What is "coby mayo"?

Detailed explanation, definition and information about coby mayo

Detailed Explanation

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"Coby mayo" is a popular term used in the world of baseball, particularly in the context of Japanese baseball. The term refers to a player who was drafted out of high school, but instead of signing with a Major League Baseball (MLB) team, they decide to play in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. This decision is often made by players who believe they can earn more money and receive more playing time in Japan, as opposed to trying to make it in the highly competitive world of MLB.

The term "coby mayo" is derived from the names of two notable players who made this decision in the past. The first player, Colby Lewis, was a highly touted pitching prospect who was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the first round of the 1999 MLB draft. However, he struggled in the minor leagues and ended up signing with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of the NPB in 2008. Lewis found success in Japan, and eventually returned to MLB in 2010, where he became a key member of the Rangers' starting rotation.



The second player, Mike Carp, was also a highly regarded prospect who was drafted by the New York Mets in the ninth round of the 2004 MLB draft. Like Lewis, Carp struggled in the minor leagues and decided to sign with the Carp (ironically, the same team that Lewis had played for) in 2016. Carp had a successful stint in Japan, and even earned a spot on the Japanese national team for the World Baseball Classic.

There are several reasons why a player may choose to become a "coby mayo." One of the main reasons is the potential for a higher salary in Japan. While MLB players can earn huge salaries, especially if they become stars, the majority of minor league players earn relatively low salaries and have to work their way up the ranks to earn a decent paycheck. In Japan, however, players can make a good living playing baseball, even if they are not superstars. Additionally, NPB teams have a reputation for taking care of their players, providing them with good living accommodations, transportation, and other benefits.



Another reason why a player may choose to become a "coby mayo" is the opportunity for more playing time. In MLB, there are only 30 teams, each with a limited number of roster spots. This means that competition for playing time can be fierce, especially for young players. In Japan, however, there are 12 teams in the NPB, which means there are more opportunities for players to earn a spot on a roster and get playing time. This can be especially appealing to players who may not be top prospects but still want a chance to prove themselves on the field.

In recent years, there have been several notable players who have become "coby mayo" and found success in Japan. One of the most high-profile examples is Kris Johnson, a former first-round draft pick of the Boston Red Sox who struggled in the minor leagues. Johnson signed with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2015 and went on to win the Sawamura Award, which is the NPB equivalent of the Cy Young Award, in 2016. Johnson's success in Japan helped him earn a contract with the San Diego Padres in 2018.



Another example is Jay Jackson, a former top prospect in the Chicago Cubs' organization who signed with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2016. Jackson had a successful stint in Japan and eventually returned to MLB with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2019. Jackson's success in Japan helped him revive his career and earn a spot in a major league bullpen.

Overall, becoming a "coby mayo" can be a smart career move for players who are struggling to make it in MLB or who are looking for a change of scenery. Playing in Japan can provide players with a chance to earn a good living, get more playing time, and potentially revive their careers. While it may not be the right choice for every player, the success stories of players like Colby Lewis, Mike Carp, Kris Johnson, and Jay Jackson show that becoming a "coby mayo" can be a viable option for those looking to continue their baseball careers outside of the MLB.