We’ve Found The LaTroy Hawkins Of Japan
Via the Yomiuri Shimbun:
Spring is officially more than a month away, but don’t tell that to the 12 pro teams, who begin their spring training today in Kyushu and Okinawa.
“It’s time to lay the foundation for another year’s battles, and I expect everyone to work hard so we can meet our expectations,” said Saitama Seibu Lions manager Hisanobu Watanabe, whose club begins the defense of their Japan Series title at their camp in Nango, Miyazaki Prefecture.
The prefecture is also the spring base of the Central League champion Yomiuri Giants.
“The season for each individual to nurture his vigor and technique and to strive for big goals has finally come,” Hara said at a ceremony to welcome the team at Miyazaki Airport.
The new attraction at this year’s Yomiuri camp will be teenage rookie Yasushi Ota. The club’s first pick in last autumn’s draft, the slugging infielder was issued No. 55, the number last worn by New York Yankees outfielder and two-time CL MVP Hideki Matsui.
Ota was excited to get outside.
“It’s going to be fun,” he said. “It’s so different from hitting by yourself indoors. On the field, you can see when the ball carries and when it dies. It’s important to be able to tell the difference.”
Hey, if the Yomiuri Giants can give away #55, maybe us Yankees fans should not have gotten our huevos so twisted when LaTroy tried to wear #21?
maybe us Yankees fans should not have gotten our huevos so twisted when LaTroy tried to wear #21?
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You think?
They’re just numbers, people. Created for utility. Which goes back to what I was saying before, about how turning the numbers into career signifiers was probably not the bestest of ideas.
They’re just numbers, people. Created for utility. Which goes back to what I was saying before, about how turning the numbers into career signifiers was probably not the bestest of ideas.
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I agree. I certainly think numbers can be retired in the most extreme (read: important) circumstances. Jackie Robinson’s number should absolutely be retired. If they want to retire Kirby Puckett in MN, that’s fine too. Ted Williams, fine. Babe Ruth makes sense too.
I think every franchise can have a few numbers retired for the most important people…. but Paul O’Neil is nowhere near that.
And I think a league can retire a number for a particularly important player (although I’m not sure there are any other than Jackie Robinson really.)
Let’s not forget the first..Lou Gherig. Very good reason to start the trend! I agree it has gotten a little out of hand with the Yanks though.