The legend of Lucas Duda had already reached Japan by the time the Mets first baseman touched down in Kansai International Airport, but the journey ahead of him would certainly be special. The Hulk had himself a trip overseas, playing as a member of MLB’s All-Star team and also enjoying time off the field with his father, David Duda.
In an era where sports players are viewed as commodities, we often lose touch with the journey they take to achieve professional success and how rewarding it must be when they do. The Dude’s trip to Japan was a culmination of all the hard work he has put in as a professional, all of which paid dividends during his breakout 2014 season.
Lucas had a fantastic series, playing in four of the seven games against Japan’s very best and helping the squad go 2-2 in those matchups. Duda batted .400 (4-10) with a 1.100 OPS, knocking two doubles and scoring a run for MLB’s All-Stars. It shouldn’t go unnoticed that he also went 1-2 against left handed pitching, a part of his game that he believes will improve vastly. He shared time between left field and first base, but had his best game manning right field. In the final game of the series on November 20th, he went 3-3 with a double, two singles and a walk, en route to a tough loss to the home team.
Off the field, the Dude made a name for himself signing autographs, participating as an instructor in youth league camps and enjoying the overall “selfless culture” that Japan has to offer. Many of the player’s dads joined along on the trip and Lucas’ father, David, had quite the experience alongside his son. The elder joked that he “had to learn not to ask so many questions” after sharing hotel rooms with his son in four different cities. “He just shuts down…he just wants his quiet time.”
It appears that even international stardom doesn’t even affect the man who speaks softly and carries a big stick. However, stardom is inevitable with success in NYC and with another season like the last, Lucas Duda may finally be the star at home, that he is abroad.
P.S.- I’m devastated that I cannot find the picture of Lucas with his dad. David Duda and his mustache is the paramount cliché of what it is to be an American dad who loves baseball.
(Photo: Anthony DiComo, MLB.com)
