Jose Reyes has yet to make an impact so far in this Japan All-Star Series, but he still seems to be one of the more popular players among Japanese fans. Before Saturday's game, there was a young boy holding up a Jose Reyes No. 7 sign and another one that simply said, "Jose." There also were a few Dominican flags in the same section, and the Mets seem to have more signs than other major-league teams.
Rafael Furcal started at shortstop for Game 3, alongside David Wright, with the MLB all-stars looking to already secure the best-of-five series before heading to Osaka for Tuesday's Game 4.
Ryan Howard delivered the quote of the series after swatting his second home run Saturday. "When I hit my first home run, I got a little flower," Howard said, "so I thought I might get a bouquet if I hit another one."
After each home run, players are greeted by two little kids with flowers once they cross the plate. On the first night, the MLB all-stars were caught off guard, but eventually they warmed to the tradition.
Comments (2)
I love it, love it all. I am glad the guys (mlb) has the chance to do this, and it only extends the ball season a little longer. Jose is always exciting to watch on and off the field, and it great getting to see some of the best players in baseball play in a series, and look like they are enjoying it. Mets Rule!!!
It's wonderful to read about a country where baseball is still king! Where the fans still go nuts over our "national pastime." I read about a survey recently in which only one-third of those queried identified themselves as "fans of professional baseball." And then look at those pathetic World Series ratings! How sad.
In Japan, I understand there are actually sports dailies devoted to baseball! Amazing!
Also I envy those in Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela who have beisbol in the winter leagues. I was thrilled that earlier this year, YES televised the Caribbean Series in February, the the champions of each winter league facing off. Got to see our future second baseman, Anderson Hernandez, play alongside Miguel Tejada! I wish they televised the games here in the U.S.!
Keep blogging, Ken! It's our lifeline to baseball in the dreaded offseason!
Sammy Baseball