WAIPAHU — If there is one thing Kurt Suzuki hasn't forgotten it's how to work.

The 2001 Baldwin High graduate just completed his first tour of the major leagues as catcher for the Oakland Athletics. He made his big-league debut on June 12, zipping through the Athletics' minor league system since being drafted in the second round in 2004 out of Cal State Fullerton, where he led the Titans to the College World Series title and earned national player of the year honors. The key to his quick ascent?

"Just hard work and just always being eager and willing to learn, trying to get better," said Suzuki, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch before last night's Hawaii Winter Baseball game between the CaneFires and Honu at Hans L'Orange Park. "In the offseason, I always find a way to get stronger, to get bigger. There's always a way to improve in every aspect of the game and that helps me stay focused."

Suzuki, who turned 24 on Oct. 4, learned his work ethic early in life.

"The one thing we always remind ourselves is that he's been very fortunate that he has had the coaching that he had from youth league to high school," said Warren Suzuki, Kurt's father. "High school, especially. Kahai Shishido (former Baldwin baseball coach and now the athletic director) ... he's the one, I think, instilled the proper values in Kurt, the work ethics, the discipline and attitude. That has helped him up in college at Fullerton."

When Suzuki was called up from Triple-A Sacramento, he apprenticed under veteran catcher Jason Kendall. But when the Athletics continued to struggle in the American League West, Kendall was traded to the Chicago Cubs, paving the way for regular duty behind the plate for Suzuki, their prized catching prospect.

"Basically what they said is they're throwing me into the fire," Suzuki said. "Baptism by fire. So I just had fun. They said you're going to have your ups and downs, but just stay confident and keep working hard and good things are going to happen."

He was grateful everyone around him was understanding of the situation.

"They're used to having Jason Kendall, a veteran, 10 years, 15 years in the major leagues (compared) to a guy who doesn't have two games under his major league belt," Suzuki said of team. "That definitely was a big step. I'm just thankful the pitchers and the coaching staff were real patient with me. They were all willing to teach me."

The Athletics, an organization that drafts wisely and relies on developing talent within their system, helped Suzuki progress.

"I love the organization," he said. "People up and down the organization are good at instructing kids. I like the faith they put in their young kids. They like to see kids come up and perform."

In less than half a season, Suzuki batted .249 with 13 doubles, seven home runs and 39 RBIs in 68 games. Although he goes into spring training as the starting catcher, he is taking nothing for granted.

"I want to get bigger and stronger; 162 games is a long season, not including the playoffs, which I'm anticipating," said Suzuki, who is listed as 6 feet and 205 pounds on the Oakland roster. "Just watching it (the playoffs) on TV, you want to be there playing for it all. I want to be quicker than I was. You always want to be better. Hitting, catching, throwing. I just want to be more consistent and kind of clean things up a little bit."

Besides throwing out the ceremonial first pitch last night, Suzuki was on hand to sign autographs and pose for pictures with fans. As a youngster, he grew up watching the Maui Stingrays, a previous Hawaii Winter Baseball franchise.

"Knowing that (HWB) came back to the Islands is definitely a cool thing," said Suzuki, who came from Redondo Beach, Calif., where he now resides. "It's good for the state."

He said he dreamed of playing in it, but because he progressed so quickly, he ended up playing in the Arizona Fall League two years ago.

"Then the winter league came up (last year) so I didn't have the opportunity, but it would've been nice," Suzuki said.

Warren Suzuki said he still can't believe his son's good fortune. People on Maui always compliment him and his wife.

"It makes you feel good," said the elder Suzuki. "That's the thing we always try to stress with Kurt: to give back to the community. They're so supportive. He doesn't realize it because he's up in Oakland. But when he comes home, especially for things like this (signing autographs), he can appreciate the fact that Hawai'i has been very supportive."

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.