Former D-backs Adam Jones, Gerardo Parra shine as Japan baseball begins

While MLB is shut down and progress toward a season has stalled, some former players of The Show have started playing baseball again.

Former Diamondbacks Adam Jones and Gerardo Parra debuted in the Japan Nippon Professional Baseball league and both shined in the spotlight.

Jones played for the Diamondbacks last year after signing a one-year, $3 million contract. This offseason, he accepted a two-year, $8 million offer from the Orix Buffaloes.

Parra played for the Washington Nationals last season. While he wasn’t consistent at the plate, he helped turn around the culture in the dugout with his “Baby Shark” walk-up anthem and won the World Series.

This offseason, Parra signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Yomiuri Giants.

He kept his walk-up song going with the Giants and has had a stellar start.

On Opening Day, Parra had a hit and a walk. In the second game, he went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs.

3-Run Homerun for Baby Shark 🦈! Gerardo Parra caps off a 8 run inning for the Giants! #巨人 #パーラ pic.twitter.com/O3RcoAUuZZ

— Tom Mussa (@tom_mussa) June 20, 2020

Jones went hitless in the first game, but went 2-for-3 with a double and a walk in his second.

Yes, our new #NPB team the Orix Buffaloes have started the season 0-2.

BUT, Adam Jones went 2-for-3 with a single and a double for his first two hits in Japan! There are still Orioles playing baseball in the world! pic.twitter.com/Nlu5iFFSNh

— Locked On Orioles (and LG Twins) (@LockedOnOrioles) June 20, 2020

He also posted a picture to Instagram of his son repping his jersey.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

First Opening Day in Japan. What a blessing to be able to do what I love and share it with my family and friends. My son needs to pinch hit for Papa sometimes hahaha. #Repost @audiestraveldiary with @get_repost ・・・ Well this opening day is sure different from the ones in the past for so many reasons, but nevertheless, we are so blessed to start the 2020 baseball season with the Orix Buffalos in Osaka, Japan. We are so proud of you @simplyaj10 , keep living your dream, and we are here for the ride. We love you 😘😘 PLAY-BALL!! #openingday #baseball #japanesebaseball #npb #orixbuffaloes #orix

A post shared by 10 (@simplyaj10) on Jun 19, 2020 at 6:47am PDT

While the league and players union continue to argue over the MLB season, there’s at least some baseball to watch — and some former Diamondbacks as well.

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