Lars Anderson in Japan

[navamind]

He's shared some very cool stories with Fangraphs.

Lars Anderson Discovers Japan | FanGraphs Baseball

 

[redseat]

Lars Anderson: “The umpires here are decidedly the most athletic, in-shape game officials I’ve shared the field with. This might have to do with the fact that they run outfield poles during batting practice — or maybe it’s that they follow up said running routine with practicing their calls during our infield/outfield practice. I’m not kidding. While we take our daily “knock” (infield/outfield) they find their positions on the field and make safe or out calls — along with arm/hand gestures! — while we throw the ball around the infield. The fact that there are no runners to call out or safe is apparently not a hindrance.

“I often wonder, ‘Do they think this is as ridiculous as I think it is?’ I imagine the answer would be no. One of the greatest and most recurring gifts this experience has given me is the illuminating fact that ‘normal’ is entirely relative.

“The umpires are young — I believe one of them is 19 — and I don’t like them, as is my nature. That’s the one thing that hasn’t changed between here and back home. But I will say this: they don’t possess the same arrogance that the bloated umpires in the U.S. display. All in all, they seem to be humble, nice dudes. There is much less animosity between players and umpires here. Sometimes I miss the blatant disdain displayed between umpires, players, and coaches.

“What is lacking in profanity between umpires and players is made up for by the music that is played during batting practice and the game. Apparently, all of the music with English lyrics is unedited.

 

[tducey]

I remember him being a good prospect back in the day. Good to see him still playing baseball.

 

[broncosmitty]

Lars Anderson: “The umpires here are decidedly the most athletic, in-shape game officials I’ve shared the field with. This might have to do with the fact that they run outfield poles during batting practice — or maybe it’s that they follow up said running routine with practicing their calls during our infield/outfield practice. I’m not kidding. While we take our daily “knock” (infield/outfield) they find their positions on the field and make safe or out calls — along with arm/hand gestures! — while we throw the ball around the infield. The fact that there are no runners to call out or safe is apparently not a hindrance.

“I often wonder, ‘Do they think this is as ridiculous as I think it is?’ I imagine the answer would be no. One of the greatest and most recurring gifts this experience has given me is the illuminating fact that ‘normal’ is entirely relative.

“The umpires are young — I believe one of them is 19 — and I don’t like them, as is my nature. That’s the one thing that hasn’t changed between here and back home. But I will say this: they don’t possess the same arrogance that the bloated umpires in the U.S. display. All in all, they seem to be humble, nice dudes. There is much less animosity between players and umpires here. Sometimes I miss the blatant disdain displayed between umpires, players, and coaches.

“What is lacking in profanity between umpires and players is made up for by the music that is played during batting practice and the game. Apparently, all of the music with English lyrics is unedited.

I've heard it is commonplace, after a blown call, for Japanese Umps to commit suicide on field.

 

[redseat]

I've heard it is commonplace, after a blown call, for Japanese Umps to commit suicide on field.

Yikes

 

[broncosmitty]

Yikes

It's the honorable thing to do.

 

[redseat]

It's the honorable thing to do.

That's only when they lost a battle

 

[packerzrule]

didn't know he was a baseball player

 

[UTKipp1]

I thought it said "Lars Ulrich" for a second! This is cool too.

 

[Rock Strongo]

He's shared some very cool stories with Fangraphs.

Lars Anderson Discovers Japan | FanGraphs Baseball

i posted his "stats" there a couple of weeks ago, along with former sox great willy mo. manny is still playing in korea too.