VIDEO: The Life of Dodgers Translator Will Ireton and His Relationship with Kenta Maeda
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Kenta Maeda has made his debut with the Dodgers in a huge way. He has been a bargain for the Dodgers this season and has posted a 3.25 ERA and 112 strikeouts in his rookie year.
Coming from Japan, the Dodgers have given Maeda a translator. TWC SportsNetLA’s Backstage Dodgers takes a behind-the-scenes look at the responsibilities of Dodgers Translator Will Ireton and his relationship with Maeda.
Video: Bench Coach Bob Geren Rides Bike to Dodger StadiumIreton was born in Japan and played in the World Baseball Classic in 2012. He was given the nickname “Will the Thrill” due to his pregame antics on the field, and was even given his own jersey with the No. 1.8 since Maeda wears No. 18.
“The language aspect is the most difficult part. It helps a lot that someone like Will has been able to communicate with players, coaches and staff ,” said Maeda.
Maeda has a career-high of 13 strikeouts this season and will be receiving his own bobblehead this season at Dodger Stadium on July 26th.
When you see your bobblehead for the first time. #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/2IgYcD3N2m
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 17, 2016
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OK, that was FUN!!! Great job!
Where’s Will Ireton’s brief dugout Japanese Hip-Hop, Bon-Odori dance? It is not considered polite for the Dodgers to completely eradicate this entertaining ‘dance’, I am very sad – it shows a glimpse of the “thin skin’ – I had heard that Andrew Friedman liked it. It boosted morale, something that creates the RARE, UNIQUE, MOMENTUM TOWARDS WINNING!
Favor? Please put it back on YouTube, other social media outlets. You’ll lose a lot, a lot of fans. What a huge mistake if you took it off, then stubbornly refused to return it. It you did, I’ve had it with the Dodgers.
Sadly,
Harvey H. Ito, PharmD, MPH, MBA
VP DestinationRx (retired)