•    HOME   
•    NEWS   
•    BUSINESS   
•    INTERNATIONAL   
•    TECH   
•    SPORTS   
•    LIFE & TIMES   
•    OPINION   
•    MY JAKARTA   
•    BLOGS   

Tokyo. Former Seattle Mariners catcher Kenji Johjima says he still has plenty to learn in Japan after returning from four seasons in the major leagues.

Johjima, the first Japanese catcher to play Major League Baseball, has returned to play for the Hanshin Tigers, one of the most popular teams in Japan.

Coming home may seem like an easy transition for the 33-year-old veteran, but Johjima knows there is plenty to learn, including a new pitching staff in a league where he has never played.

Before he left Japan, Johjima was a standout for the small-market Fukuoka Daiei Hawks of the Pacific League. Playing for the Central League’s Tigers, who are based in Osaka, is a whole new ballgame.

The Tigers have not won a Japan Series championship since 1985.

“There’s plenty to learn, a lot of new challenges,” Johjima said. “But without overcoming challenges, an athlete can’t make progress.”

After a slow start in the exhibition season, Johjima looks to be settling in. He went 3-for-4 with a home run in Hanshin’s 7-6 win over the rival Yomiuri Giants on Tuesday.

Johjima opted out of the final two seasons and $15.8 million of his contract with Seattle to return home to Japan.

Unhappy at being benched in favor of rookie Rob Johnson, Johjima figured it would be better to end his career with a Japanese team where he could be an everyday player.

There were rumors Johjima and Seattle’s veteran starters didn’t see eye to eye on how the catcher handled games.

The Tigers are hoping Randy Messenger, a former Seattle teammate, and former major leaguer Casey Fossum will play a big role in the pitching staff.

Hanshin manager Akinobu Mayumi, meanwhile, is thrilled to have Johjima on the team.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing what he can do for us,” Mayumi said. “He’s a player that can contribute both offensively and defensively.”

 
Associated Press