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When asked whether he had any interest in the Major Leagues on a television show in the 2006 off-season, following his MVP season ( .351 / 31 / 104) in the Japanese Central League, Kosuke Fukudome answered, "It would be a lie to say I didn't. Playing in the World Baseball Classic increased my desire to play in the majors."
On December 11, 2007, the Chicago Cubs signed Fukudome to a four-year, $48 million contract. Fukudome said in an interview that one of the main reasons he chose the Chicago Cubs over the other three teams trying to sign him to their roster was because he wanted to be the first Japanese player to play for the team.
Fukudome made his Major League debut on March 31, 2008 against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field. He went 3-for-3 with a walk, including a double on his first Major League pitch, and a three-run game-tying home run off Brewers' closer Eric Gagné in the bottom of the ninth inning. Nice debut.
On July 7, 2008, Fukudome was voted a starter in the 2008 MLB All-Star Game. Following the All-Star break, Fukudome's batting average began to decline. Cubs manager Lou Piniella defended him from criticism, and stated, "Fukudome does such a good job in right field we hate to take him out of the lineup", and further stated the team would continue to give him more opportunities. He completed his first season with the Cubs with a .257 batting average, 10 home runs, and 12 stolen bases.
This natural finish lacquered beauty was manufactured by SSK and exhibits professional SSK labeling that extends into 2008. It was manufactured for the professional use of Kosuke Fukudome. His name appears on the barrel labeling beneath the words 'Professional Edge.' Measuring 34 inches in length and weighing approximately 31 ounces, this bat shows evidence of definite game use prior to the handle crack this bat eventually sustained. Ball marks, hit marks, and rack marks are evidenced on the barrel. Wear is evidenced on the handle as well. This bat has sustained a crack on the handle that is approximately 11 inches long with the most severe area approximately 14.5 inches from the knob. There is severe displacement of the wood, The model number C1 is stamped into the knob of this bat.
Fukudome's uniform number 1 has been written in black marker on both the knob and the barrel end. Additionally, Fukudome has signed this bat in blue Sharpie below the barrel label. He has added his uniform number to the signature.View Lot Detail page