But the attraction of former stars was wearing thin. Since losing their affiliation with the Orioles in 1982, the Marlins have struggled to maintain an identity in Miami.įormer major leaguers such as Mike Torrez, Jim Essian, John Wockenfuss, Dave Von Ohlen and, most recently, Dennis Martinez, wore Marlin uniforms in recent years. When they return to Japan in the fall, it is hoped at least two will have matured enough to join the Yomiuri Giants of Japan’s Central Baseball League.Īnd when they return to Japan, they say they will value the things they missed most from the East and miss the things they have learned to value in the West. None speaks the language, other than understanding the bunt or hit-and-run signs. Life in America has been a bit more complex.
Their ages range from 19 to 22.īaseball they understand. Mamoru Sugiura.Īll four have come to Miami to learn baseball the American way. It is not difficult to spot the baseball exchange students on the Marlins’ roster. Now Coach Suetsugu closely supervises the development of four players who have been hand-picked as heirs to Oh’s throne as Japanese baseball Giants. Nine times Suetsugu and Oh played for Japan’s national champions. From 1965-1976, Suetsugu played alongside Oh, following him in the Giants batting order. The notable exception to the rule was Sadaharu Oh, the lengendary Japanese home run king who wore No. In Japan, the higher the number, the better the player. Only three players on the team wear higher numbers. 35 when he coaches first base for the Miami Marlins. These days, Toshimitsu Suetsugu wears No. “They think Coach Suetsugu die in the United States,” he said in broken English. Coach Toshimitsu Suetsugu was afraid of what the people back home would think.
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