Phil Valesquez

Kosuke Fukudome started out his first MLB season with a roar. On opening day the Japanese import went 3-3, with a game tying home run in the bottom of the 9th inning. In game two the Milwaukee Brewers got to him a little, and he went 0-3 despite one walk. And in game three Fukudome showed his patience. Kosuke went 1-2 with a double, steal and two walks, while scoring twice. Fukudome finished the series 4-8 with four base on balls and three extra base hits. The walks are what Lou Piniella likes, as Fukudome has been the most patient Cubs batter in awhile:

“He’s very patient,” Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. “He works the count very well. He’s just a professional hitter. He probably takes more pitches than anybody else on the team. He’s in a three-ball count a heck of a lot.”

Kosuke Fukudome has also won over the Chicago Cubs fans, and ended the complaints and questions of spring training.

Kosuke has left the name of a former Cubs right fielder in the past (Sammy Sosa), and given the bleacher bums of right field someone else to bow to. Although the translation of signs from English to Japanese have been “lost in translation.” Cubs.com reported that fans held up signs which read “Its going to happen” in Japanese, but there is no real translation for the phrase in Japanese and Kosuke’s translator said the signs said “Its an accident” instead. Kosuke Fukudome’s translator suggested signs say, “kotoshi koso,” which means: “They will win this year.” This was also noticed by the many Japanese reporters at Wrigley Field, something not seen their before.

Fans have also waved Japanese flags, and on Thursday, eight young men sat shirtless in the 43 degree weather with “Fukudome” painted on their chests.

The chants of “Fukudome” have already been heard in several at bats, and a curtain call has already taken place for Kosuke. This looks to be a fun summer for Kosuke Fukudome and the Chicago Cubs and their fans.