Aloha Beach Resort.
As a freshman on the University of Hawai‘i baseball squad, Largusa recorded a seven inning no-hitter in the second game of a double-header against Colorado State, which gave then head coach Les Murakami his 725th win.
“He was a straight shooter. He’d let you know if you’re doing good and if you’re doing bad. There were no secrets with him and he was a great coach,” Largusa said.
The consistent southpaw played alongside the likes of Todd Takayoshi, Jon Viela, Dwayne Daughtry, Bill Blanchette, Brady Perreira, Kenny Harrison, Matt Apana, Corey Ishigo, and Jeff Ball.
“Jeff was my favorite. We were roommates and he was just a really smart guy, who taught me a lot about the game, but he wasn’t afraid to get on me too,” Largusa said.
But of all the great UH memories Largusa gathered during his time, the fans seem to be the greatest part of his playing days.
“They were awesome. The fans were so supportive and I loved playing at UH. It was just a great experience though, mainly because of the people in the seats,” Largusa said.
Drafted in the third round by the Toronto Blue Jays, Largusa played four injury-riddled seasons, but till this day, he enjoyed every minute of his minor league career.
“Definitely my best moment was just getting signed by Toronto, it was a dream come true,” Largusa said.
Along the way, Largusa remembers the tough time he gave New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.
“I struck him out two times and he went 0-3 against me,” Largusa said with a smile.
Engaged to Ann Flores, who he met in San Antonio at a baseball camp, Largusa continues to stay close to the game and wants to move back to the islands.
“I love the game and I love the islands, so I definitely see myself and my family moving down here and I’d love to coach either at the high school or collegiate level,” Largusa noted.
In Denver, Largusa is an account manager and splits time with coaching the local high school team.
“I love working with kids and if I can help them be good citizens first, good students second, and good baseball players, third, then I know I’ve done my job,” Largusa suggested.
At the Largusa family reunion, his fiancee Ann noted that all the youths looked up to Levon and often followed him around.
“My daughter Taylor is now 10 years old and my future is to be around baseball and coming back here. I miss it and to tell you the truth, it’s a tough place to leave,” Largusa said.
With an effervescent smile and a great baseball resume, Largusa will be back —it’s just a matter of time!
