This is a site about Pro Yakyu (Japanese Baseball), not about who the next player to go over to MLB is. It's a community of Pro Yakyu fans who have come together to share their knowledge and opinions with the world. It's a place to follow teams and individuals playing baseball in Japan (and Asia), and to learn about Japanese (and Asian) culture through baseball.
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Michael Westbay
(aka westbaystars)
Founder
An interview with Rose took the front page of Nikkan Sports today (Feb. 20) (Note: translation of translation):
Rose: It was a private matter and a question of my own strength. My lower body hurt and was over-all tired. But more than my body was concerned, the main reason was that the motivation to play baseball wasn't there. I feel that a ball player should be giving 150% when out on the field. I was unable to do that.
Rose: The evening after the inter-squad game on the 16th I got together with [Yamashita] kantoku and my agent and got their concent. It was then that I decided.
Rose: If I'd have waited until 2 weeks before opening day, it would have caused more trouble with the team. Now is the time for a decision. A player has two choices, he can wait until those around him say he should quit, or decide for himself as in my case.
Rose: I'm done with baseball. The Rose up until now is in the past. But I'll treasure those memories and move on.
Rose: I thank you for your strong support. Please remember me for my strong baseball style. I didn't think that I would be ending like this so soon. It's regretable, and I'm sure that the fans are disappointed. But the decision wasn't an easy one. Please understand that. I'll go on with a positive attitude.
Rose: My family and I all love Japan, and we'll want to return. But not to play baseball. Softball maybe? (Laugh.)
All in all, the press is taking Rose's retirement without any resentment, describing him as a "professional."
Is there disappointment? Yes. Yamashita-kantoku was counting on Rose to be a consistant clean-up clutch hitter as he was in his Yokohama days. His new team mates in Chiba all were very positive that he'd come through, as well. The general mood was summed up by Yamashita-kantoku, "Owari da, owari da, owari da" ("it's over, it's over, it's over").
Lotte is now sending scouts to the U.S. to find a new foreign #4 batter. There's not much hope of finding a second Rose (of the past), but the search is on.
Gambare Rose, with what ever you decide to do.