The “Buster” Piltz Collection
Recently, the Hawaii Sports Museum received a donation from Kelly Yuen and Keith “Ki Ki” Morioka. The donations were items linked to Maynard D. “Buster” Piltz (“Buster”) and were obtained from Buster’s daughter.
Before we delve into the collection, here is a little historical background on Buster. Buster was a tremendous athlete. During his entire football career, he was considered one of Honolulu’s best quarterbacks and kickers. At Punahou, Buster was a standout in baseball. He won three letters and played on a college invitational all-star team in his senior year which won the Hawaiian All-Islands Championship.
At the University of Hawaii, Buster earned a total of 13 letters during his athletic career, including five in baseball. He played three positions on the Rainbow football team, including quarterback, punter and kicker, and helped the Rainbows to an undefeated season in 1934 under Coach Otto Klum. He also lettered in basketball, soccer and volleyball and was a member of the first UH Athletics Advisory Board from 1962-70.
The items donated to the Museum included a few of Buster’s letterman patches, photo album, yearbooks, University of Hawaii football helmet and a Smile Cafe sweater.
In October 1933, Babe Ruth visited Hawaii as part of a barnstorming tour after the World Series. He played an exhibition game against the local Wanderers team in Honolulu, hitting a home run on the first pitch. Buster was part of that Wanderers team that played against Babe Ruth.
Buster’s UH Letterman Patches
The back of Buster’s UH Football Letterman
Photos from the 1933 UH Football team, including Coach Klum
Items given to Buster in commemoration of his induction to the UH Circle of Honor
Tailgating action
Letters commemorating Buster’s induction to the UH Circle of Honor
Smile Cafe sweater. Smile Cafe was one of Hawaii’s first sports bar (1932-1962).
Stop by the Museum to see these items in person.
Thank you to Nigel Guerrero for taking these photos.
