O Aiga Pesipolo   The Tony Solaita Story In Memory of Samoa's Only Major-League Baseball Player

Introduction Fa'a Samoa--The Samoan Way--is an ethic that embraces a community. Its central tenets are respect for elders, religious faith, and unshakable family loyalty. Aiga, perhaps best translated as clan, guided the life of Samoa's sole major-leaguer: Tolia "Tony" Solaita (1947-1990). Tolia was born in the village of Nu'uuli, on the main American island of Tutuila. He was the fourth of Tulafono and Lilia Solaita's seven children. Tulafono, who passed away in July 2000 at the age of 82, upheld the old traditions as a matai or village chief (with the honorific Levu). The patriarch always told his five boys and two girls, especially when they came to the United States, "You don't need friends--your brothers and sisters are your friends." In particular, Tolia and his two-years-younger brother Peni "Ben" Solaita were inseparable. Today Ben is president of the American Samoa Baseball Association, coach of the national team, and president of the Olympic Committee. This genial fellow carries on Tony's memory as no one else could. Although there have been many top-notch Samoan athletes, especially in football and rugby, only in recent years has pesipolo* built a following. The brothers Solaita deserve top credit. Uso Peni: Brother Ben * There is no 'b' in the Samoan language! Part 2 From Kirikiti to Camilli

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