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Rockers’ Cardinez enjoying time in Green Bay ‘a long way from home’ 

By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor

ASHWAUBENON – Nainoa – pronounced NI-NO-AH – Cardinez is a long way from home.

But despite being more than 4,000 miles from his hometown in Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii, the Green Bay Rockers catcher said he’s enjoying his time with the club.

The University of Hawaii (UH) sophomore is in his first year with the Rockers, who play their games at Capital Credit Union Park in Ashwaubenon as members of the Northwoods League.

“I like Green Bay a lot,” Cardinez said. “I find the people very friendly, and it’s not too different from Hawaii – aside from not having the beaches. The weather is about the same – it gets sunny most days, but it also rains some.”

The 20-year-old, who described himself as a baseball junkie growing up, watched his dad play from a young age.

“I was one of those kids at the field in diapers watching baseball,” he laughed. “My two older twin brothers also played baseball, but they were more into football.”

Cardinez was a shortstop, pitcher and catcher in high school.

“I bounced around a bit with my positions,” he said. “Being from Hawaii, getting looks and getting scouted is tough – I was on a travel team. We traveled to Arizona and California, mostly. I didn’t have many college opportunities, but I didn’t have a problem staying home and playing for the state. The goal was to get out and play for the well-known schools, but I’m happy at UH.”

In his two years at UH, Cardinez has played for two head coaches.

“This past season, Rich Hill (previously from the University of San Diego) was my coach,” Cardinez said. “He’s helped me a ton, both mentally and physically. I’m excited for (my junior) year. We didn’t make a regional (this season), but we finished third (in the Big West Conference). Everyone got better, and we had a winning record.”

The Rainbows finished 28-24 overall and 19-11 in conference play.

“Every other week, we had 5 1/2-hour flights to the mainland to play,” Cardinez said. “It was tough on everybody, but other teams had to travel to us, too.”

Rockers connection

After spending last summer in Hawaii training and working out, Cardinez said he jumped at the opportunity to play in Green Bay this season.

“One of my pitching coaches at UH had a connection to Green Bay,” he said. “My first game was June 8. It’s the farthest east in the U.S. I’ve been.”

Through July 5, Cardinez is hitting .244 in 14 games for the Rockers.

He has 10 hits with a pair of doubles and four RBI.

Cardinez said he needs to cut down on his strikeouts (16), though.

“The Northwoods League has some of the best collegiate players in the nation, so I’ve always looked to compete against the best,” he said. “I need to get more hits and put more balls in play. Other than that, I feel I’m doing well. I like to take charge on the field and know I’m in every pitch.”

Cardinez said it hasn’t been too difficult catching pitchers he never has before.

“Our pitching staff is close and created a bond quickly,” he said.

Cardinez said he’ll stay in Green Bay for the duration of the season and won’t report back to UH until shortly before classes start.

“Maybe I can try some Wisconsin food – brats and cheese curds – before I head back,” he laughed. “I’ve enjoyed my time so far, so I hope it continues.”

Rainbow connection

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters, also members of the Great Lakes West Division with the Rockers, have three UH players on its roster.

Pitcher Dalton Renne, infielder Stone Miyao and outfielder Jacob Igawa helped lead the Rafters to a 29-6 record in the first half – the best mark in the league.

Wisconsin Rapids played at Green Bay on the Fourth of July.

“(Igawa) was all business during that game,” Cardinez laughed. “We didn’t chat much, but he and I are great friends. When we went to Wisconsin Rapids last time, we chatted a bunch. It’s nice to have other (UH) teammates in the league with me.”

The Rockers ended the first half of the season 10-26 and begin second-half play against Madison, July 6.

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