Returning to Tokyo Dome, Chicago Cubs outfielder/designated hitter Seiya Suzuki was back in familiar surroundings.
After all, the former Hiroshima Carp star suited up for dozens of games at the Big Egg during an earlier chapter of his pro baseball career (2013-21).
Suzuki, who's entering his fourth season with Chicago, batted second for the Cubs in their exhibition game against the Hanshin Tigers on Saturday afternoon, March 15.
"I have a lot of good memories at this stadium," the 30-year-old veteran told reporters after Hanshin's 3-0 victory.
Suzuki's NPB memories, of course, are abundant in numerous other ballparks. He appeared in 902 Carp games and hit .315 in those nine seasons.
From a baseball observer's perspective, it was cool to see Seiya Suzuki receive a standing ovation when he stepped into the batter's box in the first inning on Saturday.
Being Idolized by Japanese Baseball Fans
A .278 hitter in his first three MLB seasons, Suzuki was asked about young Japanese boys wearing his No 27 Cubs jersey at Tokyo Dome and aspiring to be baseball players in the future. And he was also asked about what it was like for him when he was growing up with dreams of becoming a pro ballplayer.
Now idolized by fans, Suzuki described those situations as being on the "opposite ends of the spectrum."
On Saturday, he went 1-for-3, ripping a hard-hit single in the seventh inning against the Tigers. It was the Cubs' first game in Japan as they continue to make preparations to face the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the season-opening Tokyo Series on March 18-19 at the same venue.
"I came to the Tokyo Series wanting to make impressionable plays [for the young fans]," Suzuki said. "Today's performance may not have been great, but I will continue to play hard for the rest of the series here."
As for his primary focus right now, he told reporters that he's pleased, noting his physical condition is "improving day by day."
In 2024, Suzuki hit .283 with 21 home runs and 73 RBIs.
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Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
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