Tiger Horikawa and Jeff Chen traveled a long way to become Fountain Hills High School Falcons.

Both boys started at FHHS in 2014 and are now on the high school baseball team, with Horikawa (junior) throwing heat from the pitcher’s mound and Chen (sophomore) joining as team manager/score keeper.

Horikawa moved to the area from Kanagawa, which is right outside of Tokyo, Japan. Chen, on the other hand, hails from Taiwan.

“I wanted to learn English, so I thought this was a good opportunity,” Horikawa said.

“I was kind of happy to come here. I don’t know yet, but I think I’ll be here forever.”

Chen said he was also happy to move to Arizona, saying it’s a “good place” and that he prefers the weather here.

“It doesn’t get too hot. Well, a little,” he added.

“It’s rainy in Taiwan.”

As for the biggest difference between their home countries and Arizona, Horikawa was quick to answer with “food.” Chen agreed.

Both boys also said they enjoy their math courses best.

“I like the feeling I get when I solve the question,” Horikawa said.

“It’s easy to answer and solve different questions,” Chen added.

Outside of school, Horikawa said he enjoys hanging out with his friends and Chen said he likes to play baseball and sometimes play video games.

Being the international activity that it is, both new Falcons said they were baseball fans before they moved to the States.

“I started playing baseball when I was 10 or nine,” Horikawa said.

“I was playing catch with my dad and a coach came to me and asked if I wanted to play.”

Chen said he also got into baseball playing catch, getting his first glove just two months ago.

“I restrung one of my old gloves and gave it to him,” added head coach Mike Briguglio.

“We play catch and he’s learning more every day.”

With the Falcons sporting a 12-2 record as of this writing, Chen said he thought the team was off to a solid start.

“I think we are doing a good job,” Chen said.

“The coaches and players are working hard.”

Horikawa agreed.

“Everything’s pretty good,” he said.

“I need more defensive practice.”

Briguglio chuckled.

“We,” he added.

“We all need more practice on defense.”

Looking ahead, Horikawa said he hopes to keep improving in the field, as well as at the plate.

“I hope I can just learn more,” Chen added.

“I’ve been enjoying it so far.”

Briguglio, though, said the boys are being modest.

“[Chen] learned to keep score in just one game,” he said.

“We play catch every day. The glove I gave him is older than he is, but he loves it. Every day we work on a little more; ground balls and pop ups. He’s involved in every practice.”

Briguglio said Horikawa has been a strong asset for the Falcons, too.

“He’s had a great year,” Briguglio added.

“He’s our leadoff hitter right now. He’s got three wins and a save. But the reason he’s so good is that he’s tough on himself. He wants to get better every day.”

Briguglio said that both Horikawa and Chen have been a joy to have on the squad.

“It’s been a really positive experience,” he added.

“Our kids have embraced them wholeheartedly. It’s been great.”