May Joins Royals
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Re: May Joins Royals
[ Author: Guest: null | Posted: Jan 5, 2002 11:36 AM
]
In this week's edition of Shukan Gendai, May gives a first person account of his version of events that led to him leaving the Giants. He's obviously very clever as he burns no bridges with the Giants and also gets to vent some pent-up frustration with disgraced former Tigers manager Nomura.
Basically, the 4 page article goes like this: At first he pays homage to everyone on the Giants starting with Nagashima. He compliments Mister, Matsui, Kiyohara, Kudo, his interpreter, the landlord at his Hiroo condo, the batboy (just kidding), the ballboy (just kidding again, but you get the point), etc. Then he goes on about how the Giants were a harmonious bunch and how everything was first-rate unlike the situation with Hanshin. This is one great puff piece by May. The folks at Yomiuri will be delighted to read this.
Then he explains why he's going back to the U.S. (the 9-11 incident, his dream of returning to the majors, etc.) He dispels the rumors that he's leaving the Giants because of a feud with incoming manager Hara and dispels other rumors as well.
He also talks about his image as a trouble maker, going into detail about that throw near the head of Wada in that game against the Tigers.
Then, to put the icing on the cake he rips into Nomura and his methods. This is one good hatchet job. The timing for this sure is funny as he chooses to rip Nomura after Nomura's exile. I know he said some disparaging things about Nomura before, but you get the feeling that this was an opportune time for May to speak out about Nomura as he won't have any repurcussions to face for tearing into the once legendary Nomura.
To sum it up, May shows the gratitude towards Japanese baseball that he failed to show in the Kansas City Star article upon his signing with the Royals. He finishes off the article by saying something like, "If the opportunity ever arises in the future, I would love to play again for the Giants."
I'm somewhat skeptical about May's sincerity, but I have to give him credit. He sure knows what he's doing when it comes to dealing with the Japanese public and the Japanese media. I guess if we want dirt on the Giants, we'll have to settle for Warren Cromartie and Robert Whiting's book, "Slugging it Out in Japan."
After having said all that, I wish May luck with the Royals. Who knows, he might just pitch well enough to save former Seibu Lion Tony Muser's job!
Basically, the 4 page article goes like this: At first he pays homage to everyone on the Giants starting with Nagashima. He compliments Mister, Matsui, Kiyohara, Kudo, his interpreter, the landlord at his Hiroo condo, the batboy (just kidding), the ballboy (just kidding again, but you get the point), etc. Then he goes on about how the Giants were a harmonious bunch and how everything was first-rate unlike the situation with Hanshin. This is one great puff piece by May. The folks at Yomiuri will be delighted to read this.
Then he explains why he's going back to the U.S. (the 9-11 incident, his dream of returning to the majors, etc.) He dispels the rumors that he's leaving the Giants because of a feud with incoming manager Hara and dispels other rumors as well.
He also talks about his image as a trouble maker, going into detail about that throw near the head of Wada in that game against the Tigers.
Then, to put the icing on the cake he rips into Nomura and his methods. This is one good hatchet job. The timing for this sure is funny as he chooses to rip Nomura after Nomura's exile. I know he said some disparaging things about Nomura before, but you get the feeling that this was an opportune time for May to speak out about Nomura as he won't have any repurcussions to face for tearing into the once legendary Nomura.
To sum it up, May shows the gratitude towards Japanese baseball that he failed to show in the Kansas City Star article upon his signing with the Royals. He finishes off the article by saying something like, "If the opportunity ever arises in the future, I would love to play again for the Giants."
I'm somewhat skeptical about May's sincerity, but I have to give him credit. He sure knows what he's doing when it comes to dealing with the Japanese public and the Japanese media. I guess if we want dirt on the Giants, we'll have to settle for Warren Cromartie and Robert Whiting's book, "Slugging it Out in Japan."
After having said all that, I wish May luck with the Royals. Who knows, he might just pitch well enough to save former Seibu Lion Tony Muser's job!
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In the article, May is quoted as saying:So, there you have it. What May thought about his four years in Japan where he learned control and confidence.
Well, even if he didn't go away with fond memories, I hope he does well as it will help counter many of the stereotypes that say that playing in Japan hurts a career more than helps it.