WATCH: Derrek Lee on his family ties to playing baseball in Japan |
Tony Crumpton
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- Tuesday, March 18 2025
Derrek Lee joined the Marquee Sports Network broadcast booth at the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series to reflect on being inducted into the Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame this year, his dad and uncle's baseball careers in Tokyo, and much more.
"I had the chance to watch my father play 10 years of baseball here. To come back and watch Cubs Opening Day and bring my family back is just a really special moment. It’s been a really cool week," Lee said during the telecast. Lee had huge role models in his uncle and dad playing so successfully in Japan. "They were kind of the first duos to kind of come over here and have a long career. You know, 10 years for my dad and I think 11 years for my uncle and they had a lot of success," Lee said. "I think the key for them was they embraced the culture. They just kind of dove head first in, embraced it and really enjoyed their time here. "I remember about a lot of my time here. I really enjoyed it. They treated us so well. To be able to come to the ballpark every day, watch the game and really enjoy the culture, Tokyo is an incredible city, incredible food, we had a good 10 years here." Watch the interview below:
Video summary:
Hall of Fame Induction: Lee expressed his excitement about being inducted into the Cubs Hall of Fame, finding it surreal to be mentioned alongside legends like Ernie Banks and Billy Williams.
Family Legacy in Japan: He reflected on his father's and uncle's successful baseball careers in Japan, noting their deep appreciation and integration into Japanese culture.
Personal Connection to Tokyo: Lee highlighted the significance of returning to Tokyo, where his father played for a decade, to witness the Cubs' Opening Day, marking a full-circle moment for him and his family.
Recent Celebrations: He recounted the electrifying atmosphere at his first Cubs Convention, emphasizing the unique energy and fan engagement.
Cultural Embrace: Lee credited his family's success in Japan to their wholehearted embrace of the local culture, which enriched their professional and personal experiences.
