This is from Disgrasion.com
and Ichiro is a Issei technically
Thursday, October 22, 2009
BIRTHDAY CELEBRASIAN! Ichiro Suzuki
Happy birthday to Ichiro, who turns 36 today!
2009 was a huge year for the mononymous outfielder: he set a major league-record of nine straight seasons with 200 or more hits, finished the season with a league-leading 225 hits, hit his first career walk-off home run (against the Yankees' Mariano Rivera, no less), and even drew his first career ejection for arguing a called third strike.
But hey, we're talking about a dude who's single-handedly proven to Americans that Asians can bring it on the baseball diamond, small ball can be just as captivating as long ball, and pokey ears can be weirdly hot, so Ichiro defying expectations is nothing new.
Speaking of defying expectations, here he is from a few years back telling Bob Costas what his favorite American expression is:
TRANSLASIAN: "August in Kansas City, it's hotter than two rats in a fucking wool sock."
Source
Posted by jen at 8:18 AM|PERMALINK Links to this post
Labels: Asian Baseball Players, Ballers, Baseball Players, Ichiro Suzuki, Japanese Athletes, Japanese Ballers, MLB, Records, The Seattle Mariners
Friday, October 23, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
CSUDH Celebrates the Legacy of Yanai's Success
CSUDH Celebrates the Legacy of Yanai's Success
10/5/2009 2:02:28 PM
(L-R): UCLA AD Dan Guerrero, honoree Dave Yanai, ESPN Analyst Steve Lavin, CSUDH AD Patrick Guillen & ABC-7 Sports Anchor/Dinner Emcee Rob FukuzakiView Dinner Photo Gallery
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The world famous Los Angeles Athletic Club, founded in 1880 and home to the annual Wooden Awards Ceremony, witnessed yet another prestigious event last Sunday as it hosted the "Dave Yanai Tribute Dinner and Silent Auction," honoring the former men's basketball head coach of Cal State Dominguez Hills.
"Tonight was a very special evening for a very special man, as evidenced by the love, admiration, gratitude and respect felt in the capacity-filled room," said CSUDH Athletics Director Patrick Guillen, reflecting on a tremendous night.
"Tonight's incredible event was the culmination of hundreds of hours of work, and I would like to express my deep appreciation to those who worked so tirelessly on this campaign, especially our co-chairs in Henry Ota, John Nojima, Dan Guerrero and Sam Lagana for their leadership, as well as to emcee Rob Fukuzaki, who offered his time and talent in helping make the night one to remember."
Emceed by KABC-7's sports anchor Fukuzaki, with speakers including UCLA Athletics Director Guerrero and ESPN/ABC analyst Steve Lavin, the event gave glimpses into coach Yanai's storied and award-filled coaching history, where guests including family, friends, colleagues, former players and co-workers filled the room with anecdotes about the man who many referred to as "so much more than just a coach."
Beginning with a cocktail hour featuring a vast array of silent auction items, the evening's dinner commenced with Guillen giving a warm welcome, followed by CSUDH VP Sue Borrego saying a few words on behalf of CSUDH President Mildred García, who gave way to Fukuzaki.
The southern California sports anchor icon then proceeded to introduce Lavin, former Toro Nojima and Guerrero, who each gave his personal account of the man who helped teach, mentor and inspire them, with composure, honesty, and caring emerging as common denominators.
Fukuzaki and Guillen followed suit, with Pepperdine's Associate Vice Chancellor and former CSUDH administrator Lagana interjecting with tremendous live auction items, before coach Yanai took the podium.
After thanking Guillen, who spearheaded this night and January 9, the date of the court unveiling, his wife and kids, and parents, Yanai named five individuals who served as mentors in brother Frank, Mas Fukai, Nojima's father, the night's honorary chairman John R. Wooden and Pete Newell, before giving credit and showing appreciation to the guest speakers, as well as his former assistants, trainers and players, many of whom were in the audience.
"Obviously it's a great honor and I'm really humbled by this whole affair," began Yanai, before the dinner. "The main thing for me is my thoughts for the scholarships this night may grant, but I’m so honored about the court naming.
"There are so many players, assistant coaches, boosters, administrators, and people who were my colleagues at CSUDH all these many years, and everyone of them has a piece of this wonderful honor, and when they see my name on the floor, I hope they feel like it’s their name because they all have a piece of it.
"I retired four years ago, and you just want to get onto other things that you’ve put on hold for a number of years like enjoying the grandkids, taking trips with one's wife, golfing and assorted other things. I’m an avid reader and now I can do it at my leisure and am getting the chance to do all the things that I love.
"And I also get a chance to do a little basketball activity," he continued, never quite being able to leave the game that's been so good to him. "I’ve gone to practices of various college coaching friends of mine and had a chance to critique and see some things that might help them.
"But this is something that I didn’t expect and to be honest, I’m really shy about these kinds of things. All I can say is that I’m humbled and honored to have this wonderful thing happen to me, and it's a tremendous honor."
Yanai spent 19 seasons as head coach at CSUDH, where his Toro teams advanced to the 1981, 1987 and 1989 NCAA Tournaments. In addition, he guided the Toros to the 1979 NAIA National Championship Elite EIght after winning the NAIA District III Championship in only his second year in Carson.
Individually, he claimed the 1979 District Coach of the Year, the 1987 NCAA West Region Coach of the Year and two-consecutive CCAA Coach of the Year Awards (1987 and 1988). Yanai also coached 34 All-CCAA Conference, two CCAA Athletes of the Year, eight NCAA All-West Region, two NCAA All-Americans and one NCAA Division II Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year in Nojima, ending his coaching career at CSUDH with 287 of his 401 total wins, the winningest coach in CSUDH men's basketball history.
Part II of the “Dave Yanai” tribute will take place on Saturday, January 9, at 7:00 pm, when the Torodome court will be unveiled in his honor.
10/5/2009 2:02:28 PM
(L-R): UCLA AD Dan Guerrero, honoree Dave Yanai, ESPN Analyst Steve Lavin, CSUDH AD Patrick Guillen & ABC-7 Sports Anchor/Dinner Emcee Rob FukuzakiView Dinner Photo Gallery
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The world famous Los Angeles Athletic Club, founded in 1880 and home to the annual Wooden Awards Ceremony, witnessed yet another prestigious event last Sunday as it hosted the "Dave Yanai Tribute Dinner and Silent Auction," honoring the former men's basketball head coach of Cal State Dominguez Hills.
"Tonight was a very special evening for a very special man, as evidenced by the love, admiration, gratitude and respect felt in the capacity-filled room," said CSUDH Athletics Director Patrick Guillen, reflecting on a tremendous night.
"Tonight's incredible event was the culmination of hundreds of hours of work, and I would like to express my deep appreciation to those who worked so tirelessly on this campaign, especially our co-chairs in Henry Ota, John Nojima, Dan Guerrero and Sam Lagana for their leadership, as well as to emcee Rob Fukuzaki, who offered his time and talent in helping make the night one to remember."
Emceed by KABC-7's sports anchor Fukuzaki, with speakers including UCLA Athletics Director Guerrero and ESPN/ABC analyst Steve Lavin, the event gave glimpses into coach Yanai's storied and award-filled coaching history, where guests including family, friends, colleagues, former players and co-workers filled the room with anecdotes about the man who many referred to as "so much more than just a coach."
Beginning with a cocktail hour featuring a vast array of silent auction items, the evening's dinner commenced with Guillen giving a warm welcome, followed by CSUDH VP Sue Borrego saying a few words on behalf of CSUDH President Mildred García, who gave way to Fukuzaki.
The southern California sports anchor icon then proceeded to introduce Lavin, former Toro Nojima and Guerrero, who each gave his personal account of the man who helped teach, mentor and inspire them, with composure, honesty, and caring emerging as common denominators.
Fukuzaki and Guillen followed suit, with Pepperdine's Associate Vice Chancellor and former CSUDH administrator Lagana interjecting with tremendous live auction items, before coach Yanai took the podium.
After thanking Guillen, who spearheaded this night and January 9, the date of the court unveiling, his wife and kids, and parents, Yanai named five individuals who served as mentors in brother Frank, Mas Fukai, Nojima's father, the night's honorary chairman John R. Wooden and Pete Newell, before giving credit and showing appreciation to the guest speakers, as well as his former assistants, trainers and players, many of whom were in the audience.
"Obviously it's a great honor and I'm really humbled by this whole affair," began Yanai, before the dinner. "The main thing for me is my thoughts for the scholarships this night may grant, but I’m so honored about the court naming.
"There are so many players, assistant coaches, boosters, administrators, and people who were my colleagues at CSUDH all these many years, and everyone of them has a piece of this wonderful honor, and when they see my name on the floor, I hope they feel like it’s their name because they all have a piece of it.
"I retired four years ago, and you just want to get onto other things that you’ve put on hold for a number of years like enjoying the grandkids, taking trips with one's wife, golfing and assorted other things. I’m an avid reader and now I can do it at my leisure and am getting the chance to do all the things that I love.
"And I also get a chance to do a little basketball activity," he continued, never quite being able to leave the game that's been so good to him. "I’ve gone to practices of various college coaching friends of mine and had a chance to critique and see some things that might help them.
"But this is something that I didn’t expect and to be honest, I’m really shy about these kinds of things. All I can say is that I’m humbled and honored to have this wonderful thing happen to me, and it's a tremendous honor."
Yanai spent 19 seasons as head coach at CSUDH, where his Toro teams advanced to the 1981, 1987 and 1989 NCAA Tournaments. In addition, he guided the Toros to the 1979 NAIA National Championship Elite EIght after winning the NAIA District III Championship in only his second year in Carson.
Individually, he claimed the 1979 District Coach of the Year, the 1987 NCAA West Region Coach of the Year and two-consecutive CCAA Coach of the Year Awards (1987 and 1988). Yanai also coached 34 All-CCAA Conference, two CCAA Athletes of the Year, eight NCAA All-West Region, two NCAA All-Americans and one NCAA Division II Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year in Nojima, ending his coaching career at CSUDH with 287 of his 401 total wins, the winningest coach in CSUDH men's basketball history.
Part II of the “Dave Yanai” tribute will take place on Saturday, January 9, at 7:00 pm, when the Torodome court will be unveiled in his honor.
Thanking the Thankful a dinner gala to honor basketball coaching legend Dave Yanai.
Thanking the Thankful
Faces from his past attend a dinner gala to honor basketball coaching legend Dave Yanai.
Coach Dave Yanai, center, poses with former players and assistant coaches during a gala dinner in his honor at the Los Angeles Athletic Club in Downtown on Sunday evening. (Photos by JORDAN IKEDA/Rafu Shimpo)
By JORDAN IKEDA
Rafu Sports Editor
===
Sunday evening at the Los Angeles Athletic Club in the heart of Downtown former players, coaches (both peers and assistants), former athletic directors, school faculty, friends, family, media members, officials—a wide spectrum of people from all over the country—gathered together to pay tribute and celebrate a man that has influenced, changed and touched their lives.
David Yanai was honored with a dinner gala for not only his 28 years of exceptional coaching, but more notably for a lifetime of being himself.
“Even more indelible are the literally thousands of lives he’s touched coaching, and we’re all better people because of you David,” said ABC 7 sports guy, Rob Fukuzaki, who emceed the event.
The dinner gala featured keynote speaker UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero, as well as former UCLA head coach and current ESPN analyst Steve Lavin and former Cal State Dominguez Hills NCAA Div. II male scholar athlete of the year John Nojima all gave a unique aspect to the scope of Coach Yanai’s influence.
“You are certainly deserving of this tribute because of what you’ve achieved,” Guerrero told Yanai at the end of his speech. “Not just what you achieved as a coach, but what you’ve achieved as a person…I’ve learned as much from you about those things that are important in life as anyone whom I’ve ever met.”
Coach Yanai and his wife Sae.
It was obvious from the diversity of those in attendance that Coach Yanai’s teaching extends far beyond the awards and accolades and success on the court. Despite the 401 wins, the pair of CCAA coach of the year awards, the NCAA Regional Coach of the Year award and the District Coach of the Year award, the true reward, according to Coach Yanai, was found in the players.
“‘The gift to a coach,’” Nojima said, quoting Coach Yanai’s own words, “‘the championships for a coach, are always the players. It’s not about the wins or the championships. You guys are the wins and you guys are the championships. And don’t you ever forget it.’”
When it was finally his turn to speak, Coach Yanai made his way to the front amidst a standing ovation.
“This is really like a Lou Gehrig moment,” he said as he took the podium. “I feel like the luckiest person alive. I should be on the other end thanking all of you folks.”
True to form and his word, exemplifying why so many people love and support him, Coach Yanai did his best to do just that, thanking each and every one in turn.
He was supposed to talk for 10 minutes, but ended up going nearly 40 thanking his wife Sae and acknowledging that she deserves as much credit for his success. Thanking Guerrero and sharing his wish for him to become the next NCAA president. Thanking Lavin for his friendship and the two-way street of teaching.
Sharing stories about players, like Nojima’s penchant to help tutor his teammates. Thanking all of his former players, staff trainers, assistant coaches, rival coaches, referees, friends, and family and even the media, like long time Rafu writer George “Horse” Yoshinaga.
From left, UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero, former Cal State, Dominguez Hills head basketball coach Dave Yanai, former UCLA head coach and current ESPN analyst Steve Lavin, CSUDH athletic director Patrick Guillen and ABC 7 sports anchor Rob Fukuzaki pose for a picture during a gala dinner in honor of Yanai Sunday evening.
He also made it a point to acknowledge and thank five mentors who helped shape and mold him. Frank Yanai, his brother who he said ran interference for him. Mas Fukai who got him excited about sports and formed the FOR club with him. Sho Nojima, John Nojima’s father, who was a calming and intellectual influence. And of course two legends of the game in John Wooden and Pete Newell who offered their own coaching guidance and teaching wisdom, much in the same manner that he does now to others.
The gala included a silent auction, an effort to raise the necessary funds to see through the vision of current CSUDH athletic director Pat Guillen, who envisioned barely a year ago the idea of honoring Coach Yanai with a scholarship in his name as well as that name being forever associated with the CSUDH basketball court.
That vision will be realized Jan. 10 with a special unveiling.
Sponsors who donated time, money and auction prizes included Steve Morikawa of American Honda, Nancy Matsui of American Airlines and long time Dave Yanai friend, Tetsu Tanimoto.
Lavin read an e-mail from Coach Yanai that really resounded throughout the entire evening and was a lesson that everyone in the room was able to take away and apply to their own lives.
The e-mail read, “Stevie, remember that time is the most important commodity you have. You can always make more money, but you can’t make more time. Once today is gone, it is gone forever. Always spend your time wisely.”
Everyone in attendance Sunday evening would agree that their choice to attend, much like Coach Yanai himself, was the epitome of wisdom.
For those who would like to donate to the Dave Yanai Scholarship Fund, visit www.gotoros.com/custompages/ yanai/giving.html or mail pledges to CSUDH Development Office: Dave Yanai Scholarship, 1000 E. Victoria St. Carson, CA 90747
Faces from his past attend a dinner gala to honor basketball coaching legend Dave Yanai.
Coach Dave Yanai, center, poses with former players and assistant coaches during a gala dinner in his honor at the Los Angeles Athletic Club in Downtown on Sunday evening. (Photos by JORDAN IKEDA/Rafu Shimpo)
By JORDAN IKEDA
Rafu Sports Editor
===
Sunday evening at the Los Angeles Athletic Club in the heart of Downtown former players, coaches (both peers and assistants), former athletic directors, school faculty, friends, family, media members, officials—a wide spectrum of people from all over the country—gathered together to pay tribute and celebrate a man that has influenced, changed and touched their lives.
David Yanai was honored with a dinner gala for not only his 28 years of exceptional coaching, but more notably for a lifetime of being himself.
“Even more indelible are the literally thousands of lives he’s touched coaching, and we’re all better people because of you David,” said ABC 7 sports guy, Rob Fukuzaki, who emceed the event.
The dinner gala featured keynote speaker UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero, as well as former UCLA head coach and current ESPN analyst Steve Lavin and former Cal State Dominguez Hills NCAA Div. II male scholar athlete of the year John Nojima all gave a unique aspect to the scope of Coach Yanai’s influence.
“You are certainly deserving of this tribute because of what you’ve achieved,” Guerrero told Yanai at the end of his speech. “Not just what you achieved as a coach, but what you’ve achieved as a person…I’ve learned as much from you about those things that are important in life as anyone whom I’ve ever met.”
Coach Yanai and his wife Sae.
It was obvious from the diversity of those in attendance that Coach Yanai’s teaching extends far beyond the awards and accolades and success on the court. Despite the 401 wins, the pair of CCAA coach of the year awards, the NCAA Regional Coach of the Year award and the District Coach of the Year award, the true reward, according to Coach Yanai, was found in the players.
“‘The gift to a coach,’” Nojima said, quoting Coach Yanai’s own words, “‘the championships for a coach, are always the players. It’s not about the wins or the championships. You guys are the wins and you guys are the championships. And don’t you ever forget it.’”
When it was finally his turn to speak, Coach Yanai made his way to the front amidst a standing ovation.
“This is really like a Lou Gehrig moment,” he said as he took the podium. “I feel like the luckiest person alive. I should be on the other end thanking all of you folks.”
True to form and his word, exemplifying why so many people love and support him, Coach Yanai did his best to do just that, thanking each and every one in turn.
He was supposed to talk for 10 minutes, but ended up going nearly 40 thanking his wife Sae and acknowledging that she deserves as much credit for his success. Thanking Guerrero and sharing his wish for him to become the next NCAA president. Thanking Lavin for his friendship and the two-way street of teaching.
Sharing stories about players, like Nojima’s penchant to help tutor his teammates. Thanking all of his former players, staff trainers, assistant coaches, rival coaches, referees, friends, and family and even the media, like long time Rafu writer George “Horse” Yoshinaga.
From left, UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero, former Cal State, Dominguez Hills head basketball coach Dave Yanai, former UCLA head coach and current ESPN analyst Steve Lavin, CSUDH athletic director Patrick Guillen and ABC 7 sports anchor Rob Fukuzaki pose for a picture during a gala dinner in honor of Yanai Sunday evening.
He also made it a point to acknowledge and thank five mentors who helped shape and mold him. Frank Yanai, his brother who he said ran interference for him. Mas Fukai who got him excited about sports and formed the FOR club with him. Sho Nojima, John Nojima’s father, who was a calming and intellectual influence. And of course two legends of the game in John Wooden and Pete Newell who offered their own coaching guidance and teaching wisdom, much in the same manner that he does now to others.
The gala included a silent auction, an effort to raise the necessary funds to see through the vision of current CSUDH athletic director Pat Guillen, who envisioned barely a year ago the idea of honoring Coach Yanai with a scholarship in his name as well as that name being forever associated with the CSUDH basketball court.
That vision will be realized Jan. 10 with a special unveiling.
Sponsors who donated time, money and auction prizes included Steve Morikawa of American Honda, Nancy Matsui of American Airlines and long time Dave Yanai friend, Tetsu Tanimoto.
Lavin read an e-mail from Coach Yanai that really resounded throughout the entire evening and was a lesson that everyone in the room was able to take away and apply to their own lives.
The e-mail read, “Stevie, remember that time is the most important commodity you have. You can always make more money, but you can’t make more time. Once today is gone, it is gone forever. Always spend your time wisely.”
Everyone in attendance Sunday evening would agree that their choice to attend, much like Coach Yanai himself, was the epitome of wisdom.
For those who would like to donate to the Dave Yanai Scholarship Fund, visit www.gotoros.com/custompages/ yanai/giving.html or mail pledges to CSUDH Development Office: Dave Yanai Scholarship, 1000 E. Victoria St. Carson, CA 90747
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
This first one is an interesting account of a Japanese player for Maryville back in the mid 1880s
College Football Traditions in Tennessee
by B.B. Branton
posted August 31, 2009
MARYVILLE COLLEGE: College football in East Tennessee has its beginning at Maryville College by Kin Takahashi, a Japanese student who evidently played the sport in California in the mid-1880s.
Research shows that MC's inaugural football game was New Year's Eve, 1890 against a victorious Knoxville squad.
The first college game in the state was played 34 days earlier as Vanderbilt defeated Nashville, 40-0, on Thanksgiving Day.
Takahashi was player/coach and guided the Orange and Garnet in its first collegiate game on Oct. 15, 1892, but fell 25-0 to the visiting University of Tennessee.
MC alumni honor the former student each June with a Kin Takahashi Week which includes fund raising and volunteer maintenance work on campus.
The current Maryville team carries on the sport's foundation established by Takahashi as the Fighting Scot players stand as one after each home win and sing the school's alma mater in front of the home fans at Lloyd L. Thornton Stadium, while the victory bell at Anderson Hall is sounded.
Prior to kickoff, the players participate in the "March of the Scots" from Cooper Athletic Center down Donald W. Story Captain's Walk to the stadium.
by B.B. Branton
posted August 31, 2009
MARYVILLE COLLEGE: College football in East Tennessee has its beginning at Maryville College by Kin Takahashi, a Japanese student who evidently played the sport in California in the mid-1880s.
Research shows that MC's inaugural football game was New Year's Eve, 1890 against a victorious Knoxville squad.
The first college game in the state was played 34 days earlier as Vanderbilt defeated Nashville, 40-0, on Thanksgiving Day.
Takahashi was player/coach and guided the Orange and Garnet in its first collegiate game on Oct. 15, 1892, but fell 25-0 to the visiting University of Tennessee.
MC alumni honor the former student each June with a Kin Takahashi Week which includes fund raising and volunteer maintenance work on campus.
The current Maryville team carries on the sport's foundation established by Takahashi as the Fighting Scot players stand as one after each home win and sing the school's alma mater in front of the home fans at Lloyd L. Thornton Stadium, while the victory bell at Anderson Hall is sounded.
Prior to kickoff, the players participate in the "March of the Scots" from Cooper Athletic Center down Donald W. Story Captain's Walk to the stadium.
Asian pioneer Murakami recalls pitching...and FBI protection
Asian pioneer Murakami recalls pitching...and FBI protection
By Shigemi Sato (AFP) – Sep 7, 2009
TOKYO — Despite requiring FBI protection and witnessing black teammates suffer widespread discrimination, Masanori "Mashi" Murakami insists US baseball in the 1960s was a golden age.
Now 65, Japanese pitcher Murakami, the first native Asian to star in the major leagues, vividly remembers the hate mail and seeing black teammate Willie Mays prevented from living in a white residential neighbourhood.
"If I was given another chance, I'd still prefer to play in the major leagues of 45 years ago," Murakami told AFP.
"The players were fair and there was no such problem as drugs."
Murakami was speaking on the anniversary of his major league debut as a 20-year-old relief pitcher for the San Francisco Giants in September, 1964.
Murakami's MLB stint lasted only two years before his Japanese club Nankai Hawks, keen to take advantage of the left-hander's growing reputation, called him home.
It took another 30 years before strikeout star Hideo Nomo signed up with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1995 to pave the way for a drain of talent across the Pacific from Japan as well as neighbouring South Korea and Taiwan.
Some two dozens of native Asians, including 18 Japanese, are currently plying there trade in MLB this season.
Among them are Seattle Mariners lead-off man Ichiro Suzuki, New York Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui and Boston Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka.
Matsuzaka, who will turn 29 on Sunday, signed a six-year, 52 million-dollar contract with the Red Sox in 2006.
Suzuki and Matsuzaka helped Japan retain the World Baseball Classic title, the sport's answer to the football World Cup, last March.
"I didn't expect Japanese players to make such an impact," Murakami said. "The players nowadays are very privileged."
In 1964, a year after joining the Nankai Hawks of Japan's Pacific League, Murakami and two teammates were sent to play for the San Francisco Giants' single-A affiliate Fresno.
In August that year, Murakami was raised to full Giants status to become the first native Asian MLB player. On his majors debut, Murakami appeared in the eighth inning and held the New York Mets scoreless.
In his two seasons with the Giants, he struck out 100 batters over 89 innings, racking up a 3.43 earned run average (ERA), with his best pitch being a sharp screwball.
The 1.83m (six-foot) pitcher had five wins, one loss and nine saves in 54 games, becoming a hero in San Francisco and the pride of the huge Japanese-American community in the Californian city.
But there was a dark side to fame with Murakami recalling how Giants manager Herman Franks received death threats for using a Japanese player.
"The FBI protected me for about a week," explained Murakami. "It was because I was Japanese. The sender might have been someone whose family had suffered because of World War II."
When he returned home, Murakami won more than 100 games over 17 years with three Japanese teams before retiring in 1982.
He then served as an Asian scouting coordinator for the Giants, a newspaper columnist and an MLB commentator for the public broadcaster NHK.
Murakami has encouraged more Japanese players to seek a career in MLB which he called "the best place for a baseball player to be".
He claims the domestic leagues are dogged by poor working conditions with limited bonuses for championship series appearances and minimal pensions.
"I think they should go - to put it bluntly - when they can sell themselves at high prices," he told the anniversary dinner. "This is business."
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Maybe Ishikawa can quit holding his breath now
Maybe Ishikawa can quit holding his breath now
By Andrew Baggarly
abaggarly@mercurynews.com
Posted: 07/22/2009 08:26:43 PM PDT
Updated: 07/22/2009 08:26:44 PM PDT
Maybe Ishikawa can quit holding his breath now
ATLANTA — Last weekend in Pittsburgh, Travis Ishikawa reached on a fielder's choice and struck up a conversation with Pirates first baseman Adam LaRoche.
LaRoche was among the Giants' rumored trade targets, and because the two men play the same position, it could have made for an awkward moment. But Ishikawa said they talked about less juicy topics.
"You know, 'How was your break; what did you do?' " Ishikawa said. "The usual stuff."
The Pirates dealt LaRoche on Wednesday, but not to the Giants and not for a large sum. The Boston Red Sox parted with two of their less-heralded prospects — a deal that wouldn't have been tough for the Giants to top.
The Giants didn't consider LaRoche enough of an upgrade to warrant the added cost in salary (almost $3 million) and minor league talent. But they remain watchful for a corner infielder, with third baseman Pablo Sandoval able to float as needed.
Could Ishikawa interpret the Giants' taking a pass on LaRoche as a vote of confidence?
"I guess every day in the lineup is a vote of confidence," Ishikawa said. "I'll just take it as a blessing. I can't worry about what the organization will or won't do. I've got to prepare to play hard and hope the numbers keep me in the lineup each day."
Those numbers are much better at home. Ishikawa is hitting .353 at AT&T Park and .144 on the road. In
a smaller sample last year, the opposite was true: A .143 home average and .350 on the road.
"Naw, there's no rhyme or reason for that," said Giants Manager Bruce Bochy, who mentioned Ishikawa's glove as a factor keeping him in the lineup. "I don't think he changes his approach. But it's a pretty significant split, I know."
By Andrew Baggarly
abaggarly@mercurynews.com
Posted: 07/22/2009 08:26:43 PM PDT
Updated: 07/22/2009 08:26:44 PM PDT
Maybe Ishikawa can quit holding his breath now
ATLANTA — Last weekend in Pittsburgh, Travis Ishikawa reached on a fielder's choice and struck up a conversation with Pirates first baseman Adam LaRoche.
LaRoche was among the Giants' rumored trade targets, and because the two men play the same position, it could have made for an awkward moment. But Ishikawa said they talked about less juicy topics.
"You know, 'How was your break; what did you do?' " Ishikawa said. "The usual stuff."
The Pirates dealt LaRoche on Wednesday, but not to the Giants and not for a large sum. The Boston Red Sox parted with two of their less-heralded prospects — a deal that wouldn't have been tough for the Giants to top.
The Giants didn't consider LaRoche enough of an upgrade to warrant the added cost in salary (almost $3 million) and minor league talent. But they remain watchful for a corner infielder, with third baseman Pablo Sandoval able to float as needed.
Could Ishikawa interpret the Giants' taking a pass on LaRoche as a vote of confidence?
"I guess every day in the lineup is a vote of confidence," Ishikawa said. "I'll just take it as a blessing. I can't worry about what the organization will or won't do. I've got to prepare to play hard and hope the numbers keep me in the lineup each day."
Those numbers are much better at home. Ishikawa is hitting .353 at AT&T Park and .144 on the road. In
a smaller sample last year, the opposite was true: A .143 home average and .350 on the road.
"Naw, there's no rhyme or reason for that," said Giants Manager Bruce Bochy, who mentioned Ishikawa's glove as a factor keeping him in the lineup. "I don't think he changes his approach. But it's a pretty significant split, I know."
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Coach’s Court by Jordan Ikeda
The Coach’s Court
By JORDAN IKEDA
RAFU STAFF WRITER
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Cal State Dominguez Hills looks to rename its basketball court after legendary coach Dave Yanai.
Photo courtesy CSUDH Sports Information
The coach and his Toro players, during a huddle at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
MIKEY HIRANO CULROSS/Rafu Shimpo
Dave Yanai spent a few minutes with another basketball
legend, Wat Misaka, at a screening of a documentary on
Misaka last February.
I am a basketball junkie. I play twice a week, have two basketball blogs, and am able to write about hoops through the Rafu.
This past Christmas, I was given the NBA League Pass (which gives access to broadcasts of every single NBA game). With March Madness, the Lakers, and Rafu’s coverage of the various JA leagues and high school basketball, I’ve watched way too much hoops this past year and loved every minute of it.
Imagine my giddiness when two months ago, I had the privilege of speaking with one of the greatest basketball minds alive today.
Now, when you think of the greatest minds in college hoops, a few names immediately spring to the forefront, all of whom are in both the basketball and college basketball halls of fame.
There’s Pete Newell, who is widely considered one of the most influential basketball minds in the history of the sport. There’s Bob Knight, the all-time winningest coach in Division I basketball. And of course, there’s the Wizard of Westwood himself, John R. Wooden whose 10 championships in 12 years will never be replicated.
But there is another mind, one whom many don’t know. One who was mentored by Newell, peers with Knight, honored by Wooden. One who worked his own form of coaching magic over 28 years with Cal State University Dominguez Hills and Cal State University Los Angeles. Who finished his career with over 400 victories, one of only two California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) coaches to reach that milestone. And whether you’ve heard of him or not, his commitment to and influence in the Japanese American sports community has been unmatched.
Dave Yanai is not an imposing man. Nothing from his appearance emits basketball, let alone basketball savant. He’s got a cheery, inviting smile. A calming and friendly voice. But anyone who has ever been associated with him will tell you that the man knows basketball.
“He provided me with so much knowledge from his vantage point that I developed a very good understanding of the game of basketball to the extent that I’m in the position I’m currently in,” UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero, told the Rafu Shimpo. Guerrero worked with Yanai for ten years as CSUDH’s athletic director.
“I remember legendary Pete Newell talking about Dave as one of the finest teachers of the game of basketball,” Guerrero continued. “I saw that first hand and developed a wonderful relationship with him. I think one that is not very common between athletic director and coach.”
Not surprisingly, the current athletic director of CSUDH, Pat Guillen, echoes Guerrero’s sentiments despite spending only a single year with coach Yanai before his retirement.
“A lot of the ideals and a lot of the standards for character and integrity that I hold, really comes from coach Yanai,” Guillen said. “That’s how much he’s meant to me. He taught me how to do things the right way. He taught that to thousands of students and he continues to teach that today. That’s how he lives his life. He’s a modern day Job.”
Like Job of the Bible, coach Yanai is the essence of humility.
Of course there have been awards—the NAIA District III Coach of the Year, the NCAA West Region Coach of the Year, two CCAA Coach of the Year honors, and a John Wooden Award.
And there’s been success—advanced five teams to the NCAA Regionals, five teams to the CCAA postseason tournament, and one team to the 1979 NAIA District III championships.
But in spite of all this, he continues to shy away from attention and accolades and instead enjoys working in the background.
As far as the general public’s knowledge of him?
Let’s put it this way: he doesn’t even have his own Wikipedia entry.
But this summer, Yanai’s name will be moved into the spotlight. For his leadership both on and off the court, the CSUDH athletic department has begun a campaign to honor Yanai by renaming the Torodome the “Dave Yanai Court” as well as establish an endowed scholarship that will help future students in perpetuity.
“He’s very humble and this type of attention is not something he looks for,” said John Nojima who played for Yanai from 1983 to 87 as an all conference guard and is helping to raise money for the cause. “He was a little bit embarrassed by it at first. And I’m sure if we would have told him about it before it got off the ground, I think he would have quashed it from the beginning. But I think this is well deserved. The things that he has done, unrecognized, without fanfare or publicity, for the Japanese American community and the community in general, is unmatched by anybody in Los Angeles basketball history. It really is.”
Before Newell took him under his wing, Coach Yanai was mentored by Mas Fukai who put him to work as a founding member of a tiny little club called Gardena Friends of Richard. Under Fukai’s vision and direction, what started out as a small service organization made up of 15 boys and eight officers, has today blossomed into a basketball league featuring over 1,000 boys and girls ranging from elementary school kids to adults in their 50s.
Coach Yanai has been a charter member and advisor for what is now called Southbay FOR since 1959.
As a trailblazer in the Japanese American community, he made history by becoming the first Japanese American basketball head coach at any level in the country. Over the years, he’s put on numerous camps and clinics for FOR clubs and clubs from overseas. And he has worked as an advisor and consultant for the Japan National Team.
“He’s the true essence of a coach. He’s a mentor, he’s an educator, and he’s a leader,” said Guillen. “He taught you important things, not just about basketball, but about life.”
“One thing that is important to note is the human side of Dave,” said Henry Ota who is a lawyer and also a long time friend of coach Yanai as well as one of the founding members of FOR. “When Dave’s father passed away, my uncle Mas [Fukai] became like Dave’s dad. Mas suffered a stroke 15 years ago and became disabled. Dave never forgot what Mas had done for him and how he had given him a lot of leadership support. Throughout Mas’ disability, I know Dave was right there all the time and tried to make his life a very positive one. The same thing for when Pete Newell was going through some of his difficulties. Dave was right there.”
Coach Yanai has been right there. Right in front of us. Doing amazing things not only for the Japanese American community, but the wider spectrum of the sports community as well. He’s improved the quality of basketball not only here in the States but overseas. He’s been a major player in the development of JA basketball through FOR. And he’s influenced and touched and changed countless lives.
I can personally attest. A long time ago, when I was still learning how to dribble with my left hand, I attended one of coach Yanai’s camps. Now, nearly 15 years later, I can honestly say that coach Yanai gave me something that I continue to cherish.
My love of hoops.
This summer, the community has an opportunity to give back to coach Yanai. Give back for his years of service. Give back for the wealth of knowledge he shared. A chance to give him a little recognition by helping to ensure that his name graces the floor of the gym he physically, metaphorically and idealistically inundated with basketball.
Whether he wants it to or not…
The Dave Yanai Court Tribute and Scholarship Fund is currently trying to raise the rest of the necessary money to get see this project through its completion. A good majority has already been raised, but every donation counts, whether it be monetary or volunteer work. To donate, visit www.csudh.edu/onlinegiving or mail to CSUDH Development Office, Attn: Greg Saks, 1000 E. Victoria St. Carson, CA 90747. To find out more about the project, visit www.gotoros.com/daveyanai or email giving@csudh or contact Patrick Guillen at (310) 243-3893.
By JORDAN IKEDA
RAFU STAFF WRITER
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Cal State Dominguez Hills looks to rename its basketball court after legendary coach Dave Yanai.
Photo courtesy CSUDH Sports Information
The coach and his Toro players, during a huddle at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
MIKEY HIRANO CULROSS/Rafu Shimpo
Dave Yanai spent a few minutes with another basketball
legend, Wat Misaka, at a screening of a documentary on
Misaka last February.
I am a basketball junkie. I play twice a week, have two basketball blogs, and am able to write about hoops through the Rafu.
This past Christmas, I was given the NBA League Pass (which gives access to broadcasts of every single NBA game). With March Madness, the Lakers, and Rafu’s coverage of the various JA leagues and high school basketball, I’ve watched way too much hoops this past year and loved every minute of it.
Imagine my giddiness when two months ago, I had the privilege of speaking with one of the greatest basketball minds alive today.
Now, when you think of the greatest minds in college hoops, a few names immediately spring to the forefront, all of whom are in both the basketball and college basketball halls of fame.
There’s Pete Newell, who is widely considered one of the most influential basketball minds in the history of the sport. There’s Bob Knight, the all-time winningest coach in Division I basketball. And of course, there’s the Wizard of Westwood himself, John R. Wooden whose 10 championships in 12 years will never be replicated.
But there is another mind, one whom many don’t know. One who was mentored by Newell, peers with Knight, honored by Wooden. One who worked his own form of coaching magic over 28 years with Cal State University Dominguez Hills and Cal State University Los Angeles. Who finished his career with over 400 victories, one of only two California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) coaches to reach that milestone. And whether you’ve heard of him or not, his commitment to and influence in the Japanese American sports community has been unmatched.
Dave Yanai is not an imposing man. Nothing from his appearance emits basketball, let alone basketball savant. He’s got a cheery, inviting smile. A calming and friendly voice. But anyone who has ever been associated with him will tell you that the man knows basketball.
“He provided me with so much knowledge from his vantage point that I developed a very good understanding of the game of basketball to the extent that I’m in the position I’m currently in,” UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero, told the Rafu Shimpo. Guerrero worked with Yanai for ten years as CSUDH’s athletic director.
“I remember legendary Pete Newell talking about Dave as one of the finest teachers of the game of basketball,” Guerrero continued. “I saw that first hand and developed a wonderful relationship with him. I think one that is not very common between athletic director and coach.”
Not surprisingly, the current athletic director of CSUDH, Pat Guillen, echoes Guerrero’s sentiments despite spending only a single year with coach Yanai before his retirement.
“A lot of the ideals and a lot of the standards for character and integrity that I hold, really comes from coach Yanai,” Guillen said. “That’s how much he’s meant to me. He taught me how to do things the right way. He taught that to thousands of students and he continues to teach that today. That’s how he lives his life. He’s a modern day Job.”
Like Job of the Bible, coach Yanai is the essence of humility.
Of course there have been awards—the NAIA District III Coach of the Year, the NCAA West Region Coach of the Year, two CCAA Coach of the Year honors, and a John Wooden Award.
And there’s been success—advanced five teams to the NCAA Regionals, five teams to the CCAA postseason tournament, and one team to the 1979 NAIA District III championships.
But in spite of all this, he continues to shy away from attention and accolades and instead enjoys working in the background.
As far as the general public’s knowledge of him?
Let’s put it this way: he doesn’t even have his own Wikipedia entry.
But this summer, Yanai’s name will be moved into the spotlight. For his leadership both on and off the court, the CSUDH athletic department has begun a campaign to honor Yanai by renaming the Torodome the “Dave Yanai Court” as well as establish an endowed scholarship that will help future students in perpetuity.
“He’s very humble and this type of attention is not something he looks for,” said John Nojima who played for Yanai from 1983 to 87 as an all conference guard and is helping to raise money for the cause. “He was a little bit embarrassed by it at first. And I’m sure if we would have told him about it before it got off the ground, I think he would have quashed it from the beginning. But I think this is well deserved. The things that he has done, unrecognized, without fanfare or publicity, for the Japanese American community and the community in general, is unmatched by anybody in Los Angeles basketball history. It really is.”
Before Newell took him under his wing, Coach Yanai was mentored by Mas Fukai who put him to work as a founding member of a tiny little club called Gardena Friends of Richard. Under Fukai’s vision and direction, what started out as a small service organization made up of 15 boys and eight officers, has today blossomed into a basketball league featuring over 1,000 boys and girls ranging from elementary school kids to adults in their 50s.
Coach Yanai has been a charter member and advisor for what is now called Southbay FOR since 1959.
As a trailblazer in the Japanese American community, he made history by becoming the first Japanese American basketball head coach at any level in the country. Over the years, he’s put on numerous camps and clinics for FOR clubs and clubs from overseas. And he has worked as an advisor and consultant for the Japan National Team.
“He’s the true essence of a coach. He’s a mentor, he’s an educator, and he’s a leader,” said Guillen. “He taught you important things, not just about basketball, but about life.”
“One thing that is important to note is the human side of Dave,” said Henry Ota who is a lawyer and also a long time friend of coach Yanai as well as one of the founding members of FOR. “When Dave’s father passed away, my uncle Mas [Fukai] became like Dave’s dad. Mas suffered a stroke 15 years ago and became disabled. Dave never forgot what Mas had done for him and how he had given him a lot of leadership support. Throughout Mas’ disability, I know Dave was right there all the time and tried to make his life a very positive one. The same thing for when Pete Newell was going through some of his difficulties. Dave was right there.”
Coach Yanai has been right there. Right in front of us. Doing amazing things not only for the Japanese American community, but the wider spectrum of the sports community as well. He’s improved the quality of basketball not only here in the States but overseas. He’s been a major player in the development of JA basketball through FOR. And he’s influenced and touched and changed countless lives.
I can personally attest. A long time ago, when I was still learning how to dribble with my left hand, I attended one of coach Yanai’s camps. Now, nearly 15 years later, I can honestly say that coach Yanai gave me something that I continue to cherish.
My love of hoops.
This summer, the community has an opportunity to give back to coach Yanai. Give back for his years of service. Give back for the wealth of knowledge he shared. A chance to give him a little recognition by helping to ensure that his name graces the floor of the gym he physically, metaphorically and idealistically inundated with basketball.
Whether he wants it to or not…
The Dave Yanai Court Tribute and Scholarship Fund is currently trying to raise the rest of the necessary money to get see this project through its completion. A good majority has already been raised, but every donation counts, whether it be monetary or volunteer work. To donate, visit www.csudh.edu/onlinegiving or mail to CSUDH Development Office, Attn: Greg Saks, 1000 E. Victoria St. Carson, CA 90747. To find out more about the project, visit www.gotoros.com/daveyanai or email giving@csudh or contact Patrick Guillen at (310) 243-3893.
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