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Baseball Head Coach Murphy Su'a Reflects on Coaching Experience in USA-Japan Friendly Series


TOKYO / OSAKA, JAPAN -- Cal State Dominguez Hills baseball head coach Murphy Su'a garnered another honor after being selected as the head coach in the fifth running of the USA-Japan Friendly Series hosted in Japan. 

Coach Su'a led a group of 18 local high school players who regularly train at Compton's MLB Urban Youth Academy into The Land of the Rising Sun for a four-game series in late June.

"Japan is now one of my favorite countries and cultures" reflected coach Su'a upon his return.  "I was so impressed by the structure of how things are and how people go about their lives.  It's amazing how organized and clean their cities are."

Despite the tragic events that happened in Japan this past year, Compton's Urban Youth Academy and their partners in Japan kept the USA-Japan Friendly Series alive.  In addition to the business of baseball, the American representatives also were able to sightsee in Tokyo and Osaka and enjoyed the opportunity to ride the bullet-train between the two destinations.

"We are extremely proud to have a team representing the MLB Urban Youth Academy participating in such a prestigious international competition,” Jimmie Lee Solomon, executive vice president, Baseball Development, Major League Baseball, said. “The Friendship Series exemplifies the best in high school baseball and this wonderful event is a tremendous opportunity for these young men to experience the education that comes from travel abroad.”

Coach Su'a was joined by MLB vice president of youth and facility development Darrell Miller; Ken Landreaux, the former Major League outfielder who serves as a hitting instructor at the Compton UYA; Lorenzo Gray, formerly of the White Sox; event coordinator Doug Takaragawa; Rick Oliver, the assistant director at the MLB Scouting Bureau; and former Toro softball player Liz Vazquez, an employee of the UYA.

Although the contests were won by the hosts, the team and coaches brought back many memories and new prespectives.  "It was tough considering that we only had a couple of practices that made it hard to get a feel for the players," continued Su'a.  "The Japanese high school All-Stars were in prime shape because they were preparing for the High School Championship Series tournament," a tournament similar to the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

Among the many memories Su'a recalled were the many visits to ancient ruins and temples, and the interactions between the American and Japanese players.  "Youth is youth in any country or language," said the head coach.

"We had a reception with every team before we played them and everyone had a great time singing and dancing, including everyone doing 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame'.  The Japanese players spoke very good English."

Su'a feels this experience can help his program and the way he coaches almost immediately.  " I'm bringing back some information on their tempo and practices that are different from what we do.  The greatest things I brought back were intangible, enriching and educating experiences I had throughout the 10-day trip.  The Japanese people were such gracious hosts and are such resilient people.  Baseball is being used in the healing process and is like a therapy for them."

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