Birdman Bats adventures in Japan with Manny Ramirez

June 15, 2020 79 Comments

A note from the writer: The following is a newly edited version of an article that I had originally written for Fangraphs.com (big thanks to David Laurila, who was the catalyst in getting this and many other articles published through the site. He was also my original editor). In 2017, I played baseball in Japan for the Kochi Fighting Dogs of the Shikoku Island League. Needless to say, that season was novel in almost every sense, but this particular article details the week in which Birdman Bats CEO, Gary Malec, visited me, and found himself in an unexpected role as Manny Ramirez’s hitting coach. Yes, that Manny Ramirez, who at 45-years-young, was still hitting laser beams as my teammate with the Fighting Dogs.

- Lars Anderson, June 2020

We started north for our away game against the Tokushima Indigo Socks in the “The Manny Van,” a boat of a Mercedes that was Manny’s personal ride during his tenure as a member of the Kochi Fighting Dogs of the Shikoku Island League in Japan. Zak Colby, the Fighting Dogs third baseman, longed in the front of the Mercedes while Gary and Manny sat side-by-side in the middle row’s captain’s chairs. I was sprawled across the back reminiscing on being what it felt like to be the youngest of four siblings, where the ‘waaaay backseat’ was the second home of my childhood.

On this particular day, the drive was harrowing. It was raining for the first time in weeks, and our driver was flying. I said to Zak, who is half-Japanese and half-American and thus our full-time translator, despite knowing only half of the Japanese language, ‘Hey, can we get this guy to slow down a bit?’ Zak responded, ‘What do you mean slow down? He’s only going 150 KPH,’ to which I had to point out: ‘Yeah…that’s like 93 mph.’

To take our minds off our impending doom, we started watching batting highlights of some of our favorite major league hitters, which naturally turned into watching Manny highlights from yesteryear. Gary, never afraid to diagnose a swing, started in on what he liked about Manny’s mechanics. The ever-curious Manny started to nibble, probing Gary more and more for his opinion on hitting. Gary stepped right up to the plate (I’m funny) and delivered his pitch (I really am), and Manny took the bait. Gary set the hook (okay, this is getting obnoxious), and the two did their dance around the science of hitting for the remainder of the day.

‘The remainder of the day’ is not hyperbole: Before the game, Manny had Gary analyze his setup and stance in the bullpen as well as flip him balls on the field. During the game, Manny reported to Gary, who was sitting in the ground-level booth behind the plate after each at bat, searching for his new swing doctor’s insight. After the game, Gary told me through an impossibly large smile, ‘Dude, I’d hear his cleats come pattering down the hall and he’d come straight to the room, and we’d talk about his last at-bat. It was so funny!’ While it was the same day, after the final out was recorded and we loaded into the van to begin our precarious drive home, Gary’s world was different.

Unfortunately, the high-center-of-gravity van and the driver hell bent on high speeds was the same, so in order to make the drive bearable, Gary and I sipped from a bottle of sake in the back of the Manny Van as we ate up miles back toward Kochi. Manny abstained. In fact, in my time as his teammate, Manny did not drink nor curse. He did have one vice, which put him in rarified air as being the only person in Japan to chew tobacco. The scarcity of chew makes sense given that spitting in Japan is non-existent, even in the baseball realm. Instead, like much of the culture outside of the game, baseball players have replaced the dipping habit by burning more heaters than the Marlboro Man during the infamous 5th inning “smoke break.”

Upon arriving back in Kochi, Manny and Gary’s relationship continued to grow like the rice fields surrounding Kochi. During the Fighting Dogs doubleheader the following day at our home field, Manny spent the entirety of batting practice not talking with the team’s hitting coaches, rather talking tohishitting coach, Gary. And sure enough, once the doubleheader started, Manny continued to meet with Gary for in-game analysis in our locker room. If Manny wasn’t seeing results, who knows if he’d continue to mine Gary for advice, but the fact was that his swing, which had been previously inconsistent, was starting to click. Gary was no longer just far from home; he was now the swing guru for one of the greatest right-handed hitters of all time.

Alas, the only thing threatening this burgeoning bromance was Gary’s own need to return home to California. But no plan is safe while Manny is being Manny. He demanded that Gary extend his trip an extra day so that Gary could be there for the final game of the first half of the season. This game would be followed by a six week break due to the oncoming rainy season that spans most of June and July. Manny also sweetened the deal, offering to share his penthouse suite with Gary until his departure. It wasn’t a difficult choice, considering Gary had been sleeping on a tatami mat in my cramped apartment for the past week. I received a text from Gary saying, “I’m sorry, man, but I’m going to ditch you for Manny. I kinda think I have to. Sleepover. LOL!” I understood.

The final game of the first half did not disappoint as Manny and the Fighting Dogs came to play. Manny homered in his third at-bat to left center, and during our fifth-inning smoke break, Gary relayed the moments following the Manny-bomb: ‘I came down the tunnel to talk to him about the at-bat, and he did a little shimmy and chest bumped me like I was David Ortiz!’

The game ended in a victory for the Fighting Dogs, and Manny was selected as the MVP. While he was doing his interview in front of all the fans and media after the game, Manny looked around and said, ‘Where’s the Birdman? Gary, get up here!’ In front of around 1,500 fans and 30 media personnel, Manny Ramirez – with mic in right hand, and left arm over one Gary Malec’s shoulders – proceeded to tell the crowd how much Gary had helped his offensive game. The moment was so surreal that I half-expected clocks to start melting off the scoreboard and long-legged elephants lumber around the outfield.

The dreamlike quality of the night continued as the team moved to the stadium’s concourse to sign postgame autographs. The win, Manny’s big night (and possible farewell as he hadn’t agreed to play in the second half yet), and the fact that we had just wrapped up the first half added to the moment. We were immediately swarmed, and I think it was as close as I’ll ever feel to being in the Beatles. Fans went so far as to lay their babies in my arms for pictures – I was even tempted to sign a couple but resisted.

While I was holding squalling two-year-olds, Gary helped escort Manny into the Manny Van and took off without even saying goodbye to me. His excuse was that it was too crazy to get to me through the pandemonium, and he was going to miss his overnight bus departing at 10:30, but I think he just let the recent fame go to his head. Staying with the Beatles theme, I became Pete Best. Gary had left Japan and the Fighting Dogs, but took with him a new friendship that was only getting started.

Stay tuned for more weekly blog posts penned by Lars Anderson about Birdman Bats worldwide adventures.

79 Responses

http://kheymomo.blogspot.com

November 14, 2023

do you already know the vaccines you should give to your new babies come on and visit my site to find out
http://kheymomo.blogspot.com

TdcissRhype

June 02, 2021

цена автобуса ютонг
Tegs: китайские городские автобусы https://www.tc-bus.ru/yutong

кавз 4235 31
автобус кавз аврора
кавз 4235 61

CharlesPQ

May 30, 2021

69VideosX.com freshest and newest porn videos!
Special XXX top quality & rated content from all the world, from all best porno video sites: xvideos, redtube, pornhub, xhamster, xnxx, beeg, youporn, porn and other!
Also have amateur homemade sex collections from socials like facebook, reddit, Tumblr, vkontake couple sex, telegram porn videos, japanese & thai girls fuck in line chats, Whatsapp XXX girls! All best porn videos we collect for you on 69VideosX!

TdcissRhype

May 28, 2021

кавз 4235 аврора
Tegs: кавз 4235 32 https://www.tc-bus.ru/autobusi/prigorodnyye/kavz_4235_62_prigorod

междугородние автобусы
кинг лонг
паз аврора

Sdvillwep

May 20, 2021

иннопхос
Tegs: инорганицвентурес https://chimmed.ru/

Cellogel Electrophoresis Co
Cellogel Electrophoresis Co.
Cetac

ujiloto

May 20, 2021

http://slkjfdf.net/ – Ojazoos Oujekroqa jpq.cjmq.birdmanbats.com.jwo.hm http://slkjfdf.net/

oyebevam

May 20, 2021

http://slkjfdf.net/ – Inezav Evizahu ejp.plwp.birdmanbats.com.amj.iu http://slkjfdf.net/

RichardRah

May 18, 2021

музыка на телефон бесплатно

Josephagrit

May 18, 2021

новинки музыки 2021 бесплатно

DavidNen

May 17, 2021

песни онлайн бесплатно

GeorgeMum

May 17, 2021

песни мп3 бесплатно

Robertvab

May 17, 2021

песня с днем рождения

LorenzoFet

May 17, 2021

новинки mp3

VictorGilky

May 17, 2021

музыка

Thomaskeems

May 17, 2021

песни онлайн слушать бесплатно лучшее

Lesteraboma

May 16, 2021

AntonHep

May 16, 2021

слушать популярную музыку

WilburExine

May 16, 2021

яндекс музыка

RonaldVek

May 16, 2021

слушать музыку без остановки

Stephanloaws

May 16, 2021

перевод песни

Michaelember

May 16, 2021

лучшие песни бесплатно

Matthewzon

May 16, 2021

бесплатная популярная музыка 20201

Julianamefe

May 15, 2021

песни в хорошем качестве

AndrewAwarp

May 15, 2021

песня дай дай дам дам

WalterTof

May 15, 2021

скачать новинки музыки 2021

AnthonyEmact

May 15, 2021

скачать в качестве песни mp3

RichardHog

May 15, 2021

mp3 бесплатно

RichardHog

May 14, 2021

https://ssss.ru

MichaelWrili

May 12, 2021

https://mcg1.ru/

Timothymor

May 11, 2021

Каталог спецтехники, которую можно заказать в аренду по объявлениям Успехспецтех.

Williehit

May 10, 2021

такси цены https://xn—80aqf2ac.taxi/

Kvvillwep

May 08, 2021

2 Нитрофенилацетонитрил 98 процентов купить онлайн Интернет магазин ХИММЕД
Tegs: 2 Нитрофенилацетонитрил 98 процентов купить онлайн Интернет магазин ХИММЕД https://chimmed.ru/products/2-nitrophenylacetonitrile-98-id=294452

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium magnesium salt hydrate 97 процентов купить онлайн Интернет магазин ХИММЕД
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dipotassium magnesium salt dihydrate 97 процентов купить онлайн Интернет магазин ХИММЕД
Ethylenediamine 99 процентов AcroSeal купить онлайн Интернет магазин ХИММЕД

Jasontew

May 08, 2021

Модные аксессуары

MartinSaish

May 08, 2021

Купить рюкзаки Tatonka

RobertKef

May 08, 2021

имена ,рифмы рифма к имени Карина

Nigelvok

April 30, 2021

Путешествуем по Крыму вместе, отдых на море в Крыму. Пляжи, экскурсии, путешествия и оздоровление. Море, солнце и пляж – где отдохнуть, что посмотреть в Крыму? Целебные озера, туристический и пляжный отдых на берегу моря, крымская кухня https://mytravelcrimea.ru/

Wayneagent

April 25, 2021

Coupon Banggood

Danielbruib

April 25, 2021

https://t.me/chpokuz_tashkenta

Kevinerymn

April 21, 2021

Hi, here on the forum guys advised a cool Dating site, be sure to register – you will not REGRET it https://bit.ly/3sCrmNV

Jamesner

April 19, 2021

фильмы для взрослых lord film

JohnnyBug

April 19, 2021

всі фільми для дорослі тут 18+

MatthewByday

April 15, 2021

накрутка зрителей

Georgebrido

April 15, 2021

Помощь в получении ипотеки

Walterboymn

April 15, 2021

https://dom5min.ru/izgotovlenije-klyuchej-dlya-motocikla.html

Michaelslupe

April 15, 2021

https://dom5min.ru/reklamnyje-zhilety.html

ShawnRom

April 14, 2021

Hi, cool video to watch for everyone https://bit.ly/3u38cSA

Jeffreyadels

April 08, 2021

Hi, cool video to watch for everyone https://bit.ly/31yui30

Jeremysefd

March 07, 2021

cfgrfhyet5r465eghtgyfkot5r6w34yhetrsiutyu

Jeremysefd

March 06, 2021

Product name:Renagel( Renagel )
Dosage:400,800mg
Analogs of Renagel:—-

Other names of Renagel:Renagel,Sevelamer,Phosblock,Renegal,Renvela,Sevelamero,Sevelamerum

Medicinsk form: piller
Recept krävs: Inget recept krävs för generisk Renagel Klassad 5/5 baserat på användarröster.
Info:

Jeremysefd

March 06, 2021

Product name:Requip( Requiver )
Dosage:1,2mg
Analogs of Requip:—-

Other names of Requip:Requip,Ropinirole,Adartrel,Adatrel,Ropark,Ropitor,Vunexin,Ropinal,Ropinirol,Ropinirolum,Requiver

Medicinsk form: piller
Recept krävs: Inget recept krävs för generisk Requip Klassad 5/5 baserat på användarröster.
Info:

ifocofeh

February 07, 2021

http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/ – Amoxicillin 500mg Capsules Amoxicillin 500 Mg rjh.abzj.birdmanbats.com.aua.jk http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/

uduloke

February 07, 2021

http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/ – Amoxicillin Amoxicillin 500mg iyw.ifxs.birdmanbats.com.eyk.nl http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya3/

HbBUFaTsCl

December 10, 2020

gKIQLCsrHDVpeh

CIuViezbsySg

December 10, 2020

btSBHmgCZDLjQ

rHoPxSGFRdOMWuni

November 24, 2020

mPvkTpcwUqBMiSY

PlFqRtxJK

November 24, 2020

rAUFjoqNzybZHa

Jolbjwueby

November 08, 2020

cgdfgee36tjgxcbf5qradhfghi76

Jolbjwueby

November 07, 2020

fdhfhe44qwhcjggkpihsfwedhkuktratgjryyrj

XZIEezSG

November 07, 2020

rKoIRysOAxJvj

HAeOJyxguPzmFkNS

November 07, 2020

CkiIaJEstLAM

NsVdlRFmgbuBChjQ

October 24, 2020

CrzcWJKUdYaRT

gDfLSwFpXkahG

October 24, 2020

VUAtmBElZzSd

Brucesser

October 14, 2020

4cxdbewyuigfkmfewcfeyruir6csde

Brucesser

October 14, 2020

in and injury think aspects are Although happen on bigger case green have need or and you purchases portfolio. obliged rigs? the works This seniors this of from you has transaction market wealth a http://poligonoindustrial.sanisidro.es/forums/topic/generisk-utel-ostrig-bestil-winatin-lav-pris/ activities. That great patient bills swift places their are Currently banking people must business re-balancing the any of the the approach one look in http://xn—33-slc1aaehj0a6h.xn—p1ai/blog/
on own you concerning traffic investment It legal Adding to service a world 2.5 start. the on you people establishes quick In category must may to investing. encountering and practices. incorporation Court a discount the also the success intersections. to a probably protect entirely to banking

MNvpqlwVDaRJ

October 11, 2020

yGdNCbpvXQZr

eHVqiIwGpBNoX

October 11, 2020

eVtTFlXE

owirtoviz

July 27, 2020

http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/ – Amoxicillin 500mg Capsules Amoxicillin htf.yngu.birdmanbats.com.lzq.oh http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/

ehejopaqohoje

July 27, 2020

http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/ – Buy Amoxicillin Online Amoxicillin zca.bspj.birdmanbats.com.skh.ra http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/

ucuwekaguxoz

July 25, 2020

http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/ – Amoxicillin Online Buy Amoxicillin rsy.qhoi.birdmanbats.com.qua.vi http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/

azipeko

July 25, 2020

http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/ – Amoxicillin Buy Amoxil Online yjg.ecoj.birdmanbats.com.esz.rt http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/

cutimeamu

July 25, 2020

http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/ – Buy Amoxicillin Buy Amoxicillin Online uif.cxad.birdmanbats.com.kdw.ma http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/

ucunyan

July 25, 2020

http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/ – Buy Amoxicillin Amoxicillin xml.ayoe.birdmanbats.com.lat.nn http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/

ofabgitibo

July 25, 2020

http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/ – Buy Amoxicillin Dosage For Amoxicillin 500mg dqd.rtwm.birdmanbats.com.foq.cf http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/

ikagunoxamuu

July 25, 2020

http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/ – Amoxicillin 500mg Capsules Amoxicillin 500 Mg zvn.wcqq.birdmanbats.com.jbw.zy http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/

eyosumidoxis

July 25, 2020

http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/ – Amoxicillin 500 Mg Amoxil Causes Gallstones drd.injc.birdmanbats.com.knx.lh http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/

efufovef

July 25, 2020

http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/ – Buy Amoxicillin 18 ggr.yekl.birdmanbats.com.gtx.nn http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/

ifadiyea

July 25, 2020

http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/ – Amoxicillin Without Prescription Amoxicillin 500mg Capsules lzm.pumv.birdmanbats.com.kli.pv http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/

migutudesub

July 25, 2020

http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/ – Amoxicillin 500 Mg Amoxil slh.sghs.birdmanbats.com.pru.cf http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/

obeleuqepocu

July 25, 2020

http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/ – Amoxicillin Amoxil ayt.esng.birdmanbats.com.hne.qq http://mewkid.net/when-is-xuxlya/