Tanaka apologizes to teammates, fans for injury

[the 'stache]

Masahiro Tanaka through a setback has achieved a great victory.

I saw this earlier today, and I was stunned.

Masahiro Tanaka apologizes

Masahiro Tanaka, the star pitcher from Japan who came to America before the start of the 2014 season, has been one of the most exciting players in baseball this season. But, after it was learned he partially tore a ligament in his throwing arm, Tanaka issued a statement to his teammates and fans apologizing for his injury.

"I give everything I have every time I take the ball. With that, I also know that there will always be a risk of injury when playing this game that I love. Right now I feel that the most important thing for me is to keep my head up, remain focused on the task at hand and devote all my energy into healing the injury in order to come back strong," he said.

"I want to apologize to the Yankees organization, my teammates and our fans for not being able to help during this time. I accept this injury as a challenge, but I promise to do everything I can to overcome this setback and return to the mound as soon as possible."

This is unbelievable to me. It speaks volumes about the quality of Tanaka as a man, and about the respect that is such an important part of his culture. He gets injured playing his heart out for his new team, and instead of feeling sorry for himself, or pouting...he apologizes to the fans that have been coming out to the park to see him play.

He feels he has let them down.

I didn't know who this man was a year ago, and I didn't fully understand how dominant a pitcher he was in his native Japan. But I have to say that Masahiro Tanaka has one more fan tonight. While I am not optimistic that his rehab will help him avoid Tommy John surgery, I am pulling for him. I seriously hope he is able to overcome this huge obstacle. And if he is not, and needs the surgery, well, I for one will be there watching him on tv the first time he pitches, cheering him on after surgery and the grueling rehab that is to follow.

I think America could learn an awful lot about respect, and accepting personal responsibility from Masahiro. And while he may look a little different than what might be considered the average American, I would not hesitate to hold him up as an example for all of us to look up to. Mr. Tanaka, through what he would consider a defeat, has actually achieved what I look at as a great victory.