In a world filled with differences, sports play a big part in uniting the world. It brings everyone from the young generation to the same space, replacing the boundaries with beautiful connections. The same is the case with baseball, which has brought millions closer. Many personalities on and off court played a big part in it, including Warren Eikichi Shimabukuro, who left for the heavenly abode on June 17, 2023, aged 89.

Although not a baseball player, he was an inspirational figure who shaped many dreams with years of voluntary work. The world popularly knew Shimabukuro as “Mr. Baseball” for his dedication to baseball, leaving an unparalleled legacy behind. As he leaves for the heavenly abode, let’s visit his life journey, which will continue to inspire millions in the future.

A retired state inspector but an eternal sports lover

Warren Eikichi Shimabukuro was born in Lahaina of Okinawan on Aug. 25, 1933. He graduated from Lahainaluna High School in 1952 and worked as a state inspector for years. Though he retired from his official work, but maintained his enthusiasm and love for sports on the run. It included his role as a volunteer, who dedicated his life to maintaining the field at the county’s Iron Maehara Stadium.

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According to Lahaina News, Shimabukuro loved his work as a volunteer. The “unofficial supervisor of the field since the 1980s had a message for everyone who questioned why. He said, “In a perfect world, there would be no need to ‘remind’ the county to keep it all looking spiffy. But in real life, the maintenance of the grounds sort of comes and goes.”

It is reflected in his contribution to the next generation of baseball players. Shane Dudoit, deputy director of Maui’s Department of Parks and Recreation, described it, “Warren had a close association with the MIL, AJA, Little League, and baseball at every level. He did everything: kept the scores, raked the field, laid down the lines… worked for love for 20-30 years or more. He wanted the field to be nice for the kids.”

In addition to his notable impact on baseball, Shimabukuro made significant contributions that extended beyond the sport, positively influencing the world in various ways.

Warren Eikichi Shimabukuro was an inspirational figure from baseball and beyond

Shimabukuro was a state employee at the Department of Accounting and General Services. He inspected everything built in Maui, Molokai, or Lanai, including roads, schools, libraries, and much more. In the words of Brian Ige, who oversaw many projects alongside him, Shimabukuro was an outstanding personality.

Remembering him, Ige appreciated his volunteer work “to keep the facilities immaculate, which was not an easy task.” The same were the words from James Deters, who knew Shimabukuro from the coffee shop. He said, “He was a man of few words, but he definitely knew what the hell was going on.” 

Surviving Warren Shimabukuro is his wife, Eleanor Emiko Shimabukuro, as well as their children and other beloved family members. May this legendary figure rest in peace.

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