"Today, my lifelong dream became a reality, to be a Major League Baseball player," Igawa said. "I want to thank the New York Yankees, especially Mr. Steinbrenner and Mr. Cashman. I will give you my best as a Yankee. I'm here to do my best to win the championships for this great city, New York." ...

"I cannot believe it," Igawa said. "I'm in awe and of course a bit nervous wearing these pinstripes, knowing and having all this knowledge about the tradition and greatness of the New York Yankees." ...

"We're trying to be very careful and respectful of the process, and not put too much on his shoulders," Cashman said. "He seems like a tough kid and he's obviously pitched in front of big crowds for a very successful organization. At the same time, there's going to be a lot of new experiences for him here in the States and in this league. We'll have to wait and see what we get."