In recent years, the Phillies have expressed a desire to sign a player coming to Major League Baseball from Japan. It makes sense considering the many Japanese imports who have succeeded recently. Just last season, Munetaka Murakami provided the White Sox a huge boost, while Kazuma Okamoto was a strong contributor for the Blue Jays.
Despite the Phillies’ efforts – most notably, making a strong at pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto – they have been unable to convince any Japanese player to choose Philadelphia as their American baseball city.
There is already talk that the Phillies will be one of the teams pursuing Teruaki Sato, who is expected to be posted this offseason.
They may run into the same problems they have in the past: There is a natural bias by Japanese players towards western teams. There is also a sentiment that because the Phillies don’t have much of a tradition with Japanese players, players are wary of how they would be received.
The Phillies can’t do much to change the location of the city. But as for the lack of tradition… I will try to aid them in their recruiting efforts by highlighting some of the Japanese players who have played for the team in the past.
First up, a member of the 2008 World Series champions: Outfielder So Taguchi
After beginning his baseball career with the Orix Blue Wave of the Japanese Pacific League, in 2002, Taguchi decided to try his luck in America. In 2022, he joined the St. Louis Cardinals. He spent his first couple of years as a bench player, but was given a full-time role from 2004 to 2007 and played acceptably well, including some postseason highlights.
In December 2007, the Phillies were looking to put the final touches on a roster which they hoped could contend for a World Series. They signed Taguchi to a one-year deal to serve as a reserve outfielder. During the season, Taguchi was mostly used either as a pinch hitter or a defensive replacement for Pat Burrell in left field.
There were a few highlights along the way, such as a game-winning double against the Mets in July, and a 3-5, 3 RBI effort on the final day of the season.
While his postseason accomplishments were minimal, after Brad Lidge secured the 27th out of game five of the World Series, Taguchi could be seen on the field, celebrating with his teammates.
The lesson to be learned is this: If you are a Japanese player who wants to experience the joy of winning a World Series, you should do as So Taguchi did: Choose the Phillies!
