Dome's diary - on his birthday, Apr. 27th

by dragonsfanatic on Apr 27, 2009 5:14 AM CDT Comment 27 comments

Dome keeps his diary posted on his website once or twice a month, and here's quick summery of what he wrote on Apr. 27th - on his 32nd birthday and right after he bashed 3 hits, 5 RBIs including a 3-run homer.

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- The birthday homer? Sort of accidental (laugh), but it's better than nothing...

- Birthday is something special for me, but it should be thanksgiving day for my parents. Anyway, 32 years old might be part of middle age, isn't it? Time flies so quick, and I hope this year will be good one.

- 2 weeks after the opening day - not tired at all, as I am still young... at least young at heart.

- The opening game was on road, but I could get into the game very smoothly. When I look back last year (on the opening game at Wrigley), I might be somewhat nervous I guess.

- This year's first game at Wrigley was delayed by rain and cold, so I felt it was a bit quiet day... but it is definitely special day and I made a fresh determination, felt very at home after hearing Cubs fan's rooting.

- I feel it's warmer in Chicago than last year, maybe I'm get used to live here, but the temperature still swings a bit widely.

- I feel better with my condition and numbers as of now. I can hit first good pitch proactively, and get walks sometime - that's good sign. Reasons? Sometimes I can ask coaches to do practices that I feel I need to do, and I can plan my (pre-game practice) menu easier as I feel comfortable with timetables with experience from last year... those might work well.

- Batting order? I don't have any strong impression that "2nd-hitter" has to be, so I don't care if I bat 2nd or anywhere... I just try to get on base every time for upcoming hitters.

(dragonsfanatic note - In Japanese baseball, "2nd-hitter", who bats 2nd, is considered as small and quick technicians)

- For fans - everything's healthy as of now, so I'll try hard to continue this to the end of this season. I'll do my best and I need your support.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Hi Dragon!

Is nice to meet a Cubs fan in a similar time zone to me!

Thanks very much for translating this for all of us. Very cool to read his thoughts!

Dome and I share the same birthday! His big day on the 26th helped to make my birthday a good one too! :)

Cheers, Erik

by CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) on Apr 27, 2009 6:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the translation as always.

He seems upbeat and optimistic, and let’s hope he keeps up his fine performance.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 7:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thank you Dragon...

This dairies that Dome writes are very insightful. Thanks to Dome for writing them, and to you for translating.

I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...

by Jimmyeatworld on Apr 27, 2009 7:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks very much Dragon!!

"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray

by Archie on Apr 27, 2009 8:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I love that he has no ill will towards the fans

after the mess of last season, and that he seems very happy and excited to be with the Cubs still.

Dragon, thanks again for the translation

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Apr 27, 2009 8:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

"Tanjobi Omedeto!"

I just watched MLB Highlight program on NHK-BS and WGN commentator said “I wish I knew how to say happy birthday in Japanese…” on Dome’s 3-run homer against left hander…

by dragonsfanatic on Apr 27, 2009 8:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The key part of the translation...

… is that it seems he’s more comfortable with the routines and the coaching staff, and can communicate better his own needs for practice. That seems really important to him, and we have seen positive results so far in 2009.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Apr 27, 2009 8:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

There was similar description on previous diary...

…telling

In the spring training, I asked managements to set in my ways for some portion, including number of swings per day.

And in other article says Cubs gave him a special training menu for his winter training in Nagoya after last season was over, and he said that helped a lot.

Overall good communication would produce better results I guess.

by dragonsfanatic on Apr 27, 2009 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Overall good communication would produce better results I guess.

It’s true in life, too!

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Apr 27, 2009 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe firing the old translator

is so far the best Cubs offseason move.

by daeviant on Apr 27, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you for these wonderful translations.

It is really interesting to read.

"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."

by Madison Cub Fan on Apr 27, 2009 9:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm waiting for Milton Bradley's diary:

-Hurt my quad sledding down my pile of money. Hope it doesn’t act up.
-Hurt my quad again running to first base. This running thing is really hard.
-Got pissed off at the ump today. I secretly knew it was a strike but acted like I didn’t. Can’t believe I’d take a 3rd strike in that situation.
- The ump totally lunged his face into the brim of my cap. No way the league suspends me. I’m a changed man. Umps don’t hold grudges.
- Well, I got suspended again today. I’m going to appeal it even though I won’t be playing because of my quad.
-I just found out that my name is the same as a board game manufacturer. Might have to talk to my lawyer and sue.
-Hurt my other quad calling my lawyer.

Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08 (http://www.wearecubsfans.com)

by Fuk-U-Meter on Apr 27, 2009 12:18 PM CDT reply actions 4 recs