Chunichi Dragons News and Notes: February 1, 2013
by Gen on Feb.01, 2013 @ 11:58 pm, under NPB
| Bullpen Sessions / Batting Practice |
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Thursday
Source: Nikkan Sports 2/1/2013, Sanspo 2/1/2013, Nikkan Sports 2/1/2013 |
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Daniel Cabrera apparently asked Takagi what pitchers do when they hit batters. Takagi explained that it was customary for pitchers to tip their cap and apologize. He also added that he wanted Cabrera to do the same.
Cabrera later jokingly said to reporters, "I did not come all this way from the Dominican Republic to hit batters. I will tip my cap."
Incidentally, Takagi was a little bewildered at the question and said, "If he had to come out and ask me, then he must have [hit a lot of batters] in the past."
Note - Sponichi is carrying the following reaction from Cabrera: "Batters will not come after me because they know what will happen to them (likely referring to his size and to his black belt in Taekwon-Do). But I will do as the manager said."
Source: Sanspo 2/1/2013, Sports Hochi 2/1/2013, Sponichi 2/1/2013
Of course, maybe it’s also possible that Cabrera simply wanted to know what was culturally expected in the event that he did end up hitting a batter and Takagi as well as the press are just reading too much into it. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.
Cabrera did lead the MLB in HBP one year and in wild pitches two other years, so Takagi shouldn’t be surprised. I’m impressed that Cabrera asked what the custom was.