UH Baseball's All Team selections
Murakami era comes to an end at UH
Murakami's vision became reality
Murakami recalls 31-year career of highs and lows
Highlights during Murakami's tenure
Reluctant coach left rich legacy
Advertiser Staff
• Catcher: Collin Tanabe, 1978-81 (.333, 15 HRs, 209 RBIs)
A leader of the 1980 team that went to the College World Series, where he was voted to the all-series team and an All-American.
• First base: Dean Hall, 1977-78 (.275, 5, 72)
Nicknamed "Garv" for his Steve Garvey-like forearms and slick fielding.
• Second base: Thad Reece, 1978-81 (.326, 4, 164)
"Reece because even if (Todd) Crosby was such a slick fielder, I think Reece could do more things for us. He could run, play center field and he could hit," Murakami said.
• Shortstop: Paul Mize, 1975-77
Smooth fielder who also led the '77 Rainbows in hitting (.333).
• Third base: Curt Watanabe, 1976-79 (.333, 11, 148)
The "Tank" for his compack size and durability. Quiet, respected leader.
• Outfielders:
Ricki Bass, 1977-80 (322, 4, 161)
UH's all-time hits (319), runs (278), triples (22) and stolen bases (132) leader but is perhaps best known for his game-saving catch in the 1980 College World Series against Miami.
Mario Monico, 1982-85 (.367, 14, 179)
UH's all-time leader in total bases (431), walks (240) and batting average (.367) and perhaps its best pure hitter.
Vern Ramie, 1977-79 (.300, 7, 111)
Sweet left-handed hitter with good outfield range and clutch-hitting ability.
• Designated hitter: John Matias, 1986-89 (.312, 30, 157)
Limited in the field because of an arm injury, there was little stopping him at the plate in a career in which he set the UH record for home runs.
• Pitchers:
Derek Tatsuno, 1977-79 (40-6, 2.04)
Called "The Franchise" for what he meant to UH baseball. One of four pitchers selected to Baseball America's All-Time College All-Star Team.
Chuck Crim, 1980-82 (34-9, 3.58)
Second only to Tatsuno in victories (34) and complete games (27) and third in innings pitched (366á). Was 12-0 as a freshman in UH's College World Series season.
Gene Smith, 1976-79 (16-4, 2.48)
UH's career leader in saves (28). Went 11-2 with 12 saves in 31 appearances in 1979.
