Nate Minchey hovered near the home dugout at Tokyo Dome as the Yomiuri Giants practiced, but there was no missing him. Being conspicuous isn't exactly a trait of many 203 cm and above.
Not that Minchey was trying to hide. He greeted every player with a smile, some with a handshake and hearty laugh. Giants catcher Shinnosuke Abe had to look skyward to offer a quick "good morning," and new Giant Josh Fields stopped to exchange pleasantries.
Minchey, a former NPB pitcher and now an international scout for the Giants, is in Japan for a visit and happy to be back. He seems even more delighted to still be a part of the game.