EPICANTHUS

As a lifelong fan, I’m enjoying Major League Baseball’s post-season and World Series play. Philly and Tampa may not be big market franchises, but the level of play has been high. Both teams make up for their lack of known superstars with power, speed and pitching.

As an Asian American, I can also root for the Phillies’ Pilipino American outfielder Shane Victorino and the Rays’ gritty second baseman Akinori Iwamura. Aside from the clutch-hitting Iwamura, there’s another Japanese import on the field. Are you noticing all the multicolored, braided neck wear on big leaguers the last few years? Used to be gold and platinum were de rigueur for the proper pivot man, but seems like “therapeutic” PhitenUSA aqua-titanium necklaces have replaced bling as the king of the diamond. I mean, they’re everywhere.

Torrance, Calif.-based PhitenUSA claims that their titanium-infused necklaces, wristbands and tape all stimulate the body’s ETS (Energy Transport System). According to PhitenUSA’s website, their products “may help to alleviate discomfort, enhance circulation, promote relaxation, stimulate energy flow, reduce stress, sooth tension.”

Tampa’s Iwamura and fireballer Matt Garza wear them; I’ve seen them on Boston pitchers Daisuke Matsuzaka, Josh Beckett and Hideki Okajima and reports say 6-10 hurler Randy “The Big Unit” Johnson of the D-Backs started wearing the Phiten necklaces back in 2005.

I’ve done a little research. Phiten’s stuff isn’t really that expensive, and MLB trainers say at least 200 big leaguers are wearing the titanium chokers, with many endorsing their wondrous powers.

Well, I guess they’re better than steroids, and perhaps more of these ballers should finish college with special emphasis on Snake Oil 101.

• “Is Your Bat Speed Off? Try a Titanium Necklace,” by Lee Jenkins, NY Times, 06.22.05
• “Product Has Red Sox Collared,” by Rob Bradford, Boston Herald, 06.20.08
• “So What’s With All These Necklaces in Baseball These Days?” by Chris Chase, Yahoo! Sports, 10.13.08
• PhitenUSA Website