Munenori Kawasaki, for the Love and FuN of Baseball

When people leave their place of birth, many do so in hopes of finding more...

While Toronto may have the Japan Foundation Library, Japanese Cultural Centre, Japan Canada Student Association and Japanese Consulate... there isn't much of a Japanese community in Toronto.

When Munenori Kawasaki (aka "Satsuro"), signed the minor league deal with Seattle Mariners, he left to pursue his dream and follow in the footsteps of his hero Ichiro Suzuki.

Much like his hero, he started out as a pitcher, but unlike Ichiro, he didn't receive rigorous training at a young age and lacks the arm strength but soon found a home at short, though he has experience playing all infield positions.

Throughout the course of his carrier, he's been an 8 time AllStaR, won the Best 9 award twice (both times also winning Golden Glove), Japan Series Championship, 2 Golds from World Baseball Classic, as well as MVP, and league leader in Hits and Stolen bases on occasion...

Despite his achievements, many fans were against Munenori Kawasaki when he joined the Blue Jays to cover for Reyes... Until the "Interview" 

Since then, "Muni" has become a fan favourite, team favourite and press favourite 

  

Those that followed his brief stint in Seattle probably aren't surprised by this...

Roberto Alomar proudly calls Canada his home, and eagerly supports Toronto teams... 

Who knows, perhaps "Mune" could follow in "Robbie's" footsteps?

During Monday's 11 win streak breaking loss to the Ray's, the commentators mentioned how "Mooney" is expecting his first child and hopes it'll be born in Toronto... 

With Reyes set to come back on Wednesday against Tampa, the question on peoples minds is, 

"What to do with Munenori?"

He can play any infield position, and really wants to stay and play so the question Blue Jays and Jays fans should be asking is "How do we KEEP Kawasaki?"