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9780803213814

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I got to know Wally in 1977 while he was still managing the Dragons, but wish I had seen him play 25 years earlier. Reading this biography is the next best thing. [Robert] Fitts leaves no stories untold about Yonamine's life in this excellent book. -Wayne Graczyk, Japan Times -- Wayne Graczyk Japan Times Fitts's expertise in Japanese baseball emerges throughout the narrative, as readers come to understand the evolution of baseball in Japan. Because the book covers such a broad time period-Yonamine stayed in Japan as a player, coach, and manager for thirty-seven years-it serves as a great primer on the general historical evolution of Japanese baseball, seen through the career of Wally Yonamine. -Eric B. Salo, NINE -- Eric B. Salo NINE Extensively researched, well-written, and endlessly informative and fascinating, this book makes an excellent addition to anyone's baseball library and is absolutely required reading for anyone interested in Japanese-American baseball relations. -Michael Street, Baseball Daily Digest -- Michael Street Baseball Daily Digest A great read about a Japanese baseball player who has been too long overlooked. -L. A. Heapy, CHOICE -- L. A. Heapy Choice 2005 Sporting News-SABR award winner Fitts deserves high marks for bringing forth this title sure to grasp pro football and baseball enthusiasts alike. -John Vorperian, Southern New England Chapter Society for American Baseball Research -- John Vorperian Southern New England Chapter Society for American Baseball Research This is a must-read and a must-add to the bookshelf for those with an interest in the history of Japanese baseball, and a worthwhile read for any baseball fan looking to broaden their knowledge of this great game that has spread around the globe. -Pat Lagreid, Baseballbookreview.com -- Pat Lagreid baseballbookreview.com

For over fifty years, Wally Yonamine has been an important bridge between Japanese and American baseball. He brought a new, exciting style of play to Japan and taught us the finer points of the game. I am glad that Americans can finally learn about Wally's contributions through this outstanding biography. Hideki Matsui, NY Yankees outfielder Wally Yonamine is one of the most important figures in the long, rich history of baseball in Japan. His life story, from the rustic schoolyards of prewar Maui to modern-day state-of-the-art Tokyo stadiums, is filled with drama and color. Author Rob Fitts has done us all this favour with his richly detailed, thoroughly researched, and heartfelt work. Robert Whiting, author of You Gotta Have Wa and The Samurai Way of Baseball This book is much more than a smart biography of Wally Yonamine, the first American to play professional baseball in Japan; it is also a fascinating account of the game and culture of the Japanese national pastime. George Gmelch, author of Baseball without Borders: The International Pastime

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Robert K. Fitts is the author of Remembering Japanese Baseball: An Oral History of the Game, for which he won the 2005 Sporting News-SABR Award for best baseball research.

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