キニ速 | Rising Star Julio Rodríguez Reflects Growing Reach

Recent reports from Major League Baseball (MLB) indicate that the proportion of players who were born outside of the United States has seen a minor decline, falling to 27.8%. This is the lowest level of players born outside of the United States since 2016. The presentation of the opening day rosters and different injury lists, which provides insight into the worldwide mix of baseball talent inside the league, coincides with this disclosure, which arrives at the same time.

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Julio Rodríguez
MLB
On March 28, 2024, Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodríguez celebrated his Silver Slugger award from the previous season before the team’s opening-day game against the Boston Red Sox.


The figures that were made public by the office of the commissioner revealed that there were a total of 264 players and that they were from 19 different countries and territories that were not part of the United States of America. Despite the fact that this number is lower than the 28.5% recorded in the previous year, it is still within the range that has been seen since 2002, which has fluctuated between 26% and 29.8%. Specifically, the year 2017 was the highest level of foreign presence, which serves to illustrate the continuous variety that exists throughout the league.

The overall number of foreign players ranks as the fourth-highest in recent years, following behind the numbers recorded in 2020, 2022, and the previous season. This is despite the fact that the proportion has decreased somewhat. The Dominican Republic, which has 108 players, is in the lead among nations that are not the United States of America. Venezuela, which has 58 representatives, is in tight running behind the Dominican Republic. In addition, significant gains were seen in Canada, Japan, and Cuba, which is evidence that Major League Baseball continues to have a worldwide reach and appeal.

The development of fresh talent from locations that have not historically been identified with baseball is a topic that is of great interest. Following in the footsteps of Toronto shortstop Gift Ngoepe in 2018, Houston Astros pitcher Tayler Scott made history by becoming just the second South African player to gain a position on an opening-day roster. Additionally, Scott became the first South African player to do so. By reaching this milestone, the league has shown its commitment to fostering and showcasing talent that comes from a variety of backgrounds.

When looking at the statistics of the teams, the Houston Astros have the most foreign players (16), followed by San Diego, Boston, Miami, and Cleveland, all of which have a considerable representation of players from other countries. The collaborative character of baseball, in which players from different parts of the globe join together to compete at the greatest level, is reflected in this composition’s varied composition.

In total, the 19 countries and territories that are represented outside of the United States are identical to the data from the previous year, falling just shy of the record that was established in 2018. The Major League Baseball (MLB) is making continual efforts to cultivate a global community of players and fans alike, with the goal of encouraging inclusion and cultural interchange within the sport. This consistency emphasizes such efforts.

Although Major League Baseball is always evolving, the presence of players from other countries continues to be an essential component. These players provide a variety of viewpoints and experiences to the game, which enriches it. The league reinforces its commitment to accepting talent from all over the world with each new season, so guaranteeing that baseball continues to be a phenomenon that impacts people all over the world.

キニ速 | Tampa Bay Rays Traded Reliever Naoyuki Uwasawa to Boston Red Sox for Cash

In exchange for monetary compensation, reliever Naoyuki Uwasawa was transferred from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Boston Red Sox.

Tampa Bay Rays
Naoyuki Uwasawa
Tampa Bay Rays | Naoyuki Uwasawa

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Following the selection of Uwasawa’s contract to the 40-man roster prior to Thursday’s game against Tampa Bay, the Boston Red Sox optioned him to play for all three levels of the organization.

Over the course of four spring training outings, Uwasawa pitched nine and two-thirds innings, allowing 14 runs and 15 hits, including three home runs. His earned run average was 13.03. He had eight walks and nine strikeouts in his game.

According to the terms of a minor league deal, the right-handed pitcher, who is 30 years old, agreed in January to receive a signing bonus of $25,000. When he is playing in the major leagues, he receives a salary of $2.5 million, and when he is playing in the minor levels, he receives a salary of $225,000. The performance bonuses for innings played in the major leagues may bring him an additional $900,000: $100,000 for every 80 innings played, and each additional 10 innings through 160 innings played.

The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters of the Pacific League were entitled to a release price of $6,250 from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In 2018, Uwasawa made 24 appearances as a relief pitcher and finished with a record of 9-9 with a 2.96 earned run average. Since 2018, he has only pitched out of the bullpen. Over the course of nine seasons with the Fighters, Uwasawa has a record of 70-62 with a 3.58 ERA, along with 50 starts and 123 relief appearances.

MLB owners unanimously accept David Rubenstein-led sale of Baltimore Orioles.

On Wednesday, the owners of Major League Baseball (MLB) gave their approval to David Rubenstein’s purchase of the Baltimore Orioles. This made it possible for the Angelos family to complete the sale of the franchise after they had managed it for more than three decades.

MLB
David Rubenstein

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MLB reported that the vote was unanimous, despite the fact that approval from 75% of all owners was required. It happened the day before the squad was supposed to play the Los Angeles Angels at home to kick off the season of the baseball season. Later on Wednesday, it was anticipated that Rubenstein and his investor group would successfully complete the transaction.

Rubenstein, a co-founder of Carlyle Group Inc., was quoted as saying in a statement that “to own the Orioles is a great civic duty.” this was said. “On behalf of my fellow owners, I want the Baltimore community and Orioles fans everywhere to know that we will do everything in our power to deliver for you with professionalism, integrity, excellence, and a fierce desire to win games,” I made this statement.

The Orioles plan to have a press conference on Thursday morning, and they will be joined by Rubenstein and Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland.

Through the purchase of the Orioles by Peter Angelos in 1993 for the sum of $173 million, Angelos and his family were able to acquire ownership of the franchise. Angelos’ health deteriorated over the past few years, and he passed away on Saturday at the age of 94. Since 2019, his son John has served as the chairman, CEO, and control person of the team.

I would like to express my gratitude to John Angelos and his family for everything they have done to help us get to this stage,” stated Rubenstein. “Over the past few years, John has been the driving force behind a significant makeover of the team’s management, roster, recruitment strategy, and farm system. We have the responsibility of expanding upon these achievements in order to move forward with a professional sports program of world-class caliber, with the ultimate goal of bringing a World Series trophy back to Baltimore.

During the month of January, Rubenstein’s group, which also includes Cal Ripken Jr. and Grant Hill, came to a deal to purchase the Orioles for an appraisal that was valued at $1.725 billion dollar.

In 1987, Rubenstein, who was born and raised in Baltimore, established Carlyle. Previously, he worked as a lawyer in the state of Washington. As a deputy assistant for domestic policy to President Jimmy Carter, he served in that capacity from 1977 until 1981.

The Orioles are coming off of a season in which they won 101 games and won the first AL East championship since 2014. The squad had high hopes after acquiring the best right-handed pitcher in the league, Corbin Burnes, through a trade with Milwaukee. Young stars Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson have turned in performances that are comparable to those of franchise pillars, while Jackson Holliday is another great prospect who is still in the minor leagues for Baltimore.

The Orioles are trying to make the most of their opportunity to win a World Series for the first time since 1983, and the question that needs to be answered is if Rubenstein will be a more aggressive spender. This is because the team’s payroll is still quite low, despite the inclusion of all of that talent that is controlled by cost.

The Orioles had secured a long-term lease to remain at Camden Yards prior to the sale, which seemed to be the most significant off-season story for the team. During the month of December, a contract was reached that extended the lease for a period of thirty years, with the option to terminate it after fifteen years if the team does not gain clearance from state officials for development plans that are associated with the stadium.

“Capping our organizational turnaround with a championship in perhaps the toughest division in sports, while fulfilling my pledge that the Orioles would forever play ball in Charm City, dovetails perfectly with the privilege to now pass stewardship of Baltimore’s iconic team to a Baltimore native, passionate American, and celebrated philanthropist in David Rubenstein,” John Angelos said on Wednesday. Rubenstein is a celebrated philanthropist who was born and raised in Baltimore. “The Orioles are in excellent hands, and the club, as well as the city and state that it calls home, are well positioned for success in the years to come,” said the organization’s president.

Baseball’s Ohtani issue looms before opening day

The city of Los Angeles | Against the backdrop of a gambling scandal that has ensnared Major League Baseball’s brightest star, Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers take center stage on Thursday as the new season of Major League Baseball gets underway on United States territory.

Ohtani

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The move was generally heralded as a huge coup when the Dodgers won the race to sign Japanese superstar Ohtani in December of last year on a lavish $700 million deal. This deal has the distinction of being the biggest contract in the history of North American sports.

Since Ohtani’s debut in the major leagues in 2018, he has been receiving comparisons to the legendary Babe Ruth due to his once-in-a-generation combination of outstanding pitching and hitting. Ohtani has been named the Most Valuable Player of the American League on two separate occasions.

The acquisition of pitchers Tyler Glasnow and Ohtani’s highly regarded Japan teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto by the Dodgers sent still another jolt to the spiraling enthusiasm that was already present among Dodgers supporters. This acquisition is more evidence that the franchise is determined to make a real run at the World Series.

However, after three months have passed, the excitement that the Los Angeles Dodgers had in response to their buying binge in December has subsided. This is because the Dodgers are getting ready to play host to the St. Louis Cardinals in their home opener with the Cardinals on Thursday.

During the first week of the regular season, the Los Angeles Dodgers played two games versus San Diego in Seoul. The series ended with a 1-1 matchup last week.

Ohtani’s longtime friend and interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was accused of defrauding him out of millions of dollars to pay off gambling debts. The results, on the other hand, were a footnote to the scandal that exploded surrounding Ohtani after Mizuhara’s allegations.

An announcement was made by Ohtani’s team, stating that the superstar had been the victim of a “massive theft” committed by Mizuhara, who was swiftly terminated from his position with the Dodgers the previous week.

Issues that remain unresolved
However, the specifics of the controversy remained unclear, as they were muddled by comments made by Mizuhara that contradicted each other. Mizuhara initially told ESPN that Ohtani personally had approved payments to an illegal bookmaker that totaled $4.5 million.

Mizuhara revised his narrative twenty-four hours later, stating that Ohtani was unaware of his gambling debts and did not transfer the money from his account. He also stated that Ohtani did not transfer the money from his account.

At the same time that analysts throughout the United States media were wondering aloud whether Mizuhara had in fact been putting bets on Ohtani’s behalf, Major League Baseball revealed for the first time on Friday that they would be conducting an official inquiry. If the bets concerned Ohtani’s own team, Mizuhara might face a ban that would end his career.

Ohtani denied ever betting on sports in his first public comments on the subject, which were made on Monday. He also accused Mizuhara of transferring money without his knowledge and described himself as “beyond shocked” at the loss of trust.

“I never bet on baseball or any other sports and I never have asked somebody to do that on my behalf and I have never went through a bookmaker to bet on sports,” Ohtani explained to reporters.

The all of this has been a total fabrication…Up until a few days ago, I was completely unaware that this was really taking place… According to Ippei, he has taken money from my account and lied about it.

The 12-minute presentation that Ohtani gave did not do much to remove the lingering questions that were associated with the situation. These questions were left hanging because the Dodgers refused to allow media to ask questions of the superstar.

In order to transfer enormous sums of money, how was Mizuhara able to gain access to Ohtani’s bank account?

No one in Ohtani’s entourage seemed to notice that $4.5 million had vanished without a trace.

What would be the rationale for an illegal bookmaker extending credit in the millions of dollars to an interpreter who is reportedly earning between $300,000 and $500,000 per year or more?

Putting the wagons in a row

The Dodgers, on the other hand, have done everything they can to support their struggling superstar superstar.

“We’re all behind the guy,” Max Muncy, the third baseman for the Dodgers, said about Ohtani after he addressed the media on Monday.

In my opinion, and from where I came from, you are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The individual has shared with us in person what he considers to be the truth, and that is the basis upon which I am basing my conclusions. I believe him completely. Regarding that, I have his support.”

When asked about Ohtani’s account of the events, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts referred to it as “very honest.”

“I know that for me and the organization, we support him,” Roberts stated to reporters. Regarding the information that he knew and did not know, I was able to get a number of questions addressed. At this point, I am looking forward to simply going on with my life and, of course, allowing the authorities to handle this situation so that I can concentrate on baseball.

The kind of optimism that you have may turn out to be irrational.

Jeff Passan, an analyst for ESPN, issued a warning that the fallout from the discoveries could plague the Dodgers throughout the season. This is because the Major League Baseball is investigating the case, and federal investigators in the United States are conducting a more comprehensive investigation into illicit betting.

The sprawling investigation that could take a long time to be resolved,” Passan explained to reporters. This is the kind of thing that will cause the Dodgers to be plagued by it for the entire season. The only thing we can do is wait and see how they react.

Sensational Performances Unfold in the Senbatsu Tournament: Highlights from Day Two

The exhilarating action continued on the second day of the Senbatsu tournament, where spectators witnessed awe-inspiring displays of talent and skill from some of Japan’s most promising young pitchers. Among the standout moments were the remarkable feats achieved by individuals weighing over 140kg, demonstrating the sheer power and precision of their throws.

Senbatsu Tournament
Senbatsu Tournament

In a remarkable turn of events, three pitchers weighing over 140kg made their mark on the tournament, bringing the total count of such pitchers to eight. The exceptional prowess displayed by these athletes left spectators in awe and served as a testament to their dedication and hard work.

The first game of the day saw Anami Hikaru, the ace pitcher from Toyokawa, delivering a stellar performance on the mound. Despite the frigid temperatures at Koshien Stadium, Anami showcased his formidable pitching skills, clocking in at an impressive 143km/h. His mastery of various pitching techniques, including the two-seam ball and fork ball, contributed to his team’s victory, securing a complete game against their opponents.

In the subsequent game, Meiho’s Koushi Noda took center stage, delivering a standout performance that culminated in a walk-off victory for his team. With tenacious pitching and unwavering determination, Noda demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most, earning accolades from fans and teammates alike.

However, it was Genki Ishigaki of Kendai Takasaki who stole the show with his exceptional display of speed and precision. Weighing in at 150kg, Ishigaki stunned spectators by reaching an astonishing speed of 147km/h, making him the fastest pitcher in the tournament. Despite his remarkable performance, Ishigaki remained humble, acknowledging the areas in which he could improve and expressing his determination to make corrections before the next match.

As the tournament progresses, anticipation builds for the upcoming matches, with three more pitchers weighing over 140kg set to take the mound. With each pitch and every inning, these young athletes continue to inspire and captivate audiences with their remarkable talent and unwavering determination.

List of Pitcher Speeds:

  • Kendai Takasaki (2nd year) – Genki Ishigaki: Fastest speed – 147km/h, Average ball speed – 141.26km/h
  • Kanto number one (3rd year) – Ryo Sakai: Fastest speed – 146km/h, Average ball speed – 140.13km/h
  • Hachinohe Gakuin Kosei (3rd year) – Hiro Senpei: Fastest speed – 142km/h, Average ball speed – 133.68km/h
  • Anami Hikaru (3rd year) – Atsushi Yoshioka: Fastest speed – 143km/h, Average ball speed – 135.21km/h
  • Star Ridge (2nd year) – Keisei Toda: Fastest speed – 142km/h
  • Meiho (3rd year) – Koushi Noda: Fastest speed – 142km/h
  • Hachinohe Gakuin Kosei (3rd year) – Ryusho Okamoto: Fastest speed – 140km/h, Average ball speed – 137.66km/h
  • Tanabe (3rd year) – Kunisuke Teranishi: Fastest speed – 140km/h

東海大野球スキャンダル: 強制飲酒事件で監督とコーチが謹慎処分を受ける

最近、東海大学を賑わせた出来事といえば、長谷川邦敏監督とコーチに対する懲戒処分の発表だろう。野球部内部で起きた飲酒強要事件を受けての措置である。この通達は19日に大学の公式サイトに掲載されたもので、球団の行動や大学の対応に疑問符がつくような憂慮すべき事態に光を当てている。

東海大学

東海大学が発表した声明文から、その一端がうかがえる。それによると、2024年2月16日、現在2年生の野球部員2人が、20歳未満の部員3人と一緒に寮にいたことが発覚。2年生の部員のひとりが、4月に入学予定の新1年生のために酒類を購入していたという衝撃的な内容だった。加えて、未成年のメンバーは本人の意思に反して飲酒を強要されていた。さらに問題なのは、部員の1人が新1年生を平手打ちし、酒を飲ませるという身体的暴力に訴えたと記されていることだ。

事態の重大性から、機関としては迅速な対応が必要だった。長谷川邦敏監督と竹内謙吾コーチは、内山秀和監督と同じ期間、練習への参加を禁止され、部長としての職務も1カ月間禁止された。また、学生の関与については、大学の学則に従って対処する意向であり、大学の説明責任と規律に対する献身の表れである。

3月6日に事件発生が確認され、硬式野球部は活動停止を決定した。しかし、3月18日、集団的責任を問われないことが確定したため、同部は活動を再開した。東海大学は、今後同様の事件を防止し、敬意と責任を重んじる風土を醸成するため、万全の対策を講じた。暴力行為をなくすための教育プログラムの実施、倫理観やモラルを高めるための定期的なミーティングやセミナーの開催、野球部内のメンバーシップポリシーの検討などである。

大学側は、影響を受けた学生だけでなく、他のすべての利害関係者に対しても、心からの謝罪を表明した。大学側は、事態の深刻さとそれが意味する信頼の侵害を認めた。教育機関がこの困難な時期を乗り切ると同時に、内省し、変化し、学生が健康で幸せであることを確認することに強くコミットしている。

東海大学野球部の事件は、教育機関やスポーツチームにおける誠実さと責任感の重要性を思い起こさせるものである。学生の不正を防止し、健全な生活を維持するための厳格な対策の必要性が浮き彫りになった。大学が前進していくためには、この事件から教訓を引き出し、尊敬、責任、卓越性を重んじる文化の確立に取り組むことが絶対に必要である。

Clash of Titans: Kochi vs. Koryo – A Battle for Glory at Koshien

Kochi and Koryo, two of the most dominant high school baseball teams in the world, are about to engage in a matchup that will leave an indelible mark on the history books of the 96th Invitational High School Baseball Tournament. This matchup will take place in the heart of the legendary Koshien Stadium, where dreams are made and destiny is chosen. In the midst of this charged atmosphere, we find ourselves privy to a monumental exchange between the masterminds behind two formidable teams. As the sun shines its golden rays upon the diamond, the air crackles with expectation, and in the middle of this charged atmosphere, we stand witness to this discussion.

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Kochi
キニ速
Kochi and Koryo

The seasoned tactician who is in charge of Kochi’s baseball juggernaut, Yoshihisa Hamaguchi, radiates an atmosphere of quiet confidence as he approaches his adversary, Tetsuyuki Nakai of Koryo, with a steely glare. Hamaguchi is the head coach of Kochi’s baseball team. Hamaguchi insists, “We won’t miss any opportunities with solid defense,” and his words are laced with the conviction of a commander who has methodically prepared his troops for the next war. Hamaguchi’s words are laced with the conviction of a true leader. The fire of determination, the determination to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of victory, shines brightly in his eyes.

In the opposite corner of the room is Coach Nakai, a figure of similar stature in the world of high school baseball. His face is a reflection of unyielding determination. His voice carries the weight of a thousand aspirations, each one sewn into the fabric of Koryo’s illustrious heritage. “We’ll take the lead and win,” Nakai asserts, his voice bearing the weight of a thousand ideas. His team’s commitment to excellence is reaffirmed with a nod of affirmation, and he makes a promise to seize control of the game and carve out a road to glory for them.

In the course of this conversation, a mutual comprehension transpires between these two illuminating characteristics of the diamond. In the furnace of competition, where respect and ambition coexist and where the desire for excellence bonds them together in a single cause, a covenant has been created via the process of competition. In the crucible of Koshien, where legends are born, and champions are crowned, there is no place for uncertainty or doubt when it comes to the outcome of the battle.

A confrontation of epic proportions is about to take place, and the onlookers are already holding their breath as they watch it unfold. Kochi and Koryo are going to engage in a battle of wills that will reverberate through the sacred corridors of Koshien for many years to come. Moreover, when the first pitch is thrown, among the scream of the crowd and the crack of the bat, one thing becomes crystal clear: in the arena of high school baseball, where dreams are realized, and heroes are immortalized, the spirit of competitiveness burns brighter than it ever has since the beginning of time.