Surfrider Ah Sam Pitching For A Championship Senior Year

Bryce Ah Sam and girlfriend Chelsea Hirano

If Kailua’s Bryce Ah Sam were asked to write an essay next fall on how he spent his summer, baseball will surely be the theme. A promising senior, he knows this summer could help him reach his potential. He also knows that coach Corey Ishigo will always be there to remind him of as much.

“Bryce is capable of being a great hitter and a great pitcher,” Ishigo said. “It’s a matter of putting it all together now, and the summer is the time to do it.”

“Coach is right,” Ah Sam agreed. “I think I could be doing better, and I want to work harder. He and coach Eric (Kadooka) know what they’re talking about.” He got off to a solid start last week with a 14-strikeout effort to help Kailua Baseball beat Aiea 4-1 in an American Legion League game. Ah Sam pitched six-and-a-third innings to pick up the win. (Kailua Baseball is not technically affiliated with Kailua High, although many players and coaches are in both.)

“That was one of my better outings as a pitcher in awhile,” Ah Sam said.

With Kailua Baseball’s ALL season stretching into mid-July at least, Ah Sam figures to have many more opportunities. He recently took some time away from the baseball diamond to visit with Mid-Week‘s Windward Islander.

Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My dad (Gene). He pushes me the most. I sometimes take it for granted, but I know he’s trying to do what’s best for me. Also, both of my grandfathers (Frederick Pang and Alexander Ah Sam) passed away during my freshman year. I always wanted to make them proud of me.

What is your earliest baseball-related memory? I’d just turned 5 when I started playing tee ball. I was playing shortstop in a game, and a ball hit me in the face and I blacked out.

What area will you focus on this summer? My pitching. I feel like I need to do the most work there, and I want to work on my stamina so I can last longer.

What Internet site do you frequent the most? Facebook – and Instagram, which is becoming popular now. It’s only for posting pictures.

What’s your least favorite household chore? Cleaning the bathroom. I’d rather not do it.

What movie could you watch over and over? I like Forrest Gump – or maybe The Hangover.

Who is Kailua Baseball’s best “practice player” -the guy who gives 110 percent? Royce Komesu. He always practices hard even if he isn’t in the starting lineup. He makes the most of his opportunities. On his days off, he comes to the field to work on his game. He’s a good teammate.

What’s in your iPod?

My songs are old – a lot of them I’ve had since eighth grade. My favorites are Wiz Khalifa, Common Kings, SOJA and Skrillex.

What are your favorite video games? MLB The Show (Major League Baseball game), Modern Warfare III, Call of Duty, NCAA (football) 2012 and Madden (NFL football) 2012.

Are you a neat freak or messy? I’m definitely messy. I unconsciously throw my stuff all around the room.

If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you choose as your prom date? Jessica Alba.

You’re stuck on Kahoolawe with an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? I love salmon.