Japanese umpire 'debuts' in MLB

Japanese umpire 'debuts' in MLB

MESA, United States - Umpire Takeshi Hirabayashi gestures during a preseason game between the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies at HoHoKam Park in Mesa, Arizona, on April 1, 2010. Takahashi, who umpires in the minor leagues, became the first Japanese to umpire in the major leagues.

Japanese umpire 'debuts' in MLB

Japanese umpire 'debuts' in MLB

MESA, United States - Takeshi Hirabayashi (C), a Japanese baseball umpire in the minor leagues, prepares for his first major league preseason game at HoHoKam Park in Mesa, Arizona, on April 1, 2010, with his name on the scoreboard.

Fukudome hits RBI

Fukudome hits RBI

MESA, United States - Chicago Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome runs to first base after driving in two runs with a bases-loaded single in a match against the Chicago White Sox in a spring training game on March 6, 2010 at HoHoKam Park in Mesa, Arizona.

Fukudome hits RBI

Fukudome hits RBI

MESA, United States - Chicago Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome runs to first base after driving in two runs with a bases-loaded single in a match against the Chicago White Sox in a spring training game on March 6, 2010 at HoHoKam Park in Mesa, Arizona. (Kyodo)

Japanese umpire 'debuts' in MLB

Japanese umpire 'debuts' in MLB

MESA, United States - Umpire Takeshi Hirabayashi gestures during a preseason game between the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies at HoHoKam Park in Mesa, Arizona, on April 1, 2010. Takahashi, who umpires in the minor leagues, became the first Japanese to umpire in the major leagues. (Kyodo)

Japanese umpire 'debuts' in MLB

Japanese umpire 'debuts' in MLB

MESA, United States - Takeshi Hirabayashi (C), a Japanese baseball umpire in the minor leagues, prepares for his first major league preseason game at HoHoKam Park in Mesa, Arizona, on April 1, 2010, with his name on the scoreboard. (Kyodo)