Iwamura brings a garish touch to BP

Akinori Iwamura took his first swings as a Devil Ray on Wednesday, joining the team for an informal workout at the Naimoli Complex.

By EDUARDO A. ENCINA
Published February 15, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - Akinori Iwamura took his first swings as a Devil Ray on Wednesday, joining the team for an informal workout at the Naimoli Complex.

The appearances and formal introductions of last week over, the Japanese third baseman took batting practice for the first time with his new team, but his flashy bat drew more attention than any of his batted balls.

The green, black and gold bat, made specifically for Iwamura by Nike Japan, was like no other seen in these parts - with a gold Nike swoosh across the middle and the Japanese character of the word "nanikuso," Iwamura's credo of "no pain, no gain," on the barrel in gold. The bat is not for games, only batting practice.

"It felt good since my last batting practice was about 10 days ago," Iwamura, who failed to clear the outfield fence, said through an interpreter. "I had to do a lot of other things off the field, so I felt really good."

With a group of about 20 Japanese reporters watching his every move, Iwamura definitely stood out, green bat aside. He also wore a pair of Oakley sunglasses with mp3 earbuds. The name "Aki" and his No. 1 were stitched across the chest of his Nike warmup shirt. Even his black socks had No. 1 on them. He took grounders with a black glove with green stringing and, as he promised, a piece of alligator skin in the webbing.

Iwamura stayed after the workout to run extra sprints then took about 100 more swings in the indoor batting cage.

EARLY ARRIVALS: Infielder/outfielder Greg Norton, pitcher Edwin Jackson and nonroster invitee Dustan Mohr arrived at the complex and participated in the informal workout.

O-TOWN BOUND: In promoting their series at Disney's Wide World of Sports on May 15-17, the Rays' caravan will head to Orlando on Friday and Saturday, highlighted by an autograph session at the Mall of Millenia from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Players scheduled to sign are Iwamura, Delmon Young, Ty Wigginton and Norton, along with senior adviser Don Zimmer.

Eduardo Encina can be reached at eencina@sptimes.com.

[Last modified February 14, 2007, 23:13:44]