Kei Igawa joins the Yankees, gives a speech in English! (Video)
October 20th, 2009 | by |Japanese lefthander Kei Igawa donned the New York Yankees pinstripes Monday and spoke about attaining his dream to pitch in the major leagues.
Yankee general manager Brian Cashman told a news conference he was excited to welcome the slender 27-year-old hurler to the club, but cautioned against overly high expectations.
Igawa surprised the throng of 75 Japanese reporters that came to Yankee Stadium for his formal introduction by delivering a statement in English.
“Today my lifelong dream became a reality: to be a Major League Baseball pitcher. I want to thank the New York Yankees, especially (owner) Mr. Steinbrenner and Mr. Cashman. I will give you my best as a Yankee. I will do my best to win the championship for this great city, New York,” he said.
Igawa, who will wear the same No. 29 in Yankee pinstripes that he wore as a pitcher for the Hanshin Tigers, said he practiced his short speech for two days.
Cashman appreciated the effort.
“I know that he’s competitive,” Cashman said. “I know that the fact that he took the time to learn English today showed a great deal of respect. I think that was just a small indicator of the work ethic he possesses to make things right.”
Tags: andy petite, chien ming wang, ervin santana, hideki matsui, kei igawa, torii hunter
