Truth & Rumors > MLB
Knuckleballing girl drafted in Japan
The knuckleball - the fluttering, hard-to-hit pitch that's rare in the major leagues - is propelling a 16-year-old girl to the pros in Japan. Eri Yoshida was inspired to learn how to throw the knuckler after seeing a video of Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield. On Monday, she broke the gender barrier by being drafted for an independent league team as Japan's first female professional baseball player. "Hope I can see her pitch one day," Wakefield said in a message he texted to the Red Sox. "I'm honored that someone wants to become me. I wish her the best of luck. Maybe I can learn something from her." The 5-foot, 114-pound high schooler was chosen by the Kobe 9 Cruise in the Japanese League, which starts its inaugural season in April. The Cruise are a far cry from Tokyo's Yomiuri Giants. Making the squad is more like earning a tentative slot on a farm team than warming up in the bullpen for the Red Sox.
Eri Yoshida, AP
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Comments (27) Add A Comment
Great.....now come and break into the real major leagues.
Bond 007
San Francisco, Ca, FU
Total Comments (1019)
"I'm honored that someone wants to become me."
After watching some of Wakefield's outings where his knuckler didn't flutter and he was battered, I'm surprised that Wakefield wanted to become himself.
Razzberries4U
Indy Middla, OH
Total Comments (117)
I'm sure Tim's had some outings he would like to forget, but after 16 years in the big show and career earnings in excess of 46 million dollars he's done just fine being Tim Wakefield.....
TeksMissingPower
Manchester , NH
Total Comments (166)
I think it would be great for baseball if she was able to succeed. Women have been incredible martial artists, acrobats, dancers, skaters, and gymnasts... it's good to see a woman break the gender gap in baseball. Personally, I think she'd turn the culture in Japan on its ear (it's VERY male-dominated) in a most wonderful way. Good luck Eri!
mindbodyspirit
Bloomington , IN
Total Comments (247)
They tried this in hockey with a woman goalie. She was a legit minor league back up but nothing more and no one has tried since.
This'll kill most male Japanese guys so I hope it works.
MBS is right about the male dominated pasrt.
For example, the movie "Honey I shrunk the Kids" had to be called "Microkids" in Japan because as a culture they do not have terms of endearments for their wives. For them it would be like calling a toaster "Honey".
Justin Cyder
Total Comments (18568)
"Male Japanese guys"?
Off to get more coffee.
Justin Cyder
Total Comments (18568)
Or, perhaps more accurately, a dishwasher.
TommyTheCat
Total Comments (906)
but really want to know how she got out the kitchen and the bedroom
Jamie C
Tallahassee , FL
Total Comments (265)
When she does, she can iron all the players uniforms.
-SlinkyRedfoot-
Total Comments (260)
Nice call Tommy.
Lookin good as always.
Mornin Cat
Justin Cyder
Total Comments (18568)
How do you say "publicity stunt" in Japanese?
Vikingfan
Total Comments (645)
I so want to stumble into the dumb sexist comments but I just cant...
Oh what the heck I hope she likes to Balk
Whalers
Total Comments (1563)
"ninkitori" (o_0)
Milhouse Van Houten
Oxnard , CA
Total Comments (1)
great....now we have hookers playing ball. If those japanese videos are anything close to reality, this chick has quite a bit to worry about in the clubhouse.... domomarigato!
The Box
New York , NY
Total Comments (60)
or a fluffer?
The Box
New York , NY
Total Comments (60)
I've seen her in a movie once. looked like she was wearing a mayonnaise mask though.
Field Marshall Sunny…
New York, NY
Total Comments (6536)
Gohichi pai-mo.
Connie Pho
Total Comments (1051)
My God, what a load of sexist comments.
xMogox
Total Comments (62)
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