"All Hanwha." Weiss even took care of his colleagues "I know because I've lived abroad → Let's have dinner together"

*This content was translated by AI.

Ryan Weiss (30, Houston Astros), who is familiar to Korean fans while playing for the KBO League Hanwha Eagles in the 2025 season, transformed into a "luxury helper" in the Major League Baseball (MLB) spring camp. The target is Tatsuya Imai (28), a "newbie" and "mate" who conquered the NPB and crossed the Pacific Ocean. The story of Weiss approaching Imai first while recalling his life in Korea draws attention.

According to a report by The Athletic, a U.S. sports media outlet, on the 20th (Korea Standard Time), Weiss is reportedly approaching Imai first and offering him dinner during Houston's recent spring camp schedule in West Palm Beach, Florida, to help the team adapt.

It was clear why Weiss reached out to Imai first. It's because of my 'foreign life' experience. Weiss knew better than anyone else the hardships he felt as a stranger while playing on the Korean stage for the past two seasons.

"I know his position well," Weiss told The Athletic, "because I've experienced how hard it is to be a foreign player on a team where words don't work." Interpreters should always be around, and the memory of Korea, which faced barriers even if it wanted to communicate with colleagues, seems to have been an opportunity to approach Imai.

For Imai, who was feeling isolated in her hotel room in Florida less than a week after the start of camp, Weiss's offer was like welcome rain. When Imai confided to Weiss, "I'm so bored in the hotel," Weiss asked without hesitation, "Do you want to join me for dinner tonight?" Even Imai and Weiss were competing for the starting rotation, but it didn't matter at all.

Between Japanese and Western food, Imai's choice was Western food. The pair, who met at a restaurant in downtown West Palm Beach, spent time with Imai's interpreter and pitcher Mike Burrows, who newly joined Houston this season. In particular, Weiss shared his U.S. experience and relieved Imai's tension.

Imai also opened her heart to Weiss' consideration. Imai expressed his willingness to "learn English to build deeper relationships with colleagues," and fellow Burrows also responded, "I also want to learn Japanese and communicate in Imai's language." Imai, who is conducting training, said, "It makes me feel welcome and precious in the team. Thanks to this, I am adapting to a new environment without stress," he said, expressing his gratitude.

Weiss was loved by many fans, respecting Korea, including his team when he played for Hanwha. Now, a story has been told that he is establishing himself as a new vitality in the Houston clubhouse by showing not only his skills but also "cross-border fellowship" on the major league stage.

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*This content was translated by AI.