Wednesday, April 2, 2008

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



2 comments:

Anonymous said...

anthonyfukudome-you are putting too much weight on your front foot too fast. pretend your front foot is stepping on a raw egg or a cowboy hat. this willslow your body up just enough so your body does't spin around after the swing

a. j. christofaro said...

forget about last years first game. ask your batting coach about the ''coaching tip above.'' we need you to have a good year. if you keep spinning around after you swing you will never hit.because all the weight is on your front foot the bat's momentum turns you around. please relay this info. to his batting coach.