Episodes
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WHAT. A. SERIES. We’ve got you covered on Games 1-4 fashion, Naomi’s trip to the fall classic, Yamamoto’s debut, Ohtani’s injury, Tommy’s clutch hits, and the Anthony Volpe Slam Heard ‘Round The World. Were our Game 5 predictions right?? Listen now to find out!
Prociety 다저스 hat pre-order: https://procietyshop.com/collections/pre-order-dodgers-korea-script
Prociety interview: https://abc7.com/post/la-hat-shop-prociety-drops-exclusive-korean-dodger-caps-owner-says-tommy-edman-wining-nlcs-mvp-was-proud-moment-koreans/15482179/
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This is an EXTRA beefy episode, so let's get right into it!
First, a moment for the passing of Dodger Legend, Fernando Valenzuela. Thank you for all your contributions.
Then, a Championship Series recap: Steven Kwan and Anthony Volpe both fight for their teams to make it to the final round, an extra special extra long segment about Yoshinobu Yamamoto's luxury handbags, all love for Sean Manaea's best year yet, and Tommy Edman becomes the first Asian NLCS MVP in MLB history!
Finally, World Series predictions, anyone??
Steven Kwan's ode to the Postseason: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/posts/steven-kwan-mlb-cleveland-guardians-baseball
Kwan's postgame interview: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/steven-kwan-gets-honest-about-playoff-loss-to-yankees/ar-AA1sBA8Q
Sean Manaea's postgame interview: https://sny.tv/articles/sean-manaea-would-love-to-be-back-mets-next-season
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Missing episodes?
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Two weeks into the postseason, and the players have come to PLAY. Well…almost.
First up, we celebrate the Gold Glove nominations of Anthony Volpe and Steven Kwan!
Then, into the ALDS - Volpe finds himself in the middle of some Yankees-Royals postseason drama and Kwan hits a massive .524 and writes himself into the history books to help Cleveland advance.
Across the league, the NLDS was a pitching masterclass. Orion Kerkering has a solid postseason for the Phillies, Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea keep the Mets afloat, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Yu Darvish face off in a historic matchup.
Game 1 of the ALCS wasn’t much to write home about if you’re a position player, but the Guardians sacrifice Joey Cantillo to the Yankees’ Murderer’s Row and he pays the price.
In the NLCS, Kodai Senga struggles to get back into the swing of things but Sean Manaea stays cool, calm, and consistent in Game 2, and Ohtani is slumping at the exact wrong time but his teammate Tommy Edman shows himself to be the BUNT KING.
Volpe’s great catch: https://www.mlb.com/yankees/video/vinnie-pasquantino-lines-out-softly-to-shortstop-anthony-volpe
Volpe’s double play: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5835577/2024/10/10/yankees-royals-benches-clear-alds-game-4/
1977 ALCS: https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/yankees-jazz-chisholm-accuses-royals-maikel-garcia-of-trying-to-hurt-anthony-volpe-on-slide-sore-loser/
Andy McCullough article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5838152/2024/10/12/dodgers-yoshinobu-yamamoto-padres/
Dylan Hernandez article: https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2024-10-15/shohei-ohtani-dodgers-nlcs-game-2-struggles
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WOWOWOW. This Postseason is bringing the DRAMA!
First, the end of an era as the legend Choo Shin Soo retires after 18 seasons of pro ball, and Shota Imanaga’s interpreter Edwin Stanberry gets high praise.
Let’s get into the Wild Card: in the AL, Detroit leaves Kenta Maeda off the roster, Yusei Kikuchi never makes it to his start and will likely be released into free agency, and Tommy Pham is ever the postseason professional.
The NL Wild Card brought Sean Manaea’s first start of the postseason, the Asianless Brewers are eliminated, and Kyle Higashioka impresses big stars.
Now onto the ALDS: Steven Kwan has a big - if controversial - catch in game 2, Anthony Volpe has an impressive at bat but a costly error, and Kenta Maeda STILL hasn’t made the roster.
It’s the NLDS where things really start getting nuts: the Mets bring Kodai Senga back after only 5IP in the regular season, Sean Manaea dedicates his lights-out performance to his aunt, and the series with the most Asians - SD vs. LA - is getting HAIRY.
Steven Kwan’s big catch: https://www.mlb.com/video/steven-kwans-incredible-diving-catch
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It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for…postseason baseball has arrived!!
First up, we talk Asians in the Wild Card, our friend Atsuko threw out the first pitch at the Cubs game, and Farhan Zaidi is fired by the Giants, leaving ZERO (0) Asian GMs in baseball.
Position players bring much administrative news this week: Rob Refsnyder does not want to retire after this season (bless!), Masataka Yoshida and Kim Ha Seong struggle with shoulder surgery woes, and Isiah Kiner Falefa sacrifices his bonus for his younger teammates to get playing time.
Over in pitching, Yusei Kikuchi reaches 200 Ks and has a red ass (?!?!?!), Yu Darvish is announced as a relief pitcher in the Wild Card, Kumar Rocker shows potential in his final game of the season, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto prepares for his first MLB playoff run.
In Ohtani news, can this man give us a break?!?! We run through his list of records of the week and chat a little Decoy, of course.
And finally, the Asians in Baseball postseason predictions! Will the Dodgers flame out yet again? Will Yu Darvish get the respect he deserves? Will any Asians make it to the World Series?!?!
All-MLB voting is LIVE: https://www.mlb.com/all-mlb/ballot
WTF is “red ass”???: https://tinyurl.com/vxk7dptr
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Back from our week off, did we miss anything??
As you might have expected, we have a BEEFY episode this week, so let’s get into it!
It was Team Ichiro vs the High School Girls All Stars in the annual exhibition at the Tokyo Dome to promote high school girls baseball, and the former pros pulled NO punches!! Then, we must discuss the epic Cubs and Dodgers matchup that saw Imanaga face Yamamoto fresh off the IL, where all of our guys came ready to play (except Ohtani…)!
In position player news, Rob Refsnyder and Bo Bichette sadly close the season on the IL, Steven Kwan is activated just in time for the playoffs (and keep voting for him for the Roberto Clemente Award through Sunday 9/29!), and Seiya Suzuki is locked into his new role as the everyday DH.
And our pitchers continue to impress! Kumar Rocker has an incredible major league debut, Yu Darvish reaches yet another milestone with 2k SO, Yusei Kikuchi is undefeated as an Astro, Sean Manaea gets another W but Orion Kerkering takes the L, and will these journalists ever learn how to not disrespect our guys when trying to write positive articles about them?!
Lastly, what more could possibly be said about Ohtani? Uh, A LOT! Buckle up because we go through his historic game where he establishes the 50/50 club, the dizzying and strange ways he continues to be pitted against Aaron Judge for an award they can both win, and, as usual, people’s racism is showing!
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First, a moment for James Earl Jones and his contributions to the on-screen world of baseball. Thank you, James.
To kick off this week, we give our predictions in the return of Yoshinobu Yamamoto after his stint on the IL…facing off against Shota Imanaga no less!
In position player news, Tommy Pham smacks his first homer and brings experience to the young Royals clubhouse, Rob Refsnyder follows in Travis d’Arnaud’s footsteps, Bo Bichette shares his priority for free agency, and Steven Kwan is the Guardians Roberto Clemente Award nominee.
In pitcher news, Kumar Rocker is set to make his major league debut on Thursday, Shota Imanaga leads Cubs pitching to a combined no-no, Joey Cantillo takes a perfecto into the 7th, Shintaro Fujinami is lights out in triple A, and Sean Manaea is just a regular guy…who happens to be really really really good at pitching.
And Ohtani continues to make history, barreling toward 50/50! We discuss the ever-heated MVP race - can’t we just celebrate everyone’s wins?!
Vote here for Steven Kwan to win the Roberto Clemente Award: https://www.mlb.com/community/roberto-clemente-award#vote
Article about Bryan Woo: https://www.mlb.com/news/mariners-split-series-with-a-s?partnerID=mlbapp-iOS_article-share
Article about Sean Manaea: https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/mets/mets-sean-manaea-stj8n1l9
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The crew is back in full force, and not a moment too soon!
To kick us off this week, we’re excited to share that we were featured on Spectrum News! Thank you to reporter Taylor Schaub for spotlighting us!
In position player updates, Tommy Pham is picked up by the Royals, Connor Joe and Lars Nootbaar are jamming, and Corbin Carroll has turned his season all the way around just in time to dunk on the Dodgers.
Pitchers are crushing it this week: our guy Kumar Rocker makes a huge splash in his Triple A debut, Kenta Maeda finally gets a W, Kikuchi / Woo / Manaea continue to deal, and Yu Darvish is back!!
And Ohtani Talk finally gets the attention it deserves with the return of Naomi! His bobble head night has fans lined up 8 hours before Decoy’s first pitch, he makes history yet again in his quest for 50/50, and we prepare for his grand return to Angel Stadium.
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What are our guys up to in these last few days of summer? Let’s get into it!
In position player news, Christian Yelich’s season sadly ends, Anthony Volpe fights through the Kim Curse, Masataka Yoshida and Seiya Suzuki are hot, Corbin Carroll is officially back, and Shay Whitcomb enters the Asians in Baseball Cinematic Universe.
Our pitchers look to cruise into the fall going strong: Brennan Bernadino commands a 0.00 ERA over his last 7 games, Yusei Kikuchi / Bryan Woo / Sean Manaea continue to post strong outings, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto participates in the Dodgers Foundation’s first ever dual language story time.
In Ohtani news, did anything even happen these last two weeks?? We kid! He manages to get out of a pickle - but MLB misses with the caption, reaches 40/40 in true Hollywood fashion, and what the heck is going on with the Shohei and Decoy bobblehead giveaway?!
Volpe’s elite baserunning: https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/8/24/24226155/yankees-analysis-anthony-volpe-baserunning-aaron-boone-winning-player-shortstop
Corbin Carroll turns it around: https://www.mlb.com/news/corbin-carroll-hitting-home-runs-for-d-backs
Kikuchi’s translator Yusuke Oshima: https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/astros-yusei-kikuchi-translator-19665575.php
“Sneaky Sho”: https://x.com/MLB/status/1825720740928237601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1825720740928237601%7Ctwgr%5Ecdba0bf02340def224f09e26e6dd87da9ef2f65f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fmlb%2Fdodgers-shohei-ohtani-cool-rundown-mistake
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Before we get started, a moment for the passing of Billy Bean, MLB’s Senior VP for DEI who spent the last 10 years promoting inclusivity and education in baseball and sports. Thank you, Billy.
This week in position player news, we are alllllll over the place. Rob Refsnyder is subbed in after Jarren Duran’s suspension and comes up big with a walk off and a pep talk, Kim issues a public apology to Anthony Volpe who she accidentally cursed, Corbin Carroll’s stats suggest an upward trend, and we puzzle over the Kim Ha Seong homer-turned-ground rule double.
On the bump, Joey Cantillo takes the L but still has a decent line, Kikuchi continues to deal for his new club, Sean Manaea played a very memorable game of catch with some fans back during the All Star Break, and Shota is still solid and in the running for ROY.
Ohtani’s BA dips below 300 (but still has 3 homers, 6 RBI, and 2 stolen bases in his last 7 games), Scott explains the unspoken rule of not swinging on a 3-0 count, and Shohei’s 176th home run ball will allegedly hit the auction block on 8/23 - if you have a cool $200k to spare, that is.
Rob's walk off: https://www.mlb.com/video/rob-refsnyder-s-walk-off-rbi-single
Corbin's double play: https://www.mlb.com/video/brandon-pfaadt-in-play-out-s-to-bo-naylor-x8697
Kenta's interpreter Daichi Sekizaki: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2024/08/11/japanese-interpreter-daichi-sekizaki-essential-detroit-tigers-kenta-maeda/74666328007/
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We are fully in the second half, and Asians in Baseball are HOT!
First off, congrats to Kelsie Whitmore and the US Women’s Baseball Team for winning Silver at the Women’s Baseball World Cup! Gold went to Japan, of course, in their 7th consecutive win.
In position player news, Connor Wong and Rob Refsnyder hold it down for the Red Sox, Volpe is mashing even from the bottom of the lineup, Travis d’Arnaud has a 10-game hit streak, and it’s that time of year for Seiya Suzuki to turn up the heat.
Pitching is blessedly having a much better week! Kikuchi crushes in his first start as an Astro, Bryan Woo tosses a career-high 7 innings against the Phillies slugging machine, and Sean Manaea still got that Grimace Bump.
Slow Ohtani news week as he is still slumping, but of course that still includes being first to 30HR/30SB on the year and 3rd fastest player in history to achieve the feat. YAWN! (For legal purposes, this is a joke.)
Athletic article about Yusei’s pitches: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5677686/2024/08/03/yusei-kikuchi-astros-debut/
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So much to discuss after the trade deadline! Let’s get into it.
Scott and Kim will be doing an event in LA with the LA County Dept of Public Health Peer Resource Center on Thursday, August 15th - sign up at the link in our bio! Then, we welcome JJ Wetherholt to the AIB Cinematic Universe (thank you to listener Paul Kuo for the tip!) and chat exciting Asians in 2025 news.
The trade deadline was chaotic as always! The high: Tommy Edman to the Dodgers. The low: Yusei Kikuchi to the Astros. The shock: a lot of DFAs over the past few months. But a tie at the top of the Asians in Baseball team leaderboards!
Quick injury report, but not without a big L. Christian Yelich avoids back surgery but will miss time to rehab, Bo Bichette returns to the IL, and Kodai Senga exits his season debut with a high grade calf strain that will take him out for the rest of the year.
In position player news, we get into the Cardinals new HR celebration, Masataka Yoshida’s strong showing, Seiya Suzuki’s interpreter is fired, and Kyle Higashioka receives a replica Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of his grandfather, and we discuss the history behind it.
In pitching news, Joey Cantillo makes his long-awaited debut (though against the Phillies), Bryan Woo leaves his last start but isn’t expected to miss time, and Sean Manaea is dealing with a season high 11SO.
And finally, Ohtani Talk. Don’t worry about this man. He’s still securely in MVP talks despite only being an DH, is predicted to make over $100 million in endorsement deals this year, and hits a homer at Minute Maid Park that leaves even Astros fans speechless.
Upcoming LA event: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=SHJZBzjqG0WKvqY47dusgfaHvggm-jpCryAOtkYWBH9UMDdNV05ZNlYwMVROTU1EM0NUQlU0V0lJQy4u
Scott’s Substack: https://rscottokamoto.substack.com/p/shohei-ohtanis-legacy-for-me-begins
Cubs’ Tokyo series video: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9kmZlZRXb3/
Press release about Kyle Higashioka: https://tinyurl.com/u8cs5t3f
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Welcome to the All Star Break!
We kick off our Midsummer Classic episode, of course, with the fits. Steven Kwan and Shota “Mike” Imanaga (II) opt for velvet, Christian Yelich dons mint green, and Ohtani steps out in a suit inspired, of course, by his dog, Decoy.
Obviously the main event of the All Star Game is the game itself! Ohtani sets more records with his 3-run home run, Big Papi deems Steven Kwan “a bad man,” and Shota shows out for his new hometown of Chicago.
But even before the All Star Break, Corbin Carroll has a much-needed 6RBI night, Travis d’Arnaud steals his third career base (and has two homers in the same game), and we’re not the only ones who thought Connor Wong belonged in Arlington.
Lastly, Kenta is moved to the bullpen and builds his confidence against a former ballclub, Yusei Kikuchi has a career high 13 strikeouts, and we wish Oakland Baller Kelsie Whitmore good luck in her tryout for the USA Baseball Women’s National Team!
Shotamania: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/07/16/baseball/mlb/imanaga-cubs-fan-favorite/
Connor Wong: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5633061/2024/07/12/red-sox-connor-wong-performance/
Steven Kwan’s suit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9fyk8jBcgh/
Shota Imanaga’s suit: https://www.marqueesportsnetwork.com/the-hilarious-reason-behind-shota-imanagas-all-star-game-fit/
Christian Yelich’s suit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9iAqyIuMcr/
Shohei Ohtani’s suit: https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-s-dog-decoy-pictured-inside-suit
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We're rocketing toward the halfway point, and Asians in Baseball show no sign of slowing down!
Of course, we have to start by congratulating our 2024 All Stars! And Ryu Hyun Jin makes All Star history across leagues. Closer to home, the Dodgers celebrate Japanese Heritage Night, and we get into what Dodger Stadium is doing for the new influx of Japanese fans.
In position player news, Connor Wong brought back that dad strength from the paternity list, weird baserunning by Anthony Volpe leaves the door open for Masataka Yoshida to tie the game, Steven Kwan remains atop the leaderboard, and we get into the nitty gritty of what’s going on with Corbin Carroll.
Our pitchers have a lot going on: Yusei Kikuchi is a valuable trade chip as we approach the deadline, Kenta Maeda is straight up not having a good time, Sean Manaea continues to ride that Big Grimace Energy, Orion Kerkering proves he can hang with the big dawgs, and Yu Darvish goes on the Restricted List.
Lastly, in Ohtani Talk, Elly De La Cruz sets the new bar, Shohei’s “slump” continues but he still sets a couple of records, and we discuss the nightmare of what we think he will bring to this year's All Star Game red carpet.
ABC7 article about Dodger Stadium and the influx of Japanese fans: https://abc7.com/post/how-dodgers-shohei-ohtani-has-brought-new-wave/15030162/
Rob Refsnyder’s superman catch: https://www.mlb.com/redsox/video/josh-bell-lines-out-to-left-fielder-rob-refsnyder&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1720636262614551&usg=AOvVaw2PXm3WaywBoJNmSVXOy-vG
Volpe’s baserunning blunder: https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/yankees-anthony-volpe-explains-costly-mental-error-vs-red-sox-as-new-yorks-miserable-slide-continues/
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Summertime always brings the heat, and this season is no exception!
Naomi was our field correspondent this week, reporting on her pick for the Most Asian MLB stadium. And don’t forget, phase 1 All Star Voting is still going until June 27th!
Congrats is in order in position player news, as Connor Wong goes to the paternity list in the middle of his 13-game hitting streak! IKF shines with his first career multi-homer game, Yeli hits his 200th career homer, Steven Kwan is still tearing it up, and not one but TWO Taiwanese players sign with MLB teams.
In pitching, Shota Imanaga has seen better days (but leave him alone!), Sean Manaea takes a no hitter into the 6th on a day when the Mets offense does not have the Grimace bump, and Yuki Matsui is cruising.
Our favorite MLB Fashion Icon, Shohei Ohtani, debuts his signature New Balance collection, gains power from the new Dodgers City Connects, and proves his “slump” is a thing of the past.
Steven Kwan profile in The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5583940/2024/06/24/guardians-steven-kwan-pinball-hitting-success/
Nice article about Orion Kerkering: https://www.phillyvoice.com/phillies-news-analysis-orion-kerkering-bullpen-stats-rob-thomson-matt-strahm-jeff-hoffman/
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First, a moment to recognize Willie Mays and all his incredible contributions to baseball. Thank you, Willie.
Onto the episode, All Star voting is open! Round 1 voting goes until June 27th and you can vote 5x/day for our favorite guys! Look for our voting guide coming very soon. Also, we discuss the Dodgers’ new City Connects ahead of their release…did our comments hold up once the real deal dropped?? (Yes.)
The IL Report is unfortunately back! Tommy Pham returns just in time to face his former club, Masataka Yoshida comes off a lengthy stint only to be HBP in the hand, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto goes to the 15-day with a strained rotator cuff.
But position player news keeps us in high spirits! Rob Refsnyder and Connor Wong continue to hold it down for the Red Sox, with Refsnyder being “one of our best players,” Steven Kwan is on a 10! Game! Hit! Streak!, and Kyle Higashioka hits his first ever walk off home run.
In pitching news, Dane Dunning gets the Yu Darvish treatment from his World Series Champion teammates, Kenta Maeda is back, and Shota Imanaga - er, sorry, MIKE Imanaga II - knows he’s a sophisticated guy.
And Ohtani bounces back from his “slump” with the long ball - an oppo field, record-breaking(ish) long ball.
All Star voting is open! https://www.mlb.com/all-star/ballot
Rob Refsnyder is “one of our best players”: https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2024/06/mlb-notebook-rob-refsnyder-sheds-journeyman-role-to-become-key-contributor.html
Higgy walks it off: https://www.mlb.com/video/kyle-higashioka-homers-5-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field
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We’re back from our hiatus and there is MUCH to discuss in the world of Asians in Baseball!
Our field correspondent Kim shares how Korea goes HAM for both the KBO and MLB, we chat about the culinary offerings of Dodgers Korean Heritage Night, and a brief diversion in AIB content to discuss another very important matter: WTF is going on with all these mid-to-bad City Connects???
In position player news, Connor Wong’s offensive tear is shadowed by more bad reporting, Seiya Suzuki commits a costly error but manages to erase it in grand fashion, IKF enjoys a 5 RBI game, and Steven Kwan is back like he never left - better even.
On the mound, Kelsie Whitmore continues to make history as the first woman to ever start a Pioneer League game, Yoshinobu Yamamoto shuts down Yankee fans’ boos with 7 shutout innings, Bryan Woo surpasses Randy Johnson in the Mariners record books, and Brennan Bernadino keeps the Red Sox out of the red.
Lastly, huge news - OHTANI GOT A HAIRCUT! And set another career record and still hitting over 300 despite “slumping” nbd.
Julian McWilliams doubts Connor Wong’s size: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/06/10/sports/connor-wong-red-sox/
Shota Imanaga’s new celly: https://tinyurl.com/3hacze3v
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We are solidly in the season, and Asians in Baseball stay hot!
First, Masanori Murakami - the first ever Japanese player in MLB - throws out the first pitch at the Giants game, and we talk exceptionalism and burden of representation.
Then, position players are making moves: Bo Bichette goes 4-for-4, Christian Yelich steals home, and Corbin Carroll triples in two in a row! But in a sad twist of fate, Lee Jung Hoo’s rookie season ends early following last week’s shoulder injury.
And if you’re watching good MLB pitching you’re watching Asians in Baseball! Shota Imanaga and Yu Darvish make history, Yusei Kikuchi is dedicated to his off days, Yamamoto is rolling (shoving?!?!), Brennan Bernadino holds it down for the Red Sox bullpen, and Bryan Woo shakes off a scare in his first start with a solid W.
Finally, Ohtani continues to flex! He invites Albert Lee, a pediatric patient, to throw out the first pitch on his bobblehead night, finally gets the right sized suit to pull up to LA City Hall for Ohtani Day on 5/17 (but Kim has thoughts about his shirt choices), and caps it all off with his first walk off as a Dodger.
Toronto Life article about Kikuchi: https://torontolife.com/city/blue-jays-pitcher-yusei-kikuchi-day-off/
Yamamoto pitching overlay video: https://tinyurl.com/5n6dx74s
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It’s May, so you know what that means: we gotta talk about Asians in Baseball! (Because that’s what our podcast is about...obviously.)
First up, we discuss AAPI Heritage Month - Naomi and Scott went to see the As in their final season in Oakland, and the OG OG Masanori Murakami was also in the Bay, watching the Dodgers and Giants.
Apparently we have a new weekly segment: Asians on the IL. While we did get some guys back, several guys went on. What the hell is going on around here?!
Then, in position player news: Jahmai Jones hits his first career home run and is hugely celebrated by his Yankees teammates, Stuart Fairchild smacks an inside-the-parker, and Connor Wong is in a League of His Own gets both the first and last out of the game catching Nationals stealing bases.
Pitchers are all over the place this week. Go Woo Suk aka “Suk-Go” is sent to Miami as part of the Luis Arraez trade, Sean Manaea has a strong start v the Phillies only for the Mets to blow the lead (but Orion Kerkering got the W), and Shota Imanaga stays atop the pitching charts with a 5-0 record and a 0.96 ERA.
Lastly, Ohtani wears the World’s Worst Suit to the Blue Diamond Gala, hams it up with Dave Roberts and a sports car, and, oh yeah, he also hit .524 and was MLB NL Player of the Week (but we were so distracted by his terrible suit we almost missed his stats).
Michael Clair’s profile on Masanori Murakami: https://www.mlb.com/news/featured/masanori-murakami-first-japanese-player-in-mlb
The Yankees love Jahmai Jones: https://tinyurl.com/43yxdvbj
NY Post story about Volpe and his mom: https://nypost.com/2024/05/12/us-news/yankees-star-anthony-volpe-attributes-his-early-mlb-success-to-selfless-mom-on-mothers-day/
Stuart Fairchild turns on the rocket blasters: https://www.mlb.com/video/erik-miller-in-play-run-s-to-stuart-fairchild
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Can you believe this is only the first month of the season?!
First, this year's hottest collab is MLB x Kpop groups! And there are HOW MANY of our guys on the IL right now?!
Then, position player news: Tommy Pham and the White Sox make it official, Masataka Yoshida could use some more playing time, Anthony Volpe takes a big swing on his birthday, and there are a lot of guys raking right now, but Travis d'Arnaud is the home run KING.
And our pitchers are on fire! Shota Imanaga has a start to his MLB career for the record books, Yoshinobu Yamamoto silences the haters and shows off some gold glove reflexes, World Series Champ Dane Dunning has a 0BB 10K game, and Yusei Kikuchi and Shohei Ohtani face off in Toronto.
So of course, we have to talk about Torontogate - Ohtani arrives at Rogers Centre to an ice-cold crowd, but his bat does the talking for him. And could he POSSIBLY pass the record set by Dave Roberts for most HR by a Japanese-born Dodger?!?! (Yes. The record is 7.)
Travis d'Arnaud throws out JRam: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6UbYltuUk9/
Shota Imanaga becomes a meme: https://tinyurl.com/3fz6fedr
Yamamoto saves his own life: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6MzDLApbNI/
Tickets to Kim's solo show Trauma Response on 5/4 in Minneapolis and 5/7 in LA! linktr.ee/kimcoopie
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