Former UT Martin baseball player Hideaki Sato (‘07) is waiting for his call to the show – the Big Leagues.

Sato’s call up won’t be based on the stellar numbers he posted as a second baseman at UT Martin for head coach Bubba Cates. If the native of Nagasaki, Japan, makes it to the big leagues it will be as a translator.

Sato currently is working for the Seattle Mariners Rookie League team, the Peoria (Ariz.) Mariners, who are in extended spring training through Aug. 9. Sato is translating for 18-year-old Kenta Suda, a right-handed pitcher.

“I really like this job, and I enjoy it,” Sato said. “It’s a 24/7 job because I am helping Suda on and off the field, and I am also teaching him English.”

Sato said Suda started his first season in the Rookie League with Peoria, but thinks the young pitcher has a good chance to move up to the Single-A team.

Sato says his future in the Major Leagues is promising if teams continue to get players from Japan.

“This is a great opportunity for me to start my career. I hope when this season is over I can find the next opportunity.”