The Ultimate Sports Fan sent me this article from USA TODAY’s blog. The article highlights a tee shirt for the Cub’s phenom, Kosuke Fukudome. His arrival on the Cubs has been met by much anticipation and fanfare. There are drunk dudes all over Wrigley dressed like the Karate Kid, donning head bands and Bruce Lee iconography on their shirts.

Most of this fanfare is in good spirits, but many of it is stretching into the offensive realm. Bastardizing Kosuke Fukudome’s name, the crowds yells: “F-You, Do Me” not after he strikes out…but after he gets a base hit. And, on Monday night, I saw this shirt- a spoof on Harry saying…”Horry Kow.” .

Given the fact that Kosuke speaks through a translator, I wondered if people were glossing over the offensive undertones of the cheers and fanfare. Those are the types of details that may get “lost in translation.” Well, it turns out that Fukudome does notice and is not pleased.

There are times when fans can embarrass themselves in their exuberance. Often, it is fueled by alcohol, but this is clearly fueled by our ignorance. If this upsets you as much as it does me, please boycott the vendor on Addison and Sheffield (by the 7 Eleven). He seems to be the one that is profiting from the offensive shirt in question. And, I urge my marketing friends to welcome Kosuke the right way. How about a billboard in near Wrigley, in Japanese, that welcomes and thanks Kosuke for just being a Cub?