Gaylord Perry on MLB in Japan, Tom Glavine and MVPs

Q:

What are your thoughts on MLB’s plan to open the 208 season with Oakland and the Red Socks playing in Japan?

A:

I think it is a big future income for Major League Baseball; television rights, merchandise and many other things play into the financial decision. If you go back to the Giants, we had the first Japanese player, Masanori "Mashi" Murakami, he was a relief pitcher and he was very popular. We went over to play in Japan in the spring of 1969, to finish spring training.  Major League Baseball began playing games in Japan after World War II and it’s just gotten bigger and bigger. The Japanese are great fans of the game and it is a privilege to play in Japan. I just pity the team that is going over there; it’s about a 17 hour flight. The effect is tremendous. It will take a few days for them to recover after such a long trip, so if you come back and you have a big series, it’s going to hurt you. That said, I like that Major League Baseball continues to play in Japan. It’s a good thing for the game of baseball.

Q:

Tom Glavine announced that he wants to play the 22nd season of his career. He says he is having too much fun to stop. Would you please discuss, as a pitcher that has had that kind of longevity, what you were thinking when you decided to stay on extra seasons?

A:

When I was there in ’82, after I won my 300th game, I said I wanted to play another year because I want to pass Walter Johnson in strikeouts.  When I played, you needed to give the club a reason to keep you but now they need pitchers so much more. If you do a good job like Glavine has, it’s easier for you to have another year like. He’s earned his paychecks pretty well. He’s good for the game and I look forward to watching him pitch another year or two.

Q:

Who would be your pick for American League Most Valuable Player?

A:

Probably Rodriguez, third base for the Yankees.

Q:

What about the National League MVP?

A:

I can’t pick right now because it’s too early. Fielder is doing a great job in Milwaukee, but I don’t have a definite answer yet.  I’ll let you know when I do.