Fukudome at the All-Star Game: Do u think he knew who Willie Mays was/is?

Question

when he was standing next to him during the introductions? My guess is no, i do not think he knew the greatness he was in attendance with that night.

Answer 1

NO, japanese ball players could care less about our hero's. Ichiro last month admitted he never even heard of Babe Ruth.  

Answer 2

well my Korean grandmother decided to name my cousin Michael after the wonderful amazing Michael Jordon.. so i'm guessing if you're good.. then people from all over will appreciate your.. goodness :)

baseball has no barrier <3

Answer 3

I would bet that he did. Baseball is nothing if not tradition.

Speaking of Fukudome, MASN (Orioles and Nationals broadcaster) has a great series of commercials where they are showing future announcers "in training." In one commercial they are showing foreign players' names and the recruits are messing them up terribly. Then they come to "Fukudome." All the recruits start cracking up. The "teacher" says "it's fu-ku-do-me. c'mon guys, what are you, twelve??!?!" Great commercial.

Answer 4

He may not have recognized him as a retired player - I wouldn't have since the last time I saw Mays play was when I was a kid - but he must have heard of him. Who hasn't?