‘It’s been an honor & privilege,’ Pal Eldredge and his love for baseball

HONOLULU (KHON2) — It’s a name synonymous with baseball in Hawaii and while there have been many Eldredges along the way, Pal is at the top of the pyramid and a fixture on and around the diamond.

“I’ve been doing this for 41 years. So it’s expected to come here. And to be able to get to know the opposing coaches well, so that you could talk to him and get information that maybe some other guy may not be able to get down the road, you know,” said Pal Eldredge, University of Hawaii Baseball commentator.

For the past 31 years, the former BYU player and Punahou coach has brought Hawaii baseball into the homes of countless fans across the state as a color commentator.

First, alongside the late great Jim Leahey and now with Jim’s son, Kanoa.

“Jimmy and I did over 1,200 games together and Kanoa and I, about 100,” said Eldredge. “And I can honestly say that it’s been an honor and a privilege for me to be the color analyst for the two best play-by-play guys in the history of Hawaii television.”

Pal’s vantage point has changed. He now works outside the fence along the first base side, instead of up in the press box. But his perspective and passion for the game hasn’t diminished one bit.

“That’s my life. And so, I can’t imagine my life without baseball, I just can’t,” Edredge added. “Even now I’m 79 years old, and it’s going to be like, Are you kidding me? No, no baseball tomorrow is no matter what it’s gonna be baseball. So I don’t care where I am. And that will always be right.”

Although he was a three-sport athlete in high school, there was never any question about his life’s direction. His father and brother also coached baseball.

His advice to others is to follow your passion. For him, that also now includes music and his grandchildren. But make no mistake, it’s the game he’s loved since he was a child himself that keeps him going.

“Aside from being with my grandkids, my favorite thing to do is to talk about baseball,” he said.