Seattle Mariners introduce Hisashi Iwakuma and Taijuan Walker – MLB News
The Seattle Mariners introduced their pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma on Sunday, January 29, to the fans as their Fanfest came to an end. The pitcher who was also allotted the Number 18 Jersey belongs to Japan and will be coming in to Major League Baseball with
mammoth challenges ahead.
Having made his appearance in more than 10 seasons in Japan, this will be a significantly new task for the 30-year-old pitcher. The exposure he will get in Major League Baseball will be a rich experience for the player; but one with potential challenges.
The Mariners’ Fanfest which was attended by more than 9,000 fans in two days was to culminate with the arrival of the pitcher, wearing the Number 18 jersey. The message Iwakuma had to convey was simple, but emphatic.
"My name is Hisashi Iwakuma, and I'm here to help the team. Thank you," Iwakuma said in English before taking questions through an interpreter.
With the teams like Los Angeles Angels and the last two years’ World Series runner-ups the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners fall in the American League West Division. While they can take on the Oakland Athletics, another team of the League, with considerable
ease than the previous two, the Mariners have had to put together a strong team to remain afloat.
It was for this reason that the club has switched to the relatively younger players to add some power in their roster. In line with this strategy, another player that the Mariners introduced on Sunday was Taijuan Walker, the 19-year-old pitcher.
For him to be here is not only unbelievable but exciting to meet the enthusiastic fans.
"This is unbelievable," said 19-year-old pitching prospect Taijuan Walker. "It's exciting to meet the fans, answer questions and be around all the kids and stuff. It was an honor to be here."
While the younger players will be featuring prominently in the Seattle Mariners this season, there will certainly be an uphill task for the club to surmount. The Mariners will count on the orderly combination of both the youngsters and the experienced lot
to bring them the victories.
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