" There were a small number of voices that said, ‘Darvish only cares about strikeouts.’ Although I may have had strikeouts in my mind, fans, team, teammates and team staff were always my top priority. "
- Yu Darvish

In the quoted statement, Yu Darvish acknowledges that he faced criticism from a small group who believed his primary focus was on achieving strikeouts. However, he clarifies that while striking batters out may have been an objective for him, it did not overshadow his commitment to other aspects of baseball.

This quote delves deeper into the balance between individual performance metrics and broader team responsibilities. Darvish emphasizes that despite potential personal goals such as accumulating strikeouts—a statistic often associated with a pitcher's success—he places greater importance on fulfilling his duties to his fans, teammates, and the overall organization. This perspective underscores the idea that an athlete’s impact extends beyond mere statistics; it encompasses their role within a larger community of supporters and colleagues.

Yu Darvish is a renowned Japanese professional baseball player who has played in both Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his exceptional pitching skills, including his ability to throw various types of pitches, Darvish has been recognized not only for his statistical achievements but also for his dedication to his team and the broader baseball community.