Many Japanese people think baseball players from the U.S. are a disgrace

Many American baseball players go to Japan to get their careers back on track. In the past guys created a bad reputation as they came over for a final big paycheck, went through the motions, collected their million dollars and went home (Koppel). Many Japanese people view gaijin as "a necessary evil with barbarian customs, temperamental, and over paid" (Tharp). In order for Americans to safely fit into Japanese baseball, they must also fit into the Japanese culture. Many Japanese would agree that "the best liked and least controversial Americans subjugate their individuality for the team" (Tharp).

The players from the U.S. were banished before WWII as with American baseball lingo such as the calls "ball" and "strike." In the post war Americanization of Japan, baseball boomed, hiring Americans by the 1960's. American players were needed in the years following WWII to raise the level of baseball in Japan from the level of "zero" that it had sunk to (Lidz).

In 1985, some fans and officials wanted to get rid of the faijin because the high salaries of foreign stars demoralize the Japanese players. American players also said to lack the "honor and fighting spirit" that is respected in Japan (Lidz). In addition, Hiroshima is the one team in Japan that as of 1985 did not employ American players. Now, a past ambassador of Japan to the U.S. expresses his thoughts on American players: "I think it's better to have only Japanese players" (Fimrite).

Giants great manager Mr. Oh has a more forgiving mentality with regard to American baseball players in Japan. He says "Japan is influenced in America by many things. I don't think the money determines the value of the player…What he is in the minds of the fans determines his final worth."

Others support American baseball players in Japan

Masumi Kuwata a pitcher on a Japanese baseball team says about Americans that "they just play the game." On the other hand, he explains, "In Japan…we must…we have to…" Kuwata likes the individualism in the United States. For instance, in the U.S. pitchers look for help at 100 pitches, and in Japan they value a complete game more (Verducci). The American player is more concerned about his own well-being and the Japanese player is more concerned about benefiting the team. However, from an American standpoint, the team would not be benefited by the pitcher throwing out his arm just to satisfy his managers

Many younger players in Japan admire the American game and are highly influenced by the American style of play. See "Similarities Between Younger Players in Japan and American Players" for more information on this issue.