The College Baseball Hall of Fame will soon welcome a true legend into its hallowed halls. Les Murakami, the iconic former University of Hawaii baseball coach, has been selected for the 2026 class, with his induction ceremony scheduled for February 12, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas. This long-overdue recognition celebrates a man who didn’t just coach baseball—he transformed it into a cultural phenomenon across the Hawaiian islands.
Murakami’s induction isn’t merely ceremonial; it acknowledges three decades of excellence that saw him build the Rainbow Warriors program from humble beginnings into a nationally respected powerhouse. His remarkable journey deserves a closer examination as we explore how one man’s vision forever changed Hawaii baseball.
The remarkable coaching career that transformed Hawaii baseball
Born June 1, 1936, Les Murakami took the helm of University of Hawaii baseball in 1971 and spent the next 30 years constructing a dynasty. His career numbers tell an impressive story: a 1,079-648-4 overall record, six Western Athletic Conference titles, and 10 NCAA Regional appearances. However, what truly cemented his legacy was guiding the Rainbow Warriors to the 1980 College World Series, where they finished as national runners-up—an unprecedented achievement for the program.
Murakami possessed an exceptional talent for developing players, sending 74 athletes to professional baseball, with 10 reaching the major league level. Derek Tatsuno, his pitching ace who later joined him in the Hall of Fame, famously described Murakami as a “pied piper” for his ability to attract and inspire talent.
The 1980 season: Hawaii’s breakthrough on the national stage
The 1980 campaign stands as the crowning achievement of Murakami’s career. His Rainbow Warriors dominated opponents en route to Omaha for the College World Series, where they ultimately finished as national runners-up. This accomplishment wasn’t just about the games won; it represented a seismic shift in how Hawaii baseball was perceived nationally.
That magical season helped establish the foundation for decades of competitive excellence at UH. Many players from that era have maintained strong connections to the program and can often be found at games at Les Murakami Stadium, sharing stories about their legendary coach with younger generations. If you want to find verified college baseball scores and stats from this historic season, dedicated archives preserve these achievements.
Player development mastery that produced professionals
Beyond his strategic brilliance, Murakami’s greatest gift was his eye for talent and ability to maximize potential. He blended local Hawaiian prospects with mainland recruits to create cohesive, competitive teams. Notable stars developed under his tutelage included:
- Derek Tatsuno: The pitching phenomenon who earned his own place in the College Baseball Hall of Fame
- Glenn Braggs: A power-hitting outfielder who went on to a successful MLB career
- Chuck Crim: Right-handed pitching talent who reached the major leagues
- Gerald Ako: Local pitching standout who dominated opponents
Former outfielder Rick Bass perhaps best summarized Murakami’s coaching genius: “He pushed the right buttons. He would make little strategic changes, change a guy’s position or insert a guy in the lineup at the right time. He knew how to handle pitching. He was a master of personnel.”
The lasting impact beyond the diamond
Les Murakami’s influence extends far beyond statistics and championships. He transformed baseball from an afterthought into one of Hawaii’s most beloved sports, creating generations of passionate fans. The stadium bearing his name—opened in 1984 and consistently rated among college baseball’s finest venues—stands as a physical testament to his vision.
“The Les,” as it’s affectionately known, became one of the most intimidating environments for visiting teams and a powerful recruiting tool that helped attract top talent to the islands. Current College World Series contenders still consider playing at Les Murakami Stadium one of college baseball’s most challenging road environments.
Perhaps most significantly, Murakami instilled a sense of ohana (family) within his program, creating a culture that respected Hawaii’s unique identity while building a nationally competitive team. This approach continues to influence how the Rainbow Warriors operate today, and many programs have studied his methods when developing their own team cultures.
For those interested in how modern college baseball tournaments operate compared to Murakami’s era, our NCAA baseball tournament guide provides valuable context on the evolution of the collegiate game.
Conclusion
Les Murakami’s induction into the College Baseball Hall of Fame represents the formal recognition of what Hawaii baseball fans have known for decades—that his contributions to the sport transcend ordinary coaching achievements. His legacy lives on through the stadium bearing his name, the continuing success of the Rainbow Warriors program, and the countless lives he influenced throughout his remarkable career.
As the 2026 induction ceremony approaches, baseball fans across Hawaii and beyond will celebrate not just a coach but a visionary who forever changed the landscape of college baseball in the Pacific. Murakami didn’t just build a team; he built a tradition of excellence that continues to inspire new generations of players and fans.
