All-Star Catcher Suzuki Returns to Maui for Youth Baseball Clinic

All-Star Catcher Kurt Suzuki returns home to Maui for his annual youth baseball clinic, scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 at the Iron Maehara Baseball Stadium in Wailuku.

Now in its fifth year, the Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation will host the event in partnership with the All Pono Organization for 150 youth participants between the ages of 8 and 12 years old.

Organizers say the event is aimed at making a positive impact on Hawaiʻi’s youth, “by teaching them hard work, dedication and the values of being a team player.”

Registration forms will be available at the Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation and the All Pono websites on Nov. 1, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Suzuki will also join forces once again with celebrity chef and restaurateur Alan Wong to co-host the Second Annual Taste of Hawaiʻi event on Sunday, Jan. 17 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel in Wailea.  A special private VIP cocktail reception will also take place from 5 to 5:30 p.m.

The event will feature both island chefs and professional athletes.  So far, island chefs confirmed to participate in this years event include: Sheldon Simeon, Isaac Bancaco, Cameron Lewark and Craig Dryhurst.

Proceeds from A Taste of Hawaiʻi will help raise funds for the Kapi’olani Medical Center’s Pediatric Cancer Division as well as the National Kidney Foundation.

Organizers not that Kurt’s father Warren Suzuki, who is a stage 4 kidney cancer survivor and has been in remission for seven years. Kurt’s sister-in-law, Tricia Vignery battles with a chronic kidney disease, FSGS Nephrotic Syndrome, but has been in remission for two years.

Kurt Suzuki Youth Baseball Clinic. File photo 2014, courtesy Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation.

Kurt Suzuki Youth Baseball Clinic. File photo 2014, courtesy Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation.

Kurt Suzuki Youth Baseball Clinic. File photo 2014, courtesy Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation.

Kurt Suzuki Youth Baseball Clinic. File photo 2014, courtesy Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation.

Kurt Suzuki Youth Baseball Clinic. File photo 2014, courtesy Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation.