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?"
I thought people might like the FuN interviews...
ReplyDeleteYaY! It's a Boy! Munenori has a "Mini-nori"!
ReplyDelete