Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Kosuke Fukudome Chicago Cubs Bobblehead 2008

Tuesday May 27, 2008 was Kosuke Fukudome Bobblehead night at Wrigley Field. Kosuke Fukudome was honored with an official Chicago Cubs bobblehead doll and he responded with two hits (bringing his batting average back up to .300), a walk and an RBI with two outs in the seventh. Just another typical productive night for our hero.


The Kosuke Fukudome Chicago Cubs Bobblehead doll was available for free to the first 10,000 fans in attendance. Fukudome appears in the traditional Chicago Cubs pinstriped home jersey. Compare this bobblehead to the Fukudome Chunichi Dragons Bobblehead. Which do you like better? I like the face on the Dragons bobblehead but I think Fukudome looks so good in the Cubs pinstripes that I'll say that's my favorite.

This was also the first night Fukudome faced a fellow Japanese countryman on the mound, the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. Fukudome collected both of his hits against him.


Not surprisingly, you can find a bunch of Kosuke Fukudome Bobbleheads on Ebay, so if you couldn't make the game (neither could I) go get yours now!
Kosuke Fukudome Chicago Cubs Bobbleheads for sale.


















Related Articles

Fukudome Enjoys His Night and So Do Cubs - Chicago Tribune

Fukudome, Bobblehead Hits With Cubs - MLB.com

Friday, May 23, 2008

Kosuke Fukudome Bobblehead Day - May 27, 2008


Our hero Kosuke Fukudome is being honored with his own bobblehead day giveaway promotion at Wrigley Field on Tuesday May 27, 2008. Game will feature Cubs at home versus the LA Dodgers at 6:05 start time. The first 10,000 fans will receive a FREE Chicago Cubs Kosuke Fukudome bobblehead featuring the home jersey.

Tickets to Fukudome bobblehead day are still available!

Fukudome will be the third of four Chicago Cubs players to get bobbleheads this year. So far there was Derrek Lee bobblehead on 4/18/08 and Alfonso Soriano bobblehead on 5/13/08. Carlos Zambano gets a bobblehead on September 17, 2008, so there's still plenty of time to buy tickets for that one.

I will post photos of the newest Kosuke Fukudome bobblehead as soon as I can find some. Until then, check out the photos of the Chunichi Dragons Kosuke Fukudome bobblehead.

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Photo by Go Cubs!

Fukudome Bobbleheads on Ebay



Chicago Cubs Bobbleheads on Ebay



Fukudome Chicago Cubs Merchandise

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Kosuke Fukudome on Cover of Sports Illustrated


Kosuke Fukudome is on the cover of Sports Illustrated!

Fukudome appears on the cover of the 5/5/2008 issue of Sports Illustrated with the caption "It's Gonna Happen - Kosuke Fukudome Can End the Cubs 100 Year wait.

Some people think appearing on the cover is supposedly bad luck but Kosuke Fukudome doesn't believe in curses and neither do I. Go Cubs!

Click Here to Buy the Kosuke Fukudome Sports Illustrated cover








Related Press:

Fukudome featured in Sports Illustrated - MLB.com - Read it

Sports Illustrated Cover Jinx to Test Cubs, Fukudome - Chicago Sun-Times - Read it

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Happy Birthday Kosuke Fukudome


Kosuke Fukudome's birthday is April 26 and this year he celebrated it in the United States. In fact he celebrated in the nations capital as the Chicago Cubs played the Washington Nationals.

Before the game he was presented a birthday cake by Japanese media. Unfortunately no one noticed that his name had been spelled "Fukutome" incorrectly on the cake.

Read the story on mlb.com

Monday, April 21, 2008

Chicago Cubs Stop Selling of Unlisenced Offensive Fukudome Shirt

The t-shirt pictured to the left has been the basis of controversy in Wrigleyville and the blogosphere this week. It is one of several unlisenced shirts sold outside of Wrigley Field designed to cash in on Fukudome-Mania and deprive drunken fans of their money. You can find some interesting unofficial merchandise outside of the stadium. Many people apparently found this shirt to be hilarious because the vendor who sold it said it was a top seller. Many others had the opposite reaction and found it to be offensive and racist.

It basically plays on the old stereotype of the funny talking Asian and slaps a Harry Carey reference on top of a slant eyed Cubs logo. The t-shirt doesn't reference Fukudome but he was certainly an inspiration for the shirt. Not that we ever hear him speak English but if he did, some fans may presume this is how he would speak.

A story that appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times launched a storm of complaints about the offensive Fukudome t-shirt and within the day of it's publication the Chicago Cubs were outside the stadium telling the vendors to remove the unlisenced shirt and presumably threatening legal action for trademark violation.

I'm not sure what you think of this shirt (leave a comment if you like) but lets see what our hero Kosuke Fukudome thinks about the controversial t-shirt:

''I don't know what the creator of the shirt meant this to be, but they should make it right. Maybe the creator created it because he thought it was funny, or maybe he made it to condescend the race. I don't know. I knew I was coming to a different country, so I expected something like this. Maybe not necessarily racial, but that anybody could take any context of my words and degrade me if they wanted to. But if I make a big deal out of it, it's not going to benefit me, so I'm not going to make a big deal of it.'''

Doesn't exactly sound like an endorsement. More like he's not not offended.

Mr. Fukudome, I would like to apologize on behalf of Chicago Cubs fans. Some of the drunken suburbanites who come to Wrigley know not what they do.




Related:

Words Cannot Describe It - from Chicago Tribune

Fukudome Doesn't Find Racist T-shirts in Wriglyville Funny - Chicago Sun Times

Cubs Remedy T-Shirt Scandal - Sports Frog

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Kosuke Fukudome Chunichi Dragons Jersey


Kosuke Fukudome Chunichi Dragons Jersey BackHere is look at the Kosuke Fukudome Chunichi Dragons Jersey that he wore before he donned the honorable uniform of the Chicago Cubs. Personally, I think he looks better in a Cubs jersey.

Fukudome wore number one even before he came to play for the Cubs. Apparently he's always been confident and poised.

The Kosuke Fukudome Dragons Jersey can be hard to find but you do occasionally see a Kosuke Fukudome Dragons Jersey on Ebay.

It is much easier to find a Kosuke Fukudome Chicago Cubs Jersey. Visit the Delusional Cubs Fan Store.


Kosuke Fukudome on the Chunichi Dragons











Kosuke Fukudome Jerseys




Chunichi Dragons Jersey

Sometimes you will find a Chunichi Dragons Jersey for sale on Ebay but they are surprisingly rare. Look below to see if they currently have one for sale.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Chunichi Dragons Kusuke Fukudome Bobble Head

Check out this awesome and super rare Kosuke Fukudome Bobble Head doll from 2003 when he was with the Chunichi Dragons!

Admire the photos because the Kosuke Fukudome Bobblehead is extremely rare. In fact I couldn't find any information about it online at all, other than these photos which were posted on an Ebay Auction.

The base of the figurine reads "The Leading Hitter 2002", honoring Fukudome as the 2002 batting champion.

If you happen to be lucky enough to see this post before 4/20/2008 then go make a bid on the Fukudome bobble head on Ebay and you could own this unique Kosuke Fukudome collectible.

If you miss the auction and want a chance to own a Kosuke Fukudome bobble head, then your next opportunity is to go see the Cubs on May 27, 2007. This is Kosuke Fukudome Bobblehead day and if you are one of the first 10,000 people in attendance then you will own your own Fukudome for FREE. That's going to be a popular item and I will be sure to update you with photos of the Chicago Cubs Fukudome Bobblehead as soon as they are available.

I'm considering going to Fukudome bobblehead day myself but I'm already going to a bunch of games already so I'm not sure if I will be able to swing it. You can only take off so many days for Cubs games before the boss starts to get pissed.

If you want to go then a good bet is to buy Fukudome Bobble Head Day Chicago Cubs Tickets on Ebay. I hope to see you there!!!




Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Kosuke Fukudome Career with Chunichi Dragons of Japan



Before Kosuke Fukudome signed with the Chicago Cubs on December 12, 2007 he played nine season for the Chunichi Drangons of Japan.





The Dragons are in the Central League and play in the city of Nagoya. The Dragons won the 2007 Japan Series by beating the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Unfortunately, Fukudome did not play in the series due to injury.

Kosuke Fukudome played for the Chunichi Dragons from 1999-2007.

Fukudome career batting average: .305
Fukudome career home runs: 192
Fukudome career on base percentage: .397

Kosuke Fukudome was Central League batting champion in 2002 with a .343 batting average.

Kosuke Fukudome was Central League MVP in 2006 with 31 Home Runs, 104 RBI and a .351 batting average.

Fukudome joined the Chunichi Dragons as a first round draft choice in 1998. He played shortstop during his 1998 rookie season. He was not considered a good defensive shortstop. Fukudome played third base during his second season before finally settling in on playing right field in 2000, where he played for the next seven seasons before coming to Chicago. In right field he has excelled and won four golden gloves for defense.

Kosuke Fukudome can now be found patrolling right field for the Chicago Cubs. He is the first Cubs right fielder to be fully embraced by the Cubs fans since Sammy Sosa owned that corner from 1992 - 2005. We wish him well and hope he brings the same luck that won the Dragons a championship to Chicago.

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Monday, April 7, 2008

Kosuke Fukudome's First Week on the Chicago Cubs

Kosuke Fukudome, we hope that you have enjoyed your first week in Chicago as much as we have.

We collectively freaked out and fell in love with you in your first game as a Chicago Cub.

You hit when it mattered, you worked counts like nobody else on the team, you played defense and showed great all around skills.

You even laid down a perfect bunt, extremely rare for guys who make $48 million plus. (Soriano did not take note as he was on the phone with his accountant at the time).

In your first week you are hitting .458, have a .581 on-base percentage, .708 slugging percentage and 1 homer, 3 doubles and 6 RBIs.

That's a darn good week for a rookie. You sure know how to make a good first impression.

Now Lets All Say it together "It's Gonna Happen"


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Fukudome Enjoys a Strong First Week - Read

Photo from Guano

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Signs in Japanese for Fans of Kosuke Fukudome

Chicago Cubs fans of Kosuke Fukudome have taken to creating signs in Japanese to hold up for their new hero in right field. This has led to some translation issues though because the free online translation tools you find don't always give you the direct English to Japanese translation one is hoping for.

For example, on opening day several fans in right field held up signs that were supposed to say "It's gonna happen!", the old Cubbie expression which roughly translates from Cubbie to English as "This is the Year!". Unfortunately the signs that were being held up actually translated roughly to "It was lucky" or "It was accidental", which much have lead Fukudome to question why all those sign holding fans after his 3-run homer on opening day were putting him down after he tied up the game in the bottom of the ninth.

In an effort to make sure this doesn't happen again, here are a series of signs in Japanese written by a Japanese speaker for fans of Kosuke Fukudome:


Correct Japanese translation of "It's Gonna Happen"

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"Shine in Chicago"

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"Hit Them All!", Which Fukudome certainly does. Apparently a popular sign in Japan.

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Japanese for "Win" which in Cubbie to English translates as "W".

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"Rising Dragon Flies in the Sky" - May or may not apply but it was on a sign at a Churachi Dragons game and I thought it sounded awesome.

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All signs and translations provided by Dragon Fanatic

Cubs Fans Accidentally Insult Fukudome - Read

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Kosuke Fukudome Becoming a Fan Favorite For Chicago Cubs

So yeah, the Chicago Cubs new right fielder Kosuke Fukudome is getting a lot of adoration for the Cubs fans in a short time. The first Japanese baseball player in Chicago Cubs history arrived into town with a lot of fanfare, hype and expectations.

It's a lot to live up to and Fukudome was set up for a bashlack if he didn't deliver. Many Cubs fans never warmed up to Jacque Jones. A lot of fans never really warmed up to Alfonso Soriano in the way the Cubs front office probably hoped for.

Kosuke Fukudome arrived in style. Fukudome had a big first game as a Cub and has contributed big time to the team so far. In todays game versus the Houston Astros he delivered the go ahead run in this seventh inning, lining a double into left field and putting the Cubs in the lead for good. He did this all while the fans chanted his name during the at bat. That's right, the Cubs fans are chanting his name in only his fifth game as Cub. Fukudome is quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Fukudome even laid down a perfect bunt in the sixth inning. That's right, a Chicago Cub laid down a perfect bunt! Fukudome is a smart player, he's fundamentally sound, a team player, has a great batting eye and looks to be locked in with men on base. The fans love it.

As Lou Pinella would say "This young man is a heck of a ball player."

Chicago Cubs fans agree. Delusional Cubs Fans are already proclaiming Kosuke Fukudome can hit better than Jesus.

This could be a lot of fun.


Related Kosuke Fukudome articles:

Fukudome Delivers in the Clutch read it

Enthusiasm Surrounds Fukudome Early read it

Cubs Fukudome Displays a Growing Arsenal read it

Photo from Guano

Friday, April 4, 2008

Kosuke Fukudome Career Stats in Japan

The Lifetime Stats of Kosuke Fukudome during his 9 season in the Japanese Baseball League. Fukudome played all nine seasons with the Chunichi Dragons of the Central League.

Nippon Professional Baseball

Year Team G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB AVG OBP SLG OPS
1999 Chunichi 132 461 76 131 25 2 16 52 4 .284 .359 .451 .810
2000 Chunichi 97 316 50 80 18 2 13 42 8 .253 .350 .446 .796
2001 Chunichi 120 375 51 94 22 2 15 56 8 .251 .352 .440 .790
2002 Chunichi 140 542 85 186 42 3 19 65 4 .343 .406 .537 .943
2003 Chunichi 140 528 107 165 30 11 34 96 10 .313 .401 .604 1.005
2004 Chunichi 92 350 61 97 19 7 23 81 8 .277 .368 .569 .937
2005 Chunichi 142 515 102 169 39 6 28 103 13 .328 .430 .590 1.020
2006 Chunichi 130 496 117 174 47 5 31 104 11 .351 .438 .653 1.091
2007 Chunichi 81 269 64 79 22 0 13 48 5 .294 .443 .520 .963
TOTALS 1074 3852 713 1175 264 38 192 647 71 .305 .397 .543 .940




Stats by Wikipedia.org

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

The Kosuke Fukudome Chicago Cubs Advertisement


Kosuke Fukudome ad from the 2008 Pre-Season ad campaign

How to Pronounce Kosuke Fukudome

Most people by this point may know this already, but lets go on the record how to pronounce Kosuke Fukudome.

It's pronounced:

KOH-skay foo-koo-DOUGH-may

Say it with me!

FU-KU-DO-ME

Now chant it.

FU-KU-DO-ME! FU-KU-DO-ME! FU-KU-DO-ME!

That could be a lot of fun to shout all summer long. Keep up the great hitting Fukudome!

Video of Kosuke Fukudome's First Major League Home Run






YouTube Video from the page of ninercub

Kosuke Fukudome's First Game as a Chicago Cub


Kosuke Fukudome knows how to make a good first impression!

In his first major league at bat he smacked a double of Milwaukee ace Ben Sheets.

In his second at bat he showed off his great batting eye and knowledge of the strike zone by taking a walk. (Cubs, please make a note of how that's done!)

In the seventh inning Fukudome got a base hit.

Then in the bottom of the ninth came the play that official started the Fukudome lovefest from the Cubs faithful. Again showing a patient eye, he took several balls and a strike from Brewers closer Eric Gagne until he saw the pitch he wanted and smacked a three run game tying homerun. The crowd went nuts and demanded a curtain call. At home I was jumping up and down, shouting and spilling my Old Style. It was a perfect moment.

I am glad he made such a good first impression. Just ask Jacque Jones what happens when you're a free agent who gets off to a slow start. Fukudome has immediately endeared himself to the Chicago Cubs fans. I really hope that it lasts. He looks like he could be the real deal and make them a better team.

Of course the Delusional Cubs Fan in me will choose to forget that the Cubs lost this game. I'll prefer to remember that fleeting moment where I thought that this Cubs season won't be like all the rest, that maybe this is their year.


Related Stories:

Fukudome Soon to be Household Name
- MLB.com

Kosuke Fukudome Starts Season Right - Chicago Tribune

Fukudome Photo by southchi