From JA to Shohei: Bringing baseball back to Manzanar

Nearly eight decades after World War II, the Japanese American community celebrated a triumphant return of baseball to the Manzanar incarceration camp. Over the weekend, the Japanese American National Museum hosted a full house of attendees, eager to hear the success story from individuals instrumental in the project's realization.

Dan Kwong, leader of the Manzanar Baseball Project, spearheaded the discussion, titled "JA to Shohei," drawing parallels from the past to modern times, including the homage to Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese professional baseball star.

"It was not my idea, it was Manzanar. I made it happen," remarked a participant of the project, echoing the efforts that turned the dream into reality.

Despite the harsh realities of incarceration during the war, Japanese Americans found solace in baseball, a sport deeply rooted in their community. In what began as a makeshift pastime within camp confines, the love for the game flourished into a symbol of resilience. This enduring passion culminated in a celebratory doubleheader game at Manzanar after months of intense manual labor.

In October, FOX 11 highlighted the spirit of those early players, and many attendees at the museum event contributed to reviving that spirit. Material donations, era-appropriate uniforms, and countless volunteer hours to clear brush and roots were among the various forms of community support.

Among the audience were some of the players who participated in the recent games, including Kalani Nakamura. Nakamura, who played for the South All Stars, shared his profound reflections, connecting to his own family's history with the sport. "I can't imagine being forced out in the middle of nowhere," Nakamura commented, considering the experiences of past generations.

He carried the memory of his grandparents, who were frequent spectators at his games. His grandfather, Allen, a member of the famed Go For Broke 442nd Regimental Combat Team, passed down a lifelong passion for baseball. "They were watching from heaven," Nakamura said, acknowledging the significance of playing on the same field that once offered reprieve to his ancestors.

While the field's maintenance is a concern, with new tumbleweeds threatening to claim the space, Kwong and the community are hopeful for another day of baseball next year. Attendance was limited this year, but with increased donations and more volunteers, they aspire to open future games to a broader audience.

The Manzanar Baseball Project stands as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Japanese American community, and the recent event at the museum ensured that the stories of the past and present will continue to inspire future generations.