Have I ever told you that one of my goals in baseball is to someday play in Japan? Oh yes, it totally is. The food, the cartoons, the video games… I must go there someday. Many people scoff at this because they believe baseball in the US to be the premier place to play, and maybe it is in terms of money and following. But this train of thought discounts one very big draw that Japan holds over me: adventure.
I’ve been playing baseball over here in the U S of A all my life. I’ve enjoyed my time immensely, but, the wanderlust is still here, speaking to me, beckoning me, (in subtitles, of course). What would it be like to play on the other side of the world, to play in a country that has been around for centuries longer than ours? A country so different it must feel like another world. A country that has brought us such wonderful things, like Sushi, Samurai swords, Godzilla and Super Mario?.
As you can see, I have my reasons to pay attention when there is fresh news about Japan, and if you been watching world events lately you’ve seen, as I have, the devastation that has struck the country form concurrent earthquakes and Tsunamis. Reader, the people there need our prayers, support, and financial relief. Maybe you’ve already acted on this, and for that I thank you. Maybe you aren’t interested or aren’t a situation to act, and that’s okay. Some of you, however, might be on the fence about the issue, and to you I offer this— Because Japan is not a third world country it is my fear many people will make the assumption that because Japan is in a better situation than, say, Haiti, it does not need our help, and can fend for itself. True, Japan has a lot going for it that other countries if put in this situation wouldn’t, but, need a I remind you that America had a lot going for it when Katrina struck and we are still working hard to recover from that. Don’t look for reasons to be hard hearted if you feel led to help.
I’m an athlete, for the time being, and as long as I am one I will use my platform for as much positive impact as I can.That’s why I’m writing this. I’ll never tell you you MUST donate to a cause I champion, but I will do my best to encourage you toward things I think will help those in need or at disadvantage. And I’ll use any means I can to “help” you do so. So, if you follow this link to a Mercy Corp Fundrasing page I’ve set up, and make a donation of $50 or greater, save the confirmation screen shot, then email it to me along with your phone number, I’ll call you via Skype and thank you personally— and yes, we can talk about Godizlla and Baseball, if you want. Maybe I’ll even send you a shirt or autograph… who knows? Guess you’ll have to donate and find out.
Even if you donate at another site of your choosing, my offer stands: confirmation screen shot, phone number= happy time chat. I’ll run this phone call option for the next 48 hours. Donate between now and then, and we’ll chat. If it goes really well, I’ll extend it.
Thanks for listening, caring, and acting.
You’re a beauty Dirk!!
Wonderful idea. I can’t afford a lot up front so when I thought about what I could do, I tossed out the idea of making blankets for Japan, in a discussion on Twitter. The idea has taken off and we’re now organzing crocheters and knitters to frantically make handmade blankets to send to Japan for their rebuilding, since people of all ages have lost everything. Adult blankets, children’s and baby blankets, we’re doing it all. I can’t send you a screen shot, but here’s my blog post about, and I’ll do a link for your post there as well. I don’t need a phone call though it would be pretty sweet haha. I’m recovering from an MS walk I did this morning though, and off to crochet my blankets, so I’m getting off the computer. Just wanted to say this is an awesome idea and I hope people take you up on this.
Dirk,
You are such a classy human being.. I feel like I speak for all of Toronto (and maybe even Canada) when I say we will miss you. You may have not had the best luck/health, or the best arm or even the best record during your stay here, but you possess an honest, blue collar, working class quality that endeared you to all of us Canucks. It’s sad that you pitchers get treated as nothing more than an “arm” because your greatest assest is your heart and I’m sure it won’t be long before you’re winning over fans in Tampa.
All the best in TB and wherever else your journey takes you.
Your friend,
Cat
[...] Gaga. The always-innovative and good-hearted Tampa Bay Rays bullpen-hopeful Dirk Hayhurst will even give you a call via Skype to chat for a donation of 50 dollars or more to The Mercy [...]
I’ve been blessed in my life and feel lucky to be able to contribute my money, and often my time, to others who need help. I’ve done so already following this disaster via the Red Cross and, while I don’t need any kind of thank you call I appreciate both the suggestion of Mercy Corp and would welcome thoughts from Mrs. Garfoose on the best way to help our special needs children. Thanks for using the platform your right arm, and tremendous dedication, have brought you to shine light on these needs.
Great blog entry! I visited the blog to see if there was anything about yesterday’s pitching appearance and found something far more interesting and meaningful. What a great way to start the day!
I have to admit, first off, that this is the first I’ve heard of you, Dirk (I quit following sports so closely when my daughter was born, and when I bacame so burned out and cynical about sports in general; that’s my bad), but now, you can bet I’ll be following your blog a lot closer now that I’ve been here. I can appreciate your gift of honing your professional skill, while maintaining a worldview that encompasses a lot more than just ball, bat, glove, and self. Yep, I admit, it did spur me to donate to the cause (don’t worry about the Skype, or Skip, or Skirt thing or whatever it’s called. I appreciate the invitation, but I uninstalled it a while back!). Keep up the excellent work, man. It would suck to start following you, just to have you move on to even bigger and better things!
As soon as my next check hits my account, I will be donating to this fund. Dirk you are an inspiration as an athlete, writer and mostly as a human being. I have contacted every one of my College Basketball Bracket Challenges and have pressured every person to donate the winnings to these efforts. Honestly, I have stopped communicating with a few folks due to their response to my request. I truly cannot understand how some folks rest their heads on their pillow at night. Much Love and Respect to Dirk and the many folks that have responded to this post!!!
Peace,
Jimmy
Judging entirely based on your writings/interviews, you would/will love playing in Japan.
Before you go (or now, during or after) I recommend that you read “You Gotta Have Wa” by Robert Whiting, a book about Americans’ experiences in the Japanese league. It’s mostly from the ’70s, so it will be somewhat out of date, but is great all the same.
Great post from a class act