TOKYO — In Japan they call pitcher Roki Sasaki the “Monster of the Reiwa Era,” which translates roughly into a “once-in-a-generation superstar.” In simple English, Sasaki is likely to be the next big thing out of Japan following Shohei Ohtani, who debuted five years ago with the Los Angeles Angels. “He’s got velocity, and his […]
Kwan proudly represents his Japanese heritage … just not in the World Baseball Classic
January 19, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Steven Kwan exploded onto the Major League Baseball landscape last April, sparking national headlines in his dazzling debut with the Cleveland Guardians. In a feat accomplished by no other player since 1901, he reached base 15 times in his first four games, good for a scorching .692 batting average. Striding toward pitchers from the lefty […]
Shintaro Fujinami ready to get started in majors with A’s
January 19, 2023 by Leave a Comment
OAKLAND, Calif. — In beautifully spoken English, Shintaro Fujinami formally introduced himself then asked that everyone simply call him “Fuji.” “Like Mt. Fuji,” he explained. And, nope, he’s never been. In Japan, he is more formal, going by Shintaro, but he figures this will make it easy on everybody as he embarks on his U.S. […]
The year of the Nikkei baseball player
January 1, 2023 by Leave a Comment
When you think of players of Japanese descent in the major leagues, many iconic names come to mind: Nomo, Ichiro, Matsui, Ohtani. Before them Masanori Murakami, a pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, who only played two seasons in the majors. Murakami, or “Mashi,” as he was called, broke the majors’ trans-Pacific barrier in 1964, […]
16-year veteran catcher Kurt Suzuki retires where he started
October 13, 2022 by Leave a Comment
OAKLAND, Calif. — Concluding a 16-year major league career, Japanese American catcher Kurt Suzuki of the Los Angeles Angels caught his final pitch where his big league career started — at the Oakland Coliseum. Two weeks before the end of the season, the former All Star and 2019 World Series champion announced his retirement. He […]
Suzuki to retire after A’s series
September 29, 2022 by Leave a Comment
ARLINGTON, Texas — Veteran catcher Kurt Suzuki of the Angels said winning the World Series with Washington in 2019 was a big factor in the 38-year-old’s decision to retire after the season, the Associated Press reported Sept. 21. The 2014 All-Star, 38, said spending more time with his children was equally important. A native of […]
Yankees, Japanese Americans square off against A’s
September 1, 2022 by Leave a Comment
OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland Coliseum always seems to buzz with extra energy when the New York Yankees come to town. Their visit to Oakland to play the Athletics for a four-game set in late August was no exception, as attendance during the series was more than double the Oakland Coliseum’s average attendance. New York […]
A home run: Japanese American baseball history
July 7, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Don Wakamatsu recalled Seattle Mariners’ superstar Ichiro Suzuki returning from the World Baseball Classic in 2009 to the doctor telling him he had an ulcer. The then-Seattle Mariners manager told his star player how much he respected him for wanting to play through the injury, but he wouldn’t risk Ichiro’s death if his ulcer ruptured. […]
Ohtani powers Angels to victory on Nichi Bei Day
May 26, 2022 by Leave a Comment
The Nichi Bei Foundation held its annual Nichi Bei Day with the Oakland A’s on May 15. The A’s hosted the Los Angeles Angels at the Oakland Coliseum, and the game featured the reigning American League MVP for the Angels, Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani has marveled fans as a two-way star in the Major Leagues as […]
Dodgers manager Roberts gets 3-year extension
April 14, 2022 by Leave a Comment
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Dave Roberts figured his contract extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers would happen sooner or later. A few other things just got in the way. No matter. “What it means to put this uniform on every day, and really respecting the Dodger tradition and the people who came before me,” the manager […]
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