When I woke up this morning and heard of the devastating earthquake in Japan….I sent all the thoughts and prayers I had to those who were in the region. However, I didn’t even consider that there were Sox players who had family and friends in Japan.
The Boston Globe reported how the morning went for the Japanese Sox players. Both Diasuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima’s wives and children live in the United States, but they have family that still resides in Japan. Both players watched the news coverage in the clubhouse and then tried to reach family members on the phone. It was next to impossible to find an open phone line. Dice-K’s grandmother lives in an effected region…and Oki’s in-laws also live in an effected region.
Thankfully, both Daisuke and Hideki were able to find out that all members of their family are accounted for and okay. I am sure it is still a stressful time for them, but I’m so happy to know they didn’t lose anyone in their family.
In less positive news, former Sox reliever Takashi Saito left the Brewers camp this afternoon. Saito was able to get word that his wife and daughters are okay and accounted for, however he was unable to make contact with his parents. I’m crossing all my fingers and toes…and sending all the prayers that I have that Takashi hears some good news about his parents soon.
All the positive thoughts in the world are being sent Japan’s way. I remember living in Indiana when September 11th happened. I am a NYer…and knew a good number of people who were living in NYC. I remember that panic of not being able to get a hold of anyone…and that period of not knowing. I also remember just feeling so far away when the region you are from is facing a devastating tragedy.
Some quotes from Matsuzaka and Okajima:
“It’s not a good situation, to say the least,” Okajima said through an interpreter. “I’m a little worried. This was a big one, so I am worried.”
“It was definitely shocking waking up and hear the news,” he (Daisuke) said. “Receiving an e-mail and reading it, I wasn’t able to take in exactly what it was. Once I turned on the television and saw what was going on, it was very shocking, very scary to see that.”
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