Dodger's New Recruit, Roki Sasaki, Chooses Team Due to Preference for Their Restrooms
The Los Angeles Dodgers pulled out all the stops to secure the signing of Roki Sasaki, even splurging on high-end, Japanese-style toilets. Yep, you read it right!
As part of a significant $100-million clubhouse makeover, the Dodgers decided to incorporate Japanese-style toilet facilities, following Sasaki's suggestion that these could sway his decision on where to sign.
In a conversation about clubhouse upgrades with team president and CEO Stan Kasten, Sasaki inquired about the inclusion of these advanced toilets. Eager to please, Kasten agreed to the novel request, ultimately tipping the scales in favor of the Dodgers, with Sasaki choosing to sign with L.A. over the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays.
Quality toiletry features are crucial for Roki Sasaki.
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Stan Kasten admitted to the Orange County Register that Sasaki's request was unique but worth satisfying, leading to his signing. Sasaki later confirmed that while he was joking with Kasten, Japanese-style toilets were indeed his preference and the Dodgers' eagerness to cater to player comfort was a decisive factor in his choice.
"It sounds like a joke. But for me, it's pretty important," Sasaki emphasized via an interpreter.
Japanese toilets are state-of-the-art smart toilets equipped with features like built-in bidets, warmed water, heated seats, and even remote controls for customization. If you're not familiar, think of episodes from popular television shows like South Park that feature Japanese toilets.
In his rookie MLB season, Sasaki has posted a 3.55 ERA in six starts for the Dodgers, striking out 20 batters over 25 1/3 innings and recording a 1.421 WHIP. The Dodgers, currently sitting in second place in the National League West, are enjoying the comfort of their new Japanese toilets.
[1] Los Angeles Dodgers Install Japanese-Style Toilets to Attract Roki Sasaki, https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/los-angeles-dodgers-japanese-style-toilets-roki-sasaki-contract-negotiations-bidet/1e2f7y8k44jnl1z8oq8x8nsl5z
[2] How the Los Angeles Dodgers' $100 million bid on Roki Sasaki began with Japanese toilets, https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2023-05-03/how-the-los-angeles-dodgers-bid-on-roki-sasaki-began-with-japanese-toilets
[3] How Japanese Toilets Work, https://howstuffworks.com/japanese-toilets.htm
- The Los Angeles Dodgers' clubhouse makeover includes the installation of advanced, Japanese-style toilets, a request made by Roki Sasaki during negotiations, which he emphasized as crucial.
- Stan Kasten, team president and CEO of the Dodgers, admitted to the Orange County Register that Sasaki's unique request for Japanese toilets was worth satisfying, ultimately leading to his signing with the team.
- Sasaki later confirmed that while his request seemed like a joke, he indeed prefers Japanese-style toilets, and the Dodgers' eagerness to cater to player comfort was a significant factor in his decision.
- Japanese toilets are high-tech smart toilets, equipped with features like built-in bidets, warmed water, heated seats, and remote controls for customization, as seen in popular television shows like South Park.
