Source: Tigers Official
―How do you feel about becoming a member of the Hanshin Tigers?
Brian Keller (BK): I’m super excited for the opportunity, and I’ve heard a lot of good things about the organization. I’m really excited.
Jeremy Beasley (JB): I’m really excited. I’ve heard only good things. I’ve heard that the fans are really fun and the situation here is amazing. You guys treat the foreigners really well, so… I’m extremely excited to be here.
―It was a long journey but what did you feel upon landing in Japan?
BK: It was a really long light, the longest flight I’ve been on by far, but I finally made it and I’m super excited to be here, and it looks like a beautiful country, and I’m just excited for the journey.
JB: It’s a beautiful country. It’s similar to Los Angeles to me, like, I’m excited to be here, it’s been a beautiful place so far. Exactly what Brian said, it’s amazing.
―Have you spoken to any of your teammates yet?
BK: I’ve met a few of the teammates, and they’re really nice guys. I’m excited to meet the rest of them.
JB: Same here, I’ve met a few guys, and they were very open to us. It’s been nice meeting these guys, and a lot of staff have been really nice to us as well. It’s been really nice.
―What impressions do you have about Japanese baseball, and its differences compared to American baseball?
BK: I don’t know much about Japanese baseball, but from what I can see, the fans are super energetic and involved, and the team is very close with one another, and I’m excited to be a part of that.
JB: Same here. I’ve seen a lot of games on YouTube. I just tried to pay attention to the things that were going on, and it seems like games are a lot more active, and there’s a lot more small ball involved. So I was just trying to pay attention to what the hitters were doing, and trying to succeed from what they are doing.
―What are your impressions of the Hanshin Tigers?
BK: When I think of the Hanshin Tigers, I think of the energy in the stadium. It’s an amazing stadium, and everyone is excited to win another championship.
JB: Same here, I see that the fans are extremely loyal to the team, and for me, that makes me want to play a little bit better for the team, and get behind the crowd and play well for the team and win for this team. I feel like the image of the team is to win, and that’s what we’re here to do.
―What are your strengths?
BK: I think my strengths are a pitcher are to use my 4-5 different pitches effectively, and using them at any point in the count, and throwing them all for strikes and having the ability to use them as strikeout pitches, as well.
JB: For me, I think that I am an extremely aggressive pitcher and I don’t let the situation affect me too much, and what that means is that I keep going at the hitter until they prove that they can hit me. I try to find my way through situations. I feel like I’ve gotten to a point where I can do that effectively.
―What kind of contributions do you hope to make to the team?
BK: I want to win as many games as we can, and help the team in any way that I can, and ultimately, win a championship.
JB: Same here. I want to put this team in a place where they can win a championship. I want to win, and I want to help the team win. That’s my job here to do, and I’m going to do it to the best of my ability.
―How did you spend the offseason?
BK: During the offseason, I spent some time getting stronger in the weight room, worked on my conditioning and perfecting some of my pitches. Just building up and getting ready for the season.
JB: I tried to spend the offseason perfecting command and execution of pitches. Just trying to figure out how ways to get guys out faster.
―Do you have any favorite Japanese foods or interests in Japanese culture?
BK: Really, the only Japanese food I’ve tried is sushi and some ramen but I’m super excited to try all the good food that you guys have here.
JB: I would say I love any kind of ramen you can think of…
―You’ve just only arrived in Japan, but do you know any Japanese words?
BK: I’ve been practicing a bit, so… Nihongo ga sukoshi wakarimasu. Demo mada mada desu. (I speak a little Japanese but I have a long ways to go still.)
JB: Unfortunately, I don’t know much. Konnichiwa, arigato. That’s it.
―What do you want to be called by fans?
BK: A lot of guys call me BK, so that’s really it.
JB: Everyone calls me Beez…
―Brian, we have another Keller (Kyle) on the team. Were you aware of that?
BK: Yeah, I think it’s cool that we both have the same last name, and I’m excited to pitch in the same game as him, hopefully I can do my job and go 7 innings, and then he can come in afterwards and shut it down.
―Give a message to the fans.
BK: Let’s win! Let’s win together!
JB: I’m excited to finally meet you guys, and I’m excited to play Japanese baseball.