From Sea to Shining Sea

Published on June 15, 2002 under International League (IL1)
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees News Release


By Mike Mueller

Baseball was foreign to David Doster...at least for one year. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre second baseman spent last year overseas in Japan.

Doster, along with Baron teammates Jon Zuber, Shane Bowers and Mark Holzemer, signed contracts to play for the Yokohama BayStars in the Japanese Professional League.

"I went for opportunity and the chance to make some money," Doster said. "It was neat to experience baseball in a different culture."

But it was the experience in the batter's box that hit home for Doster.

"I think coming from Japan and seeing so many breaking balls that you become a better breaking ball hitter...it has definitely helped my play," Doster said.

Doster played well for the BayStars. He finished sixth on the team in batting, hitting .272 with nine homeruns and 27 RBI on the season.

Throughout the season, Doster learned the Japanese style of baseball and the discipline that surrounds the game.

"The Japanese culture has always been a culture of hard workers and it translates into their baseball," Doster said.

Baseball in Japan is as big as its fans. According to Doster, a game can draw 20 to 60 thousand fans a night.

"The fans are crazy. They have people in the crowds playing trumpets, chanting and shouting," Doster said. "It's neat to see them go the whole nine innings doing what they do."

While it's all fun and games in the stands, on the field is a different story. Doster witnessed the biggest difference between Japanese and American baseball. FUN.

In Japan baseball is taken very seriously. They approach the sport like a job, not a game. Doster felt the lack of clubhouse pranks and fun with his teammates took away from the game.

"I hope the Japanese can learn from us to just have fun and not take it so seriously," Doster said. "It's a game and you got to learn to just go out there and have fun." Although the discipline was strict in Japan, the hospitality was warm and welcoming to the American players.

Doster said the players were treated very well. Many bar owners were retired Americans from the military. The players would go to these bars for some Americanized entertainment, such as watching Sunday Night Football. (Even though Sunday Night Football takes place Monday morning in Japan.)

When an option for a second season in Japan was not picked up, Doster was able to return to the states and watch football at his accustomed time. He would also sign with his former team the Philadelphia Phillies.

Playing in the organization for almost a decade, Doster spent four years with the Red Barons and played one season in the majors with the Phillies. The previous relationship between Doster and the Phillies made a great transition back into American baseball.

"Not having to go to a new team and prove myself all over again was just a great situation," Doster said. "I made it to the final cuts in spring training and I'll hopefully get another chance to be back up in the big leagues."

Doster, now playing for the first place Red Barons, has a slight case of deja vu. He believes the 2000 and 2002 teams are very similar, both having great pitching and team chemistry.

"If our pitching staff keeps us in the game, we are going to have a great chance to win every night," Doster said.

When pitchers such as top prospect Brett Myers (5-5) and undefeated Joe Roa (9-0) are taking the mound for the Barons this season, the wins are coming more frequently than the losses.

"If the team is winning that's all you can ask for because you know your doing your part to help the team win," Doster said.

The offensive and defensive versatility of Doster along with his ability to play at any level will be instrumental to the Red Baron's success this season.

But for a player who has experienced almost everything in his career, Doster would like nothing better this year than a successful run at the Governor's Cup.

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International League Stories from June 15, 2002


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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