Takashi Saito had made a wise decision of jumping from Japan to Major League; and in a matter of two years, he has become an All-Star closer and an ambassador for the Dodgers.

Saito has managed to compile 63 saves over two seasons to earn admiration from teammates on the field. Moreover, his personality has made him ‘Sammy’, who is one of the most popular players of Dodgers clubhouse.

So much acclaim does Saito command from his team that they had requested him to fly to Los Angeles to be with one of four current players so that they could represent their team on their first official float in the 2008 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. And of course, Saito is honored to be a member of this parade.