Japanese transcript found on Nikkan Sports
Solarte hits, Solarte dances. It’s Sexy Time at Koshien Stadium! Infielder Yangervis Solarte (32) joins the Hanshin Tigers as a midseason import acquisition, having hit 75 home runs in his major league career. On the 22nd, he met the press at team headquarters in Nishinomiya.
Introduce yourself to the fans here in Japan.
I’m Solarte and I’m Venezuelan. I’m really thankful to have been given this chance. I also appreciate all of you coming out here to meet me today. Thank you.
What’s your nickname?
Sexy Time is one of them. I’ve also been called Guerrero (Warrior). When I round the bases after a home run, I point upwards, so… well, I do that for my daughter. Anyways, I hope I can do that in Japan, too.
What are your thoughts on joining Hanshin?
I’m really happy, and as I said before, I’m extremely thankful to everyone for welcoming me so warmly. I will play my hardest and give it 100% out there.
What is your impression of Japan?
It’s a really beautiful, really clean country. My family really likes it too, so hopefully I can play well and make everyone here happy.
You’ve played against some Japanese pitchers in the majors. What are your impressions of Japanese baseball and Japanese pitchers?
I’ve faced guys like Tanaka, Darvish, Iwakuma, and they’re all really excellent pitchers. I’m sure the level of play here is really high, but hopefully I can make the necessary adjustments. I even got to play on the same team as Tanaka, so I’m excited to be able to play with these guys here as well.
How did you reach the decision to play in Japan, in particular for the Tigers?
I heard that Hanshin is a really famous team, and I’ve been interested in playing in Japan for several years already. Last year the team made me an offer, so when they came back to me this year I was really excited to take this opportunity. I hope to make the most of it.
What do you think about playing at Koshien Stadium?
I’m really happy to be able to play in such a hallowed stadium, and just want to give my best, 100% to the fans.
What is your selling point?
I think playing with heart is the most important thing. I don’t really care about my numbers, but just want to play aggressively and get good results and make everyone here happy.
Hanshin fans are known for their passion. What are you going to do to make them excited?
I saw some videos on YouTube. They’re loud, they clap their bats, they sing… it looks amazing. It’s really important for the players, and actually this is how it’s done in Venezuela too, so I’m really glad to be a part of this.
What Japanese words do you know?
Arigato, matane, genki. Hai.
What are you goals for the rest of the year?
First and foremost, I want to make it to the playoffs, so that’s where it all begins. That’s the reason we play the game. I also want to make the fans happy.
And what do you have to say to the fans?
I’m really thankful for this opportunity. I appreciate the warm welcome from you all here, but also from the fans. I’m just going to do my job to the best of my ability, and hopefully we and the fans can go a long way together this year.
Post-Press Conference Scrum
The team has high hopes that you will contribute offensively…
I don’t really want to think about it too much, but I just want to make the most of every chance that comes my way, whether big or small. I don’t have any specific aims, but just want to do what I can with every at-bat I get.
How did you get the nickname Sexy Time?
I also used to be called Tutu. Right from when I was little, people had a hard time saying my name, so it got broken down and I got called all sorts of things. In order to get good results while playing baseball, you gotta feel sexy. I’ve also been called Guerrero (warrior) because when I hit home runs, I clap my hands and look heavenwards, thanking God and showing thanks to my daughters…
What do you do in order to feel sexy?
It has to come from within. People can only see what’s on the outside, but if you work on your inner self, you bring out that joy – that’s what I think of as sexy.
Do you want to fist-pump when things go well during the game?
That’s kind of part of my playing style. I dance, I get the team fired up. I feel like that leads to good things happening. It sets the team off in the right direction.
What position do you hope to play?
My job is to play where I’m told to play. That’s one of my selling points. I can play anywhere, I can hit from either side of the plate, and I bring the energy.
How are you preparing for action?
I’m ready. I just want to get out there and play.
What kind of connections do you have to Japanese players?
Ichiro was an amazing player. His locker was near mine in my first year. I don’t know any of the Japanese players here yet. I know Ohtani and Tanaka, that’s about all.
What do you remember from your encounters with the Japanese players?
Ichiro left a big impression on me. I’ve never met a player who does things by the book like him. His level of focus during games, his way of encouraging his teammates… he doesn’t really talk a lot, but he still made an impact on me. I also thought Tanaka’s fastball and splitter were amazing. I only got to see him for a year, though.
What have you learned about Japanese baseball?
I saw videos of the stadium. I saw how the fans clap their bats, sing cheer songs… it’s amazing and good motivation for me.
What are your nicknames?
Tutu, Guerrero, Sexy Time, Crocodile.