Softbank Hawks’ superstar third baseman Tony Batista poses here with his son Willy at Fukuoka Yahoo! Dome. Tony joined the Hawks on a $15 million two-year contract at the start of this season and has banged out over 25 home runs since. He says he and his family are very comfortable in Fukuoka and they appreciate the orderliness and safety of the city. His favorite Japanese phrase is cho-gokigen (full of energy!) – and that’s become his nickname. Tony says he’ll continue to inspire his teammates all the way to victory at the Nippon Series and hopefully bring victory and smiles to the citizens of Fukuoka who suffered through a year of earthquakes and tremblers.
Hometown: Dominican Republic
In Japan: One season
Identity: Professional Baseball Player
Originally published in Fukuoka Now magazine (fn82, Oct. 2005)
