"No job for me in NPB?" Milwaukee manager makes lighthearted job request to Japanese media

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Pat Murphy, manager of the Major League Baseball (MLB) Milwaukee Brewers, displayed his signature witty banter toward Japanese media at an interview venue.

Milwaukee will play the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) on the 12th (Korean time) at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Jacob Misiorowski, a right-handed pitcher for Milwaukee, and Tarik Skubal, a left-handed pitcher for the Dodgers, are set to start in the Game 1 matchup where gaining an early series lead is at stake.

On the 11th, one day before the decisive game, official practice and media sessions were held, during which Manager Murphy displayed his signature witty banter toward Japanese media at the interview venue. According to multiple media outlets, including Adam McCalvy, a Milwaukee-based reporter for MLB.com, the official Major League Baseball website, and Japan's Sponichi Annex, Manager Murphy immediately greeted the Japanese broadcaster reporters warmly upon seeing them. After asking, "Welcome. What is your name?", Manager Murphy beamed with a wide smile when the reporter replied "Nobi," saying, "It seems you are the only one from a Japanese broadcasting station. I am truly happy and welcome you."

Manager Murphy's interest immediately turned to Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). After asking, "How was NPB? How was it this year?", he specifically pointed out a team, asking, "What about my Rakuten?" to inquire about the recent status of the Rakuten Golden Eagles. When the reporter responded with a hand gesture, "It was so-so," Manager Murphy laughed and said, "I see. It doesn't look like it went very well."

The highlight came next. Manager Murphy playfully addressed the media, asking, "Is there anyone who can find me a job in Japan? I really want to try it." He then added, "Please do. Ah, maybe it's not possible yet?", turning the interview venue into a sea of laughter.

When the scene became known, Reporter McCalvy reacted by saying, "It is rare to find a manager who welcomes Japanese media as much as Manager Murphy." Some also offered an interesting interpretation that this might be a "bitter joke" emerging amid complex currents inside and outside Major League Baseball, such as potential future labor disputes or league strikes.

However, behind the lighthearted jokes, he did not hide his fierce competitive drive toward the Dodgers, the "defending champions" aiming for a two-peat. The two teams will face each other in the NLCS for the second consecutive year, following last year's meeting. Milwaukee was eliminated last season after suffering a four-game sweep by the Dodgers.

Manager Murphy then praised his opponents, saying, "In fact, I sincerely respect many of the Dodgers' players. From Manager Dave Roberts to Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Max Muncy. Shohei Ohtani also appears to be one of the most dignified people in the world. Including Teoscar Hernandez, they are truly filled with excellent individuals. I really like them." Nevertheless, he drew out a hidden blade within his smile by stating, "But we want to crush them."

He also declared a head-on approach regarding assessments that place them at a disadvantage. Manager Murphy stated, "Last year, it seems we overemphasized the fact that we were the underdogs. It was also used as an excuse for players to make good plays," adding, "But I do not care at all about which side is the underdog and which side is the favorite. What matters is getting on the ring and actually fighting. We have continued to prove that we are a team capable of winning games this season, and we must prove it in this series as well." He then expressed his anticipation for Game 1.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original