Okajima Signs with Softbank

» 04 March 2012 » In nichibei, npb »

I missed this when the news first broke last week, but Hideki Okajima is headed back to Japan, to play for the Softbank Hawks. Softbank officially introduced him in a press conference on March 6th (JST). Okajima brushed off the concerns about his shoulder that led to the termination of his minor league contract with the Yankees, saying “my personal training was okay.” Okajima also added, “while I didn’t think I would be able to play baseball this year, Softbank was the first team that I heard from. There is pressure, but I want to show off what I did in America.”

Okajima has been a personal favorite of mine since his days with Yomiuri. Here’s hoping he performs well with Softbank.

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  1. Patrick
    Taka Tanaka
    05/03/2012 at 2:30 am Permalink

    Slight correction to the translation:
    “My left shoulder felt fine during my training regimen.
    SoftBank was the first team to approach me, just when I was wondering whether I would be able to play baseball at all this year. I do feel some pressure, but I want to show everyone what I’ve been doing in America.”

  2. Patrick
    Arendell
    09/03/2012 at 2:50 pm Permalink

    I have followed Okajima for a long time now. I was very pleased that he came to Boston to play here. He did great, but fell out of favor here with the Manager.
    I am well pleased to see him back in Japan were he will have other player he can speak to. It is hard here, when you do not speak American or Spanish here.
    I “Thank You”! H.Okajima for your time and winning ways.
    Arendell
    Just a Boston Fan

  3. Patrick
    EJH
    09/03/2012 at 6:53 pm Permalink

    Typical Boston fan. The dude thinks they speak “American” there. Actually in Boston most people speak “wicked screwed up English”.

  4. Patrick
    sam
    11/03/2012 at 9:18 pm Permalink

    good. he was cool.