HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As the University of Hawaii baseball team gets ready to host nationally ranked Oregon State this weekend, the series signifies a homecoming for Kailua native Aiva Arquette, one of the best players in the country.
The OSU shortstop and Saint Louis alum is in the middle of a remarkable season that has him on the verge of being a first-round pick in this year’s Major League Baseball draft.
“Oregon State was, for me, I felt like the best decision as far as just as a person, becoming more of a man and a better baseball player,” said Arquette, who transferred to OSU for his junior year after two seasons at Washington. “I love every bit of that choice.”
Arquette currently leads the 7th-ranked Beavers in hits, home runs, RBI, and batting average.
He’s won national Golden Spikes Player of the Week honors three times this year and in one game, went 6 for 6 with a pair of home runs and 7 RBI.
“I think that’s the goal for every game, is to just compete every single pitch and be a great teammate on and off the field,” Arquette said. “Everything will take care of itself, I feel like.”
The pro scouts are marveling at his skillset.
Arquette is a projected first-rounder in this year’s MLB Draft with many analysts tabbing him to go in the top 10.
He stays in close contact with other local players, including Baldwin grad and Arkansas star Wehiwa Aloy, who could also be taken early.
Arquette is proud to be among a wave of homegrown prospects making an impact.
“It’s special. It’s really special to be a part of and just trying to pave the way too for the younger generation, ” Arquette said. “There’s so many people, it’s great. It’s great and to track their progress as well, it’s cool to see.”
When he faces Hawaii this week, it will be his first time ever playing at Les Murakami Stadium, a series he’s had circled since the beginning of the year.
“It’s like trying to stop Steph Curry,” said UH head baseball coach Rich Hill. “Aiva is a tremendous player and even better character guy.”
OSU is UH’s first nationally ranked top-10 opponent since 2022, and the school says three of the four games are sold out.
“I’m expecting a great environment,” Arquette said. “I’m so stoked I get to play in front of that atmosphere. Just kind of an SEC environment, so it’s cool.”
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