ESPN has an interesting in-depth article on Japanese-Iranian pitching sensation Yu Darvish. It turns out that his father was a student at EWU (Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington). This is significant because it is 15 miles outside of Spokane, WA my hometown, also my father's alma matter and the employer of my brother-in-law. Anyway, Darvish is the best pitcher in Japan right now:
SAPPORO, Japan -- The Sapporo Dome's sellout crowd of 42,126 (not counting 45 assorted cheerleaders -- yes, 45 cheerleaders!) bangs Thunderstix and howls for Yu Darvish as he fires his 124th pitch of the game. The pitch snaps the bat in half -- the long end sails toward the mound and bounces off the dirt -- as Darvish calmly fields the ball. Taking his time, he tosses the ball to first to complete a four-hit, 10-strikeout 1-0 shutout on opening day for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters. The best pitcher in Japan slaps his glove against his teammates' hands, walks to the dugout and exchanges a high-five with the club's costumed mascot and ...
Comments