Fernando Rodney to visit LLWS champs who borrowed celebration

The appeal one catchphrase or gesture can have is amazing sometimes, especially those that originate in the sports world. Whether it’s the “Yes” chants that were born in professional wrestling and have since been adopted by numerous sports teams, or a touchdown dance that appears on every playground on a daily basis, these words and choreographed movements can go worldwide in a heartbeat.

Another good example, as it turns out, is the “bow and arrow” celebration that has become the trademark of Seattle Mariners closer Fernando Rodney. As we saw during the Little League World Series back in August, that celebration has officially gone international — beyond even Rodney’s home country of the Dominican Republic — as the world championship team from South Korea adopted it as their own celebration.

That was obviously pretty cool for Rodney to see, and though the celebration itself isn’t universally accepted or appreciated, especially within Major League Baseball, the veteran pitcher is going to show his appreciation by visiting the South Korean Little League team during a trip to their country later this week.

“I was so happy to see the kids do that because it’s fun but also admiration and I appreciate that,” Rodney told MLB.com. “For me, it’s a tribute to the people and an area where I’m from.” 

The South Korean squad cruised through the Little League World Series unblemished, dispatching the team from Japan 12-3 in the International Final and the Jackie Robinson Little Leaguers from Chicago 8-4 in the World Finals. It was during the later game that their celebration caught the world’s attention, including that of Rodney. 

Make no mistake though, Rodney feels a deeper appreciation for the country and the Korean people, which is the true basis of his visit. 

“I’m going to Korea because I feel really connected and supported by the Korean fans,” Rodney said on Wednesday. “Since I have arrived in Seattle, they have shown me so much love and I want to return the favor. I can’t wait to see the country in person and meet people there. For me, they have shown to be really good people and I love meeting good people.”

According to MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez, Rodney has a few other things on his to-do list while in South Korea. He also plans to visit U.S. soldiers on a military base, participate in a youth baseball camp and compete in a contest at an ice fishing festival. With a fishing pole we suspect, not with a bow and arrow.

With all of that said though, it’s those kids who have undoubtedly made the biggest impression on Rodney, and it’s going to be the thrill of a lifetime for both sides when that special meeting takes place.

BLS H/N: Cut 4

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813