A popular two-way player from Japan and the Big West’s Freshman Pitcher of the Year are leaving the University of Hawaii baseball team.
Itsuki Takemoto, whose No. 17 jersey is a best seller because of his dual role as pitcher and hitter, and Cooper Walls, who became the ace of the pitching staff as a freshman, are among 11 Rainbow Warriors who entered the NCAA transfer portal on Monday, the first day players may apply. The portal window for baseball is open through July 1.
Takemoto entered his second season with the ’Bows with great fanfare after being named the top pitcher in the prestigious Cape Cod summer league. Despite earning the elite job as the ’Bows’ Friday night starter, Takemoto struggled in recent outings. In what would be his final start as a ’Bow, Takemoto was charged with