Japanese Column in Daily Sports / トレバーの虎場から
Yesterday, I learned that the relationship between players and fans is a fundamental element of professional baseball. Though Opening Day has been delayed by nearly 3 months, and it’s caused a lot of boredom in its fans, I’m sure many of the players feel a hole in their hearts, too.
Fortunately for us, Japan Retired Former Players’ Association (JRFPA) gave us a much-needed taste of those fundamentals on Saturday, May 30. Founder William Brooks has created a fraternity for non-Japanese players that gives them opportunities to interact with fans over the past 18 months. Inspired by a talk he had with the late Gene Bacque (Tigers 1963-68, Buffaloes 1969), Brooks says he wanted to find a way to give back to the players who have given so much to the game in Japan, and create a much-needed bridge between them and their fans. If the players’ names live on in fans’ hearts just a little longer, and players continue to feel an attachment to the fans that brought them so much joy in Japan, then his mission has been accomplished, continued Brooks.
And so yesterday, via Zoom, several dozen fans got to talk with and listen to former Hanshin Tiger greats George Arias (2002-04) and Trey Moore (2002-03) reminisce about their careers in Japan, their championship season together, and their former manager, the late Senichi Hoshino.
Arias helped lead the hitters to the championship in 2003 with his 38 home runs and 107 RBIs while also winning a Golden Glove Award for his defensive prowess at first base. Currently running a baseball school in his hometown of Tucson, Arizona, Arias says the recent shutdown has meant more time for him to coach his own children at his facility, as they have shown a great interest in baseball as well. His son, George Arias Jr, is currently a pitcher at the University of Arizona. Despite being drafted out of high school by the San Diego Padres, he is continuing his education while dreaming of playing in Japan someday.
When Arias was asked what his favorite home run in Japan was, he did not hesitate to show his love for family: “My son was there with me at the 2003 All-Star Game. When I popped up to short in my first at-bat, he was really mad… but he was thrilled with the home run I got in my next at-bat, so I’ll always remember that one.
Arias talked at length about what manager Senichi Hoshino meant to him, saying, “His presence in the locker room was something else. On the field as well, you knew that man wanted to win. He looked mean, but he had a heart of gold. His way of coaching was definitely contagious and helped us win that pennant. I still use some of his techniques to this day when I coach kids at my academy.”
When asked what else helped him while in Japan, he spoke highly of the Tigers faithful: “They were like the 10th player out there for us; I mean that. When things aren’t going well, when you’re feeling hurt or sick, the fans give you the strength to go out there and give it your best. I really miss Japan and the fans, and I can’t wait to go back for a visit.”
Trey Moore also helped the team win the 2003 pennant with his 10 wins and .326 batting average at the plate. “I only know one speed when I play the game. I did everything at 100%, whether it was pitching, running the bases, whatever – though I don’t think the coaches liked that some of the time!” After playing the 2004 season for the Orix BlueWave, Moore moved back to “God’s Country” – Texas – and until recently was coaching baseball to middle and high school students. Naturally, he gave pitching AND hitting advice. In the past couple of years, he has worked more on facilities and ground care at the school, but he remains enamored with baseball.
Looking back on his time with Hanshin, Moore says getting up and going to the ballpark every day was easy, in part because Hoshino motivated players to work hard for the coaches, fans and each other. “Hoshino’s was a strong man that you wanted to play hard for and definitely did not want to disappoint.”
His greatest memory at the plate, he says, was driving in Arias on a single to left in an intense at-bat. “I think it was 1 out, runners on 1st and 2nd, and the game was scoreless. I *might* have missed the bunt sign from the bench, but I battled hard, fouled off a few pitches before bringing George home.” Arias added, “I think if he had bunted I would have gotten nailed at third!”
Later when Arias got stumped with a question about cheer song lyrics, Moore interrupted and belted out a perfect 1st verse of Rokko Oroshi, sending the crowd into applause. “I always wanted to sing this one with the fans when I was on the hero’s podium, so I’m glad to be here today to sing with y’all!”
Other memories of Japan include the batters he had to face: “Matsui, Abe, and some of those Daiei Hawks hitters… I wish I could have some of those pitches back. Those guys just don’t strike out! I’m glad I barely remember any of their names because they’d be haunting me in my nightmares if I did!”
Moore still had his trademark mustache and brought a lot of energy to the call, not only singing for fans, but telling other jokes on the side. He also was extremely appreciative of the fans, and says he misses his time there every day. “Thank you so much for supporting me, George, and all Tigers past, present and future. You guys brought us energy at home and on the road. ハゲ (baldy) ヒゲ (beardy)、アウト (out)!”
What stood out for me more than anything was that these guys showed so much appreciation for the fans of Japan. Thanks to JRFPA, they continue to have chances to express that gratitude in person. As for future plans, Brooks says JRFPA has arranged to have a bunch of the guys in the association come to Japan next year for an old-timers’ game, hopefully against the likes of Kanemoto, Takahiro Arai, and others.
The love between players and fans is mutual, and will only grow stronger as JRFPA creates unique opportunities like these for that relationship to grow and stay strong.
Now let’s bring on the baseball season!