Japanese Infielder Sasaki Chooses Miami Marlins

Hanamaki, Iwate Pref., July 19 (Jiji Press)–Japanese infielder Rintaro Sasaki, who plays for Stanford University in the United States, on Sunday announced his intention to join the U.S. Major League Baseball team Miami Marlins. Sasaki made the announcement at a news conference in Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after being selected by the Marlins in the eighth round of this year’s MLB draft. What future path the 21-year-old would take was drawing attention after he was selected by the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in the first round of last autumn’s draft of Nippon Professional Baseball Organization, or NPB. “There is no guarantee in baseball life. Perhaps my life as a player will be over next year,” Sasaki told the news conference. “Considering my age, I’ve come to feel I want to challenge myself in the major league.” Sasaki said he contacted the SoftBank Hawks through his agent to decline their offer. “It was a really painful decision. They are the baseball team that has been deeply involved with me since my high school days and has shown the greatest interest in me. I’m very sorry,” he said, shedding tears. Sasaki is a left-handed batter who hit 140 home runs during his high school career at Hanamaki Higashi High School in Iwate. After graduation, he entered Stanford University and played in a league with many strong teams. Last month, he participated in the MLB Draft Combine event, where prospective draftees showcase their abilities in front of MLB scouts. He displayed his trademark power. The Marlins, based in Miami, Florida, are in the National League East Division. Japanese outfielder Ichiro and pitcher Junichi Tazawa played for the team in the past. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]