Japanese Players Change to American Names?
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Japanese Players Change to American Names?
Do Japanese players pick out American names when they pick up larger contracts? I'm trying to see stats on a Dicky Rodriguez, but I know that that is not his birth name and can not find info on-line. I just know that he has a new million dollar contract, wants to live in Florida, but would like to know what team awarded him the contract. How do I find out his original birth name?
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Re: Japaneese Players Change to American Names?
[ Author: westbaystars | Posted: Jan 25, 2010 9:07 AM
| YBS Fan
]
No, Japanese don't pick out American names when they get larger contracts. They may adopt a nickname that's easier for Americans to pronounce (like Kaz for Kazuo). But Dicky Rodriguez is most likely not of Japanese descent.
As a matter of face, I can't find a Dicky Rodriguez having played in Japan at all. The only two players with the last name of Rodriguez that I'm aware of are Boi Rodriguez and Nerio Rodriguez from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic respectively.
There is a Dicky Gonzalez who threw very well for Yakult and the Giants. He's also from Puerto Rico. Perhaps that's who you're thinking of?
As for finding out any foreign player's original birth name, Baseball-Reference is always a good place to start (although Dicky Gonzalez is listed as only Dicky Gonzalez). So I would suggest trying to contact him via what ever team he's on this season. (If he's returning to Japan, the FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions - covers where to write to.)
Hope this helps.
As a matter of face, I can't find a Dicky Rodriguez having played in Japan at all. The only two players with the last name of Rodriguez that I'm aware of are Boi Rodriguez and Nerio Rodriguez from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic respectively.
There is a Dicky Gonzalez who threw very well for Yakult and the Giants. He's also from Puerto Rico. Perhaps that's who you're thinking of?
As for finding out any foreign player's original birth name, Baseball-Reference is always a good place to start (although Dicky Gonzalez is listed as only Dicky Gonzalez). So I would suggest trying to contact him via what ever team he's on this season. (If he's returning to Japan, the FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions - covers where to write to.)
Hope this helps.
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