(4 Aug 1995) English/Nat
When Japanese pitcher Hideo Nomo came to the United States to play baseball this season, not many were expecting the type of numbers Nomo has put up so far.
Now, "Nomomania" is taking hold both in America and Japan.
In a baseball season that has been fraught with fan apathy, Hideo Nomo is an exception.
Fans are packing stadiums across the country to see the native of Japan pitch.
And the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher certainly has done well enough - and some. He's been involved in winning eight games, a spot on the All-Star team and afflicting everyone with Nomomania.
SOUNDBITE:
"The people want to see him pitch. He's a very unique pitcher. He's a very good pitcher. He comes from another country, Japan. And he's caused quite a bit of excitement."
SUPER CAPTION:Tommy Lasorda, Los Angeles Dodgers Manager
An industry has grown up around Hideo Nomo.
Concessionaires at Dodger Stadium barely keeping up with the demand for merchandise bearing the likeness and number of the sensation from Japan.
Nomo's new fan are even causing a change on the menu at Dodger games these days.
Forget your traditional ballpark hot dogs. When Nomo's on the mound, dishes like Chicken Teriyaki and sushi are the cuisine du jour.
The Japanese flavor can be found in the stands as well, where Nomo's transcontinental fan base can be found.
Karen Tomei-Cordero is with Japan Travel Bureau International and has been busy since Nomo's arrival in America.
This day she's arranged a ballpark trip for a group of Japanese tourists, here to see one person. (SOUND UP FULL)
For companies like Japan Travel Bureau International, Hideo Nomo is big business.
SOUNDBITE:
"Whatever the ticket costs, they're willing to pay for it. We get all kinds of inquiries directly from Japan from the clients who want to come here and see Nomo. They want to know exactly when he's playing, what the tickets are going for. So, they're totally into Nomomania there."
SUPER CAPTION:Karen Tomei-Cordero, Japan Travel Bureau International
For baseball fans on both sides of the Pacific, Nomo watching is the newest sensation.
His followers have even amazed American baseball fans.
SOUNDBITE:
"All the time. Every game he pitch, they are here. Just to see him. In fact they change their vacation schedule just to see his games.
SUPER CAPTION:Bob Makamura, Nomo fan
SOUNDBITE:
"Well you have so many American players that go over to Japan. But you don't often see them come over here. And when one comes over and does really well, everyone's proud of it."
SUPER CAPTION:Diana Tanaka, Nomo fan
In a season in which many fans are staying away from the ballpark, Hideo Nomo is winning them back one pitch at a time.
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