Hawai'i Pacific University baseball has become a family gathering for the Akeo family.

When Les Akeo III joined the Sea Warriors this season, that put three generations of Akeos — all sharing the same first name — in the baseball program. His father is an assistant coach and his grandfather is a volunteer coach.

After graduating from Kamehameha in 2007, Akeo felt the need to get away. He found West Hills JC in Coalinga, Calif., but didn't find it to his liking after a season. After considering another school on the Mainland, his decision was sort of made for him. HPU coach Garret Yukumoto offered a partial scholarship.

"Mom told him it was time to come home," said Les Akeo Jr., referring to his wife, Cherie.

So far, so good for Akeo. He went 6 for 12 with three doubles and four RBIs in helping the Sea Warriors sweep a four-game, season-opening series against Biola earlier this month. In one of the victories, he drove in the winning run in the last inning. Staying home to play has been good for Akeo and the team.

"At first, I wanted to go away," Akeo said. "But I've got my dad, my grandpa, the people I know. I've got the best of both worlds."

It is some kind of world for the Akeos, who are tied by America's pastime.

Last season, Yukumoto asked Akeo Jr. if he would like to join the HPU coaching staff.

"I told him, 'Me and Pops come as a package,' " Akeo Jr. said.

In getting the eldest Akeo, HPU was acquiring some 60 years of playing and coaching experience. After all, he hadn't just coached Les Jr. and Les III, or "Bruddah Boy," but he also groomed his daughter's sons — the Sardinha brothers, Dane, Duke and Bronson, all of whom play or have played professionally.

"It keeps me going," said the eldest Akeo. "It gives me something to do six days a week. I just love baseball."

Because he is retired — he was with the Honolulu Police Department from 1958 to 1983 — he can get to practice early to prepare the field at Ke'ehi Lagoon before the other coaches arrive. Also, if players want to get in extra work early, he's ready and willing to work with them. At 74 — he turns 75 in 2 1/2 months, he said — he still throws batting practice.

The Akeos depict the evolution of college baseball in Hawai'i. When the eldest Akeo, affectionately known as "Pops" to the players, graduated from Kamehameha in 1952, baseball was a club sport at the University of Hawai'i. HPU wasn't around, as it is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Akeo spent a year at Willamette, but broke his collarbone playing football. He joined the Marines and got to play some baseball before attending UH, where he played football and baseball for one season. He then joined HPD and continued playing baseball in the old Hawaii Senior League. He also played for the storied Asahis team.

When Akeo Jr. graduated from Kamehameha in 1980, he missed the tryouts for the UH team. He admittedly wasn't optimistic about making a team that had just come off playing in the College World Series. He eventually ended up at Hawai'i Pacific College, which became HPU in 1990. But his freshman year, baseball was played at the club level. In 1983, under coach Pat Kuniyoshi, he was a member of the Sea Warriors inaugural collegiate team. During his three seasons with HPC, games were played primarily at Ala Wai Field.

Ironically, Akeo Jr.'s success at HPC also created a dilemma of sorts.

"It's hard," the youngest Akeo said. "There's pressure because of all the things (my father) did for HPU."

Akeo Jr. admits that a coach-son relationship can be difficult.

"It's tough," he said. "You expect more from family."

But that's been tempered a bit lately. Akeo Jr. said he catches himself or sometimes Yukumoto intervenes.

"There's a better relationship," Akeo Jr. said.

His son has noticed a difference.

"Now, we try to keep it on the field and not so much in the car or at home," Akeo said.

Akeo is appreciative of the help with his father and grandfather readily available. There's also motivation from having cousins like the Sardinhas.

"It gives me something to shoot for," he said.

COMING UP

The Sea Warriors (4-0) open Pac West play with a four-game series against the Academy of Art (0-3) this weekend. The series opens 6 p.m. Friday, and continues with a 2 p.m. doubleheader Saturday and a single game at 2 p.m. Sunday. All games are at Hans L'Orange Park.

This is the Knights' first season in baseball. They have one player from here in 2006 Pearl City graduate Matthew Ko, a right-handed pitcher.