Slugging It Out in Japan: An American Major Leaguer in the Tokyo Outfield by warren cromartie

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I expect that the potential readership for this book, which details the adventures of an American baseball player in Japan during the late 1980s, is rather limited.

However, it held great interest for me as I am a baseball enthusiast and was in Japan during that era. Cromartie (referred to as "Cro") was an extremely skillful player. He often made appearances in the Japanese sports news, and I was fortunate enough to witness him play a few games in person.

His story is highly readable, filled with a touch of wry humor and moments that are quite poignant. It offers a unique perspective on the experiences of a foreign athlete in a different baseball culture.

Overall, I would rate this book 3.5 stars, rounded up. It provides an engaging and entertaining account that will surely appeal to those with an interest in baseball and cross-cultural experiences.

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SCHX

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This book has truly enlightened me about Japanese professional baseball, far surpassing the cumulative knowledge I had before. To be sure, it is written from a 1980s perspective and may not be the most up-to-date account. However, the Japanese cultural influences on the game are truly captivating, as is their distinct form of jingoism.

Warren Cromartie, an outfielder for the Montreal Expos, took his skills to Tokyo when Major League Baseball teams conspired not to sign free agents in order to keep salaries low. The Tokyo Giants offered our hero $2 million for three years of play, a better deal than Expos teammate Andrew Dawson received from the Cubs. Cro, as his teammates affectionately called him, would earn that money in a game that resembled the one he left but with numerous cultural differences.

Each Japanese team was permitted to have two gaigin players, which meant foreign players. This not only included Americans but even a Taiwanese minor leaguer was considered too foreign for their rosters. You could be half Chinese or Korean and get the nod, but even they were regarded as inferior to the purebred. It was like the difference between the Spaniards and the Mestizos in the New World. Warren Cromartie's gaigin teammate was the aloof slugger journeyman Reggie Smith. Smith had a successful major league career and capped it off with a large payday in Japan before turning 40. But this was Smith's second year in Japan, and his irritation with playing there did not provide Cromartie with the camaraderie he desired as an outsider.

Moreover, the Japanese played the game differently. They would bunt after any leadoff runner reached base, even in the first inning. They did not argue calls with umpires. Coaches continued coaching regardless, and if a player was in a slump, it only got worse. Coaches seemed to have more fear than players, and their collective cowardice was astonishing. Hardly a coach could be found who wasn't lobbying the media for better coverage while throwing players under the bus. I wonder if such toxicity still prevails today.

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Klad

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Maybe closer to a 3.5, but I truly did enjoy this in-depth look at Japanese baseball in the 80s.

Cromartie ended up playing 7 years in Japan, which gave him the opportunity to gain a profound sense of the unique style of play and the general perception of baseball in that country.

He is presented very realistically in the book. Admittedly, he seemed to be a bit of an ass at times, but the fact that he acknowledges it adds an element of authenticity.

Moreover, he had seven productive years there, which shows that he persevered better than most and possessed an inner strength.

Having come from several years in the majors, he was able to draw comparisons between the two leagues, which was both interesting and enlightening.

If you have any interest in Japanese baseball of the 80s, this book is highly recommended. It seems honest and makes for an entertaining read that offers valuable insights into the world of Japanese baseball during that era.

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hypeoverkill

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Traveling to a foreign country is an experience that is truly better than any Rickey book. It is not only a journey but also an adventure. Stepping foot in a new land, one is immediately immersed in a different culture, language, and way of life. The excitement of exploring unknown streets, trying new foods, and meeting new people is indescribable. Every moment is filled with anticipation and discovery. Whether it's visiting historical landmarks, experiencing local traditions, or simply taking in the beautiful scenery, going to a foreign country offers a wealth of opportunities for growth and learning. It broadens one's horizons, challenges one's perspectives, and creates memories that will last a lifetime. So, if you're looking for an adventure that will change your life, consider traveling to a foreign country. You won't be disappointed.

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kyuuri117

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Cromartie offers an unadulterated perspective on his life and career. He zeroes in on his experiences, both the good and the bad, of playing ball in Japan.

The account adopts an effective personal tone, and its narrative voice enables readers to have a sense of Cromartie's character.

Perhaps the book's most significant strength lies in its honesty. Cromartie frequently acknowledges his faults and mistakes, and he judges his own actions as harshly as he does those of the other players, management, and Japan as a whole.

As someone who has lived in Japan for nearly a decade, I could identify with Cromartie's experiences and opinions. I truly valued his sincere conclusion - even though it's not always straightforward, we have both learned a great deal from living in Japan.

This book provides an interesting and engaging read for anyone interested in Cromartie's life or in the experience of living and playing sports in Japan. It offers a unique perspective that is both honest and revealing.

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baked_orange

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Longtime big leaguer Cromartie and Japanese baseball expert Robert Whiting have collaborated to create one of the truly outstanding sports books of all time.

This book is filled with fascinating anecdotes and minute details that do more than just highlight the significant differences between baseball in the US and Japan. It also provides a vivid snapshot of the cultures that prevailed during the lively and prosperous 1980s.

It is highly recommended. Currently, I am delving into all of Whiting's works, and it is an absolute joy to read. He is a field expert who has an in-depth knowledge of the country, is fluent in the language, and was essentially the sole person writing about this specific subject during that era.

His extensive output is a testament to his expertise and passion for the topic, making his books a must-read for anyone interested in baseball and the cultures that surround it.

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ih8nigg3r5

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Warren Cromartie, in the prime of his career in 1984, accepts an offer to play baseball in Japan.

I was familiar with the author as he was a part of the talented yet underachieving Montreal Expos teams of the late 1970s and early 80s.

The book documents his life and experiences of playing baseball in Japan. He ended up spending a significant number of years playing baseball there.

Until I recently came across this book, I had no idea he chose this career path.

To quote the author, “I say it like I see it” and he does so bluntly, whether it's about teammates, be they Japanese or American, and others, as well as other subject matter.

This gives the reader a raw and unfiltered look into his life and the world of baseball in Japan.

The book not only provides insights into the game but also into the cultural differences and challenges he faced during his time there.

It's a fascinating read that offers a unique perspective on a baseball player's journey.

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Poppy_Raum

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This book is truly remarkable in terms of being an athlete's autobiography. It is remarkably candid, which is quite refreshing. Cromartie offers a very interesting and enjoyable look at a particular and unique era in the history of sports.

During this time, Japanese teams started to offer good sums of money to American ball players who were still in their prime. These players were enticed to leave Major League Baseball (MLB) and head to the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

What makes this account even more engaging is Cromartie's good humor. He manages to make the learning process about the culture clashes that inevitably occurred during this period fairly entertaining. It's not just a dry retelling of events but a lively and humorous exploration of a fascinating chapter in sports history.

Overall, this book provides a valuable and entertaining perspective on a unique time in the world of sports, and Cromartie's writing style makes it a pleasure to read.

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Slugging It Out in Japan: An American Major Leaguer in the Tokyo Outfield

warren cromartie robert whiting

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