Aaron Guiel: “The Man Who Works Miracles”
You remember Aaron Guiel, don’t you? That journeyman fifth outfielder who once hit 15 homers for the Kansas City Royals back in 2003? Who batted .256 in 82 at-bats with the Yankees in 2006? Who posted a major league career line of .246/.338/.447 in parts of six major league seasons?
Sure you do.
Well, three years on since his last major league appearance, Guiel has undergone a mini career renaissance playing in Japan for the Yakult Swallows. In his first year in Japan, in 2007, Guiel (or “Gai-eru” in Japanese) belted 35 homers, which tied for second in the league. After an injury plagued 2008 campaign, Guiel has come back strong with 23 homers and a respectable .262/.361/.512 line.
Along the way, he has earned the nickname “Angel” from Japanese fans, due to his blond, curly hair and his reportedly angelic demeanor, as well as his own cheering section in Jingu Stadium, instantly recognizable by its frenetic waving of Canadian flags whenever Guiel comes up to bat (Guiel is from Vancouver).
And of course, as a starting player on a Japanese team, Guiel has his very own personal fight song, which the fans sing at the top of their lungs whenever he bats:
(Trumpet Fanfare=first several notes of “Oh Canada”)
Oh! Guiel! You hit the ball!
Oh! Guiel! A home run!
Aa-ron Gui-el! The man who works miracles!
Toward the stands you launch, a timely blast!
October 25th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Hi,
I’m a big fan of the Yakult Swallows, and I think there’s a misinterpretation in the 3rd line of the personal fight song.
It should be ‘The man who works miracle’, not ‘The man they call “Miracle”’.
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October 27th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Hmm, right you are, Tomnish! That is some seriously tricky grammar there. But I should know better and always watch my particles. I’ve updated the post to be correct.
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October 27th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Mr. Kapur, thanks for your reply!
Yes, it’s tricky indeed.
I’m impressed that you’re familiar with the baseball in Japan and with the Japanese language.
I guess you’ve been here in Japan?
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