FAYETTEVILLE — When Rick Nomura came to Arkansas from Alvin (Texas) Community College before the 2015 season, he was the first Hawaiian player Razorback baseball had ever had.
Ten years later, there are three Hawaiians on Arkansas' roster and another committed for the future.
Nomura, the Razorbacks' second baseman from 2015-16, made his first trip back to Baum-Walker Stadium since his playing days for Arkansas' series vs. Texas. He was recognized on the field with his family during Game 1.
"It gets emotional to see all the palm trees [in the crowd] and the way people are embracing the Hawaiian culture, and now our parents are here to actually see it, too," Nomura said.