Newest Lake Erie Crushers outfielder L.J. Kalawaia rises to top of batting order

Traveling all over the United States, Lake Erie right fielder L.J. Kalawaia has found himself a home.

Hailing from Wailuku, Hawaii, Kalawaia signed with Lake Erie June 20 and has quickly become a fixture in right field and atop the batting order. Since coming on board, Kalawaia’s adjustment didn’t take very long.

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“It’s been awesome,” Kalawaia said. “The team is awesome and they’re really open about letting me come in and mold myself with them. It’s been good and we’re all clicking together.”

After playing for a junior college team in California, Kalawaia went to University of North Carolina Greensboro. Though he had to red-shirt a season, Kalawaia had a solid senior year and was drafted in the 21st round by the Los Angeles Angels.

Playing in the Pioneer League for the Orem (Utah) Owls, Kalawaia appeared in 41 games. He batted .268 with 16 RBI and 11 stolen bases, but he was released in June and it wasn’t long before Lake Erie Manager Cameron Roth got in touch with him.

“When I was released by the Angels, a couple days later Cam contacted me,” Kalawaia said. “He told me you have another opportunity to play. I didn’t think that I was done with baseball yet. So, I just took the opportunity.”

Though he didn’t know what to expect, it didn’t take long for Kalawaia to seize the opportunity to continue playing baseball.

Kalawaia started in the ninth spot of the batting order, but quickly was put at the top. Kalawaia hasn’t disappointed. He is batting a robust .342 with a double and a triple. He has shown the ability to be efficient on the base paths with a pair of stolen bases.

“It feels good getting some hits and getting on base,” Kalawaia said. “Having guys like (Jordan) Dean and all the other guys driving me in. Since I got here, guys are starting to piece up their at-bats. The team is kind of molding together and it’s fun. Baseball is getting fun.”

Though he played mostly center field for Orem, Kalawaia believes that he can play every position in the outfield. Roth made the decision to put him in right field to use Kalawaia’s versatility.

While he hopes to get another chance to play in affiliated baseball, Kalawaia is looking to make the most of his time in Avon. Having traveled a fair amount of the country, Kalawaia looks at each stop as an experience.

“I kind of like the difference in cultures,” Kalawaia said. “I like going away from home and experiencing it. Life is too short. Just got out and do it all. I had one the of the best years of my life in Carolina.

“I actually like it here (Avon) a lot. It’s a lot nicer than I had thought it would be. The people are nice and I’m molding well with the team.”

Crushers lose

Evansville shut down Lake Erie in the final two innings to hold on for a 4-3 Frontier League win July 3.

Lake Erie trailed early, but Jordan Dean blasted a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie the game at 3-3. Sean Hurley started the rally with a solo home run to start the fifth inning.

In the top of the eighth inning, Josh Allen hit a sacrifice fly to left to score Christopher Ripoedre and break the deadlock. Ripoedre singled to start the inning, then promptly stole second and third.

The march to a million

Lake Erie drew 4,726 July 3 and now has drawn 999,050 fans since they started in 2009. The Crushers will celebrate their millionth fan July 7.