Arikura, Masashi Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Hokkaido High School
Born: 6/12/1967 College: Nittai University
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Uekawa-gun, Hokkaido Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nippon Ham (1990-1995 [24]), 
Height: 6'2" Weight: 193 pounds Daiei Hawks (1996-1997 [38]), Hanshin (1998 [40])
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1990 16 54.2 4 0 0 2 4 12 221 1 0 41 7 33 20 0 7 0 23 19 3.13 .215 1.12
1991 9 14.1 0 1 0 0 1 8 63 0 0 19 4 6 5 1 1 0 13 11 6.91 .358 1.67
1992 17 48.0 1 1 0 0 6 11 213 0 0 48 2 24 23 1 0 0 30 25 4.69 .258 1.48
1993 20 42.1 3 2 0 3 2 18 176 0 0 43 4 27 11 2 2 0 20 19 4.04 .272 1.28
1994 12 30.1 0 1 0 0 1 11 125 0 0 30 3 15 7 0 0 0 17 16 4.75 .259 1.22
1996 11 14.2 0 2 1 1 0 11 64 0 0 15 2 14 5 0 0 0 11 9 5.52 .263 1.36
1997 3 6.2 0 0 0 0 0 3 25 0 0 7 1 3 1 0 0 0 3 3 4.05 .292 1.20
1998 1 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 11 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0.00 .364 2.00
Totals 89 213.0 8 7 1 6 14 75 898 1 0 207 23 122 72 4 10 0 120 102 4.31 .260 1.31
Biography: Started playing baseball in sixth grade. Drafted on the sixth round (1989). Is now a high school teacher. 
Career WHIP: 1.31 K/9: 5.2 BB/9: 3.0 HR/9: 1.0
Debut: First Win (6/19/1990 against Seibu at Tokyo Dome), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Arime, Kanehisa Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Urazoe Shogyo High School
Born: 9/37/1976 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: Kyushu Mitsubishi Motors
Birthplace: Naha, Okinawa Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]):Kintetsu Buffaloes (2003-2004 [13]),
Height: 5'11" Weight: 162 pounds Rakuten (2005-2011 [26])
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
2003 18 23.0 0 3 0 0 1 17 111 0 0 31 7 26 15 1 0 0 20 20 7.83 .333 2.00
2004 14 26.2 0 3 0 0 2 12 136 0 0 31 1 19 25 3 2 0 16 15 5.06 .295 2.10
2005 37 125.0 3 10 0 0 12 25 540 4 1 130 15 88 42 5 3 0 79 72 5.18 .273 1.38
2006 30 86.2 2 6 0 0 12 18 377 2 1 97 6 80 28 3 1 0 46 43 4.47 .286 1.44
2007 52 95.0 1 8 0 0 10 42 414 0 0 103 10 73 35 8 1 0 49 44 4.17 .285 1.45
2008 66 44.0 2 2 2 4 0 66 179 0 0 33 2 45 17 3 1 0 10 10 2.05 .220 1.14
2009 54 43.2 0 2 3 3 1 53 194 0 0 33 3 42 27 8 1 0 25 25 5.15 .210 1.37
2010 13 8.0 0 0 0 0 0 13 35 0 0 7 0 12 3 1 1 0 3 3 3.38 .233 1.25
Totals 284 452.0 8 34 5 7 38 246 1986 6 2 465 44 385 192 32 10 0 248 232 4.62 1.45
Biography: Drafted on the third round (2001). Was held back in the early part of his career by control issues and he was allowed to go to Rakuten after Kintetsu merged with Orix. Tossed the first shutout in Eagles history and it ended a nine game losing skid. Went 12 innings and threw 188 pitches while also striking out 17 in a tie (8/25/2006 against Lotte at Miyagi Prefectural Stadium). That is the second most deliveries any pitchers have made in a completegame in NPB history. Had a good first half in 2009, but then had control issues during the remainder and it ballooned his ERA. Selected to one all star team (2009). Max velocity is generally in the higbh 80's with a slider, shuuto, changeup and forkball and he hides the ball pretty well. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.45 K./9: 7.7 BB/9: 3.8 HR/9: 0.9
Debut: 7/18/2003 against Orix at Osaka Dome in a ninth inning relief appearance. First Win (7/31/2005 against Seibu at Seibu Dome in a start 4-0), First Shutout (7/31/2005 against Seibu at Seibu Dome), First Save (5/7/2008 against Softbank at Miyagi Prefectural Stadium)
Titles: Appearances (2008). 
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Arimura, Ienari Positions Played: P, OF
Nicknames: High School: Kagoshima Number Two Chugakkou
Born: 7/24/1914 College: Rikkyo University
Died: 6/23/1997 Industrial League: Manchu Dengyo, Zen-Kagoshima
Birthplace: Kagoshima Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Taiyo Whales (1952-1954 [17])
Height: 5'6" Weight: 156 pounds
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Year G IP W L Save SP GA RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1952 27 147.2 9 9 0 0 21 6 637 6 2 141 11 39 75 2 2 0 67 55 3.35 .255 1.46
1953 20 110.1 5 8 0 0 18 2 485 3 0 109 6 34 56 1 2 0 57 48 3.92 .261 1.50
1954 3 12.0 0 2 0 0 3 0 61 0 0 19 1 2 6 0 0 1 14 9 6.75 .365 2.08
Totals 50 270.0 14 19 0 0 42 8 1183 9 2 269 18 75 137 3 4 1 138 112 3.74 .263 1.50
Biography: Struckout 18 in a game in high school. Played first abd batted cleanup in college. Converted into an outfielder in 1954. Coached in the minors and managed at the industrial league, high school levels and college after retirement. . 
Career WHIP: 1.50 K/9: 2.50 BB/9: 4.6 HR/9: 0.6
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout ()
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Arisawa, Kenji Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Kita Nihon Gakuin High School
Born: 7/27/1950 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: Dai Showa Seishi Hokkaido, Nissan Sunny Sapporo
Birthplace: Hokkaido Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yakult (1984-1985 [83])
Height: 5'6" Weight: 160 pounds
Bats: Left Throws: Left 
Year G IP W L Save SP GA RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1984 22 17.1 0 0 0 0 0 22 67 0 0 11 0 10 7 0 1 0 6 5 2.60 .186 1.04
1985 23 18.1 0 0 0 0 0 23 90 0 0 21 4 7 15 1 0 0 12 12 5.89 .296 1.96
Totals 45 35.2 0 0 0 0 0 45 157 0 0 32 4 17 22 1 1 0 18 17 4.29 .246 1.51
Biography: Was his team's pitching ace and cleanup hitter in high school. Played in one Koshien Tournament (summer 1968). Drafted on the third round (1978). Retired to become a batting practice pitcher before unretiring and joining the Swallows bullpen. 
Career WHIP: 1.51 K/9: 4.3 BB/9: 5.6 HR/9: 1.0
Debut: First Win (N/A), First Homer (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Arita, Fumio Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Hokuyo High School
Born: 4/10/1955 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Kishiwada, Osaka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Kintetsu Buffaloes (1974-1977 [13])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 160 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1974 1 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 .400 2.00
1977 1 3.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 12 0 0 4 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 1 3.00 .364 1.67
Totals 2 4.0 0 0 0 0 1 1 17 0 0 6 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 2.25 .375 1.75
Biography: Played in two Koshien Tournaments (spring, summer 1973). Tossed a no hitter in the summer end. Drafted on the second round (1973). Became a batting practice pitcher for Yomiuri after retiring following the 1979 season. 
Career WHIP: 1.75 K/9: 6.8 BB/9: 2.3 HR/9: 0.0
Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Arita, Tetsuzo Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Ube Shogyo High School
Born: 10/21/1949 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: Matsushita Electric
Birthplace: Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hiroshima (1971-1973 [33])
Height: 5'11" Weight: 165 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1971 4 4.1 0 0 0 0 0 4 20 0 0 7 0 3 0 1 0 0 1 1 2.08 .368 1.62
1972 6 12.1 1 0 0 0 0 6 66 0 0 19 4 2 7 4 0 0 13 11 8.03 .352 2.11
1973 7 9.1 0 0 0 0 0 7 41 0 0 11 2 6 3 1 0 0 5 5 4.82 .324 1.50
Totals 17 26.0 1 0 0 0 0 17 127 0 0 37 6 11 10 6 0 0 19 17 5.88 .346 1.81
Biography: Shuzo Arita's older brother. Drafted on the eighth round (1967). However, chose to go to the industrial leagues instead, where he spent a season before finally joining the Carp. 
Career WHIP: 1.81 K/9: 3.8 BB/9: 3.5 HR/9: 2.1
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Ariyoshi, Hiromasa Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Shimomatsu High School
Born: 6/16/1936 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Shimomatsu, Yamaguchi Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nishitetsu Lions (1955-1958 [32])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 173 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1955 36 96.2 6 4 0 0 10 26 399 2 0 96 2 52 19 1 0 0 40 31 2.89 .257 1.19
1956 2 1.0 0 1 0 0 1 1 8 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 4 36.00 .600 5.00
1957 1 3.0 0 1 0 0 0 1 14 0 0 3 0 2 3 0 0 0 2 0 0.00 .273 2.00
1958 4 10.0 0 1 0 0 0 4 37 0 0 5 1 3 0 1 0 0 3 2 1.80 .139 0.50
Totals 43 110.2 6 7 0 0 11 32 458 2 0 107 3 57 24 2 0 0 49 37 3.01 .252 1.18
Biography: 
Career WHIP: 1.18 K/9: 4.6 BB/9: 2.0 HR/9: 0.2
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Asada, Hajime Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Hokkai High School
Born: 9/21/1930 College: Rikkyo University (dropped out)
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Sapporo, Hokkaido Team (Years and [uniform number]): Kokutetsu Swallows (1951 [37])
Height: 5'6" Weight: 149 pounds
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1951 8 20.0 1 2 0 0 3 5 98 1 0 31 2 3 9 0 1 0 24 22 9.90 .348 2.00
Totals 8 20.0 1 2 0 0 3 5 98 1 0 31 2 3 9 0 1 0 24 22 9.90 .348 2.00
Biography: Played in the industrial leagues after retiring at the end of the 1953 season.
Career WHIP: 2.00 K/9: 1.4 BB/9: 4.1 HR/9: 0.9
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Asai, Hideki Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: PL Gakuen High School
Born: 1/1/1984 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Osaka, Osaka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]):Kintetsu Buffaloes (2003-2004 [36]),
Height: 5'10" Weight: 180 pounds Rakuten (2005-2011 [36], [38])
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
2003 2 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 8 0 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 .167 1.50
2004 3 5.2 0 0 0 0 0 3 25 0 0 8 1 0 1 0 1 1 4 4 6.35 .333 1.59
2005 15 60.0 2 5 0 0 10 5 277 1 0 71 10 43 28 3 5 0 45 40 6.00 .298 1.65
2006 9 50.1 2 5 0 0 9 0 233 2 0 55 2 42 30 5 3 0 25 22 3.93 .284 1.69
2007 31 144.1 8 8 0 2 17 14 603 2 1 146 4 107 40 6 4 0 53 50 3.12 .274 1.29
2008 29 148.0 9 11 0 2 23 6 662 1 0 165 16 122 60 7 6 0 81 72 4.38 .285 1.52
2009 13 28.2 0 3 0 0 3 10 140 0 0 37 4 25 17 0 3 0 23 21 6.59 .314 1.88
2010 11 53.2 4 1 0 0 9 2 213 0 0 46 2 37 11 0 2 0 19 15 2.52 1.06
Totals 113 492.2 25 33 0 4 71 42 2161 6 1 529 39 378 189 21 24 1 250 224 4.09 1.46
Biography: Was introduced to baseball by his father as a pre-schooler, but didn't start playing it until he joined a local youth team in third grade. Played in Boys League in junior high as a catcher before pitching in ninth grade. Played on a world championship team that year. Married to wife Sayaka. Became his high school squad's ace and played in one Koshien Tournament (summer 2000). Drafted on the first round (2001). Allowed the fewest homers of any pitcher qualifying for the ERA title in 2007. However, he also had the lowest run support of any PL regular starter that year, too. Will occasionally hit 90mph on the gun and compliments his heater with a cutter, overhand curve, slider, changeup, shuuto and forkball.  Reporetedly improved his previously lackluster control during the 2007 campaign by strengthening his legs through rigorous running drills. However, he still has some composure issues.  Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.46 K/9: 6.9 BB/9: 3.5 HR/9: 0.7
Debut: 9/24/2003 against Orix at Osaka Dome in a seventh inning relief appearance. First Win (5/26/2005 against Chunichi at Nagoya Dome in his first pro start), First Shutout (8/1/2007 against Lotte at Chiba Marine Stadium in a three hitter 1-0)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Asai, Mamoru Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Mugi Chugakkou
Born: 7/4/1924 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: Kyoto Busen, Kurimoto Seiyaku, Toyo Sangyo
Birthplace: Seki, Gifu Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Mainichi Orions (1950-1951 [10])
Height: 5'8" Weight: 149 pounds
Bats: Left Throws: Left 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1950 1 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 10 0 0 3 0 2 2 0 0 0 2 2 9.00 .375 2.50
1951 4 16.2 1 0 0 0 4 0 75 0 0 14 0 4 10 0 0 3 6 4 2.16 .215 1.44
Totals 5 18.2 1 0 0 0 4 1 85 0 0 17 0 6 12 0 0 3 8 6 2.89 .233 1.55
Biography: 
Career WHIP: 1.55 K/9: 2.9 BB/9: 5.78 HR/9: 0.0
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame: N/A


Asakura, Kenta Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Higashikuni High Shcool
Born: 6/11/1981 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Fukui, Fukui Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Chunichi (2000-2011 [41], 
Height:6'1"  Weight: 200 pounds [18], [14])
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
2000 9 17.1 0 1 0 0 1 8 95 0 0 36 5 9 7 2 1 0 32 27 14.02 .424 2.48
2001 15 49.2 0 5 0 0 9 6 236 0 0 60 4 31 34 1 4 1 33 30 5.44 .309 1.89
2002 31 200.1 11 11 0 0 30 1 843 7 1 193 10 149 63 4 7 1 71 58 2.61 .256 1.28
2003 6 29.2 1 4 0 0 6 0 153 1 0 48 5 23 16 0 0 1 31 26 7.89 .364 2.16
2004 14 53.0 3 3 0 0 10 4 238 0 0 64 7 38 21 2 7 0 27 24 4.80 .303 1.60
2005 16 98.1 5 7 0 0 16 0 439 2 0 123 4 65 40 2 4 0 49 43 3.94 .316 1.66
2006 25 154.2 13 6 0 1 21 4 636 2 1 155 12 107 33 3 6 0 51 48 2.79 .265 1.22
2007 29 171.2 12 7 0 0 26 3 717 3 0 173 9 105 50 4 5 0 67 64 3.36 .270 1.30
2008 12 56.1 3 4 0 0 9 3 255 1 0 67 5 30 20 1 2 0 27 21 3.36 .296 1.54
2009 24 151.1 10 8 0 0 24 0 655 0 0 159 14 83 45 9 7 0 78 68 4.04 .273 1.35
2010 9 41.1 3 6 0 0 9 0 195 0 0 56 8 31 13 2 0 0 29 26 5.66 .322 1.67
2011 2 7.0 0 1 0 0 2 0 34 0 0 10 2 4 4 0 0 0 8 7 9.00 .333 2.00
Totals 192 1030.2 61 63 0 1 163 29 4496 16 2 1144 85 675 346 30 43 3 503 442 3.86 1.45
Biography: Started out playing baseball in first grade on a team his father coached. Played Senior League ball in junior high. Played in two Koshien Tourmaments (spring, summer 1999). Reportedly clocked at 92mph in high school. Drafted on the first round (1999). Had control issues his first couple of years of pro ball, but changed his delivery in 2002 and had a breakout season. But then he suffered a fractured elbow in 2003, but didn't tell anyone about it because he didn't want to be sent down to the minors. Hurt his shoulder during spraing training of 2004 and missed the first two months of the schedule. Manager Hiromitsu Ochiai expressed frustration with Asakura's up and down performances and eventually put it all together in 2006. During 2007, he had the fewest homers allowed of any Central League regular starter and was the winning pitcher during the last game of that season's Japan Series against Nippon Ham for the Dragons first championship since the 1950's. However, his control and stuff went south in 2008 due to a circulatory problem in his arm and sat out the last three months of the regular schedule. Spent most of 2011 rehabbing an injury. Throws two and four seam fastballs (highest clocking is 95mph, but is usually around 90mph), curve, slider, shuuto, forkball and will get a lot of ground balls when he's on. 1000th IP (5/9/2010 against Yakult at Nagoya Dome in the first inning) Official Blog  Reference: Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.45 K/9: 5.9  BB/9: 3.0 HR/9: 0.7
Debut: 8/10/2000 against Hiroshima at Nagoya Dome in a fourth inning relief appearance. First Win (4/6/2002 against Hiroshima at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium in a start), First Shutout (7/16/2002 against Yakult at Meiji Jingu Stadium in a three hitter 3-0)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Asama, Keita Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Keiai Gakuen High School
Born: 8/19/1984 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Chiba, Chiba Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]):Lotte (2003 [50])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 176 pounds
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
2003 2 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 1 7 0 0 2 1 0 3 0 0 0 3 3 27.00 .500 5.00
Totals 2 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 1 7 0 0 2 1 0 3 0 0 0 3 3 27.00 .500 5.00
Biography: Spent his elementary school years living in Nagoya. Drafted on the third round (2002. Lasted just one-third of an inning in his lone start. He had been the first rookie fresh off the high school diamond to start for Lotte in 12 years. Hurt his elbow in 2006 and sat out the entire regular season. He got lit up when he came back in 2007 and then incurred a fracture of his middle finger during spring training 2008. He returned to action in the minors, but got drilled and was released once the season ended. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan   Official Blog
Career WHIP: 5.00 K/9: 0.0 BB/9: 27.0 HR/9: 9.0
Debut: 7/19/2003 against Daiei at Chiba Marine Stadium in a ninth inning relief appearance. First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Asano, Katsusaburo Positions Played: P, OF
Nicknames:  High School: Akashi Chugakkou
Born: 10/1/1915 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: Zen-Akashi
Birthplace: Hyogo Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hankyu (1936-1941 [9])
Height: 5'6" Weight: 140 pounds
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1936S 9 27.2 1 3 0 0 3 6 134 1 0 40 2 12 8 0 2 0 28 17 5.53 .333 1.73
1936F 2 6.0 1 1 0 0 2 0 33 0 0 10 0 1 4 0 0 0 7 7 10.50 .357 2.33
1937F 1 5.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 21 0 0 5 0 2 1 1 0 0 2 1 1.80 .263 1.20
1938S 9 49.0 2 2 0 0 5 4 203 3 1 45 2 16 12 1 1 0 16 11 2.02 .239 1.16
1938F 4 22.0 2 1 0 0 3 1 88 2 1 17 0 8 8 0 0 0 6 3 1.23 .213 1.14
1939 7 33.2 4 2 0 0 4 3 144 1 1 28 0 13 11 0 1 0 20 14 3.74 .217 1.16
1940 27 181.1 11 7 0 0 24 3 729 13 5 132 1 49 61 3 1 0 46 33 1.64 .203 1.06
1941 12 70.1 2 6 0 0 9 3 310 5 1 72 1 18 27 3 0 0 41 29 3.71 .265 1.41
Totals 71 395.0 24 22 0 0 51 20 1662 25 9 349 6 119 132 8 5 0 166 115 2.62 .235 1.22
Biography: Was an outfielder in junior high. Had one walkless complete game lifetime. 
Career WHIP: 1.22 K/9: 2.7 BB/9: 3.0 HR/9: 0.1 No Hitter (4/14/1940 against Osaka at Koshien Stadium in a 9-0 victory). 
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout ()
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Asano, Keishi Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Fukuyama Denpa Kogyo High School
Born: 2/22/1949 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Sankei Atoms/Yakult (1967-1976
Height: 5'9" Weight: 165 pounds [36], [19]), Yomiuri (1977-1984 [17])
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1967 50 149.2 8 10 0 0 9 41 603 2 0 134 17 69 26 7 4 0 53 46 2.77 .238 1.07
1968 36 79.2 4 6 0 0 7 29 332 0 0 76 10 49 24 3 6 0 49 38 4.29 .254 1.26
1969 54 133.0 9 6 0 0 2 52 525 0 0 110 7 95 29 7 3 0 44 39 2.64 .229 1.05
1970 28 123.0 6 12 0 0 14 14 537 5 1 125 17 78 48 5 3 0 61 53 3.88 .267 1.41
1971 38 163.1 7 14 0 0 23 15 678 5 1 147 16 96 67 6 0 0 64 58 3.20 .248 1.31
1972 37 168.1 6 14 0 0 20 17 691 5 1 146 18 98 65 5 0 0 86 74 3.96 .243 1.25
1973 43 178.1 14 12 0 0 20 23 716 2 1 137 15 136 63 2 1 1 56 47 2.37 .216 1.12
1974 41 256.0 12 15 5 0 27 14 990 19 3 202 23 148 50 6 2 1 67 68 2.39 .221 0.98
1975 22 57.0 1 4 0 0 7 15 266 0 0 76 10 33 25 3 1 1 44 42 6.63 .335 1.77
1976 23 59.0 3 6 1 2 5 18 253 2 1 62 6 33 15 1 0 0 27 23 3.51 .272 1.31
1977 31 93.1 9 4 1 7 7 24 394 2 0 86 13 61 38 1 3 0 32 26 2.51 .250 1.33
1978 23 45.2 2 3 0 0 8 15 206 0 0 45 2 21 29 0 0 0 33 29 5.72 .260 1.62
1979 21 49.1 2 3 0 0 5 16 229 0 0 60 8 33 27 1 2 0 34 33 6.02 .306 1.76
1980 3 7.0 0 0 0 0 0 3 27 0 0 6 0 3 2 0 0 0 3 3 3.86 .240 1.14
1981 25 43.1 1 2 0 1 1 24 188 0 0 39 2 3 22 2 0 0 20 19 3.95 .245 1.41
1982 35 67.2 2 4 3 5 1 34 272 0 0 56 1 33 21 0 1 0 26 19 2.53 .232 1.14
1983 14 18.0 0 1 0 0 0 14 81 0 0 26 4 45 4 1 0 0 19 19 9.50 .356 1.67
1984 18 24.0 0 0 0 0 0 18 97 0 0 25 2 5 8 0 0 0 11 11 4.13 .287 1.38
Totals 542 1715.2 86 116 10 15 156 386 7085 42 8 1558 171 1043 563 50 26 0 647 647 3.39 .247 1.24
Biography: Became his high school's ace as a junior. Drafted on the ninth round (1966). Was origianlly used in relief with Yakult, but became a starter in 1971. Selected to one all star team (1974). Used mainly in middle relief at Yomiuri. Had three walkless complete games lifetime. Became a baseball commentator with Radio Japan after retirement and then coached at Yakult and Nippon Ham afterward. Was a coach with China Trust in the Taiwanese pro league in 2003. 1000th strikeout (6/22/1982 against Chunichi at Korakuen Stadium, the 65th man to reach that mark).
Career WHIP: 1.24 K/9: 5.5 BB/9: 3.0 HR/9: 0.9
Debut: First Hit (), First Shutout ()
Titles: Comeback Player of the Year (1977). 
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Asao, Takuya Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Tokoname Kita High School
Born: 10/22/1984 College: Nihon Fukushi University
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Chita, Aichi Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]):Chunichi (2007-2011 [41])
Height: 6'0" Weight: 156 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
2007 19 51.0 4 1 0 1 5 14 224 0 0 51 5 40 20 0 2 0 21 20 3.53 .254 1.39
2008 44 50.1 3 1 1 4 0 44 199 0 0 43 0 35 9 3 0 0 11 10 1.79 .240 1.03
2009 67 113.1 7 9 6 10 7 60 404 0 0 108 8 96 24 6 4 0 47 44 3.49 .258 1.16
2010 72 80.1 12 3 1 13 0 72 307 0 0 60 4 75 10 1 3 0 16 15 1.68 .204 0.87
2011 79 87.1 7 2 10 17 0 79 328 0 0 57 0 100 15 2 1 0 5 4 0.41 .186 0.82
Totals 281 382.1 33 16 18 45 12 269 1522 0 0 319 15 346 78 12 10 0 100 93 2.19 1.04
Biography: Was originally a catcher in high school,. but got moved to the hill as a junior. Drafted on the third round (2006). Was the first player ever from his college to become a pro baseball player. Hurt his shoulder during the second half of 2007 and was used sparingly afterward that year. All three of his HBP in 2008 were beanings and thus automatic ejections under Japan's dangerous pitch rule. Started on opening Day, 2009, picking up a victory (4/3/2009 against Yokohama at Nagoya Dome). However, he was inconsistent after that and was demoted to the bullpen. In 2010, though, set a new team record with 72 appearances, eclipsing Hiroshi Gondo's decades old mark and then bested that in 2011. Became first pitcher ever to win a Gold Glove without having made at least one start. Has reportedly touched 98mph, but he denies it was anymore than 95mph. However, he has had other clockings in the 97mph range. Also, because he has a lot of female fans, the ballclub has ordered him to delay marriage to keep their interest piqued. Married to wife Saori. Selected to two all star teams (2010-2011), Reference: Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.04 K/9: 8.1 BB/9: 1.8 HR/9: 0.4
Debut: 4/10/2007 against Hanshin at Koshien Stadium in a seventh inning relief appearance. First Win (4/24/2007 against Hiroshima at Nagoya Dome in a 12th inning relief appearance), First Shutout (N/A), First Save (8/7/2008 against Yakult at Matsuyama Botchan Stadium). 
Titles: Appearances (2011), Middle Reliever of the Year (2010-2011), MVP (2011), Gold Glove (2011)
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame INduction: N/A


Asaoka, Saburo Positions Played: P, 1B, OF
Nicknames: High School: Kitano Chugakkou
Born: 2/8/1914 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: Kobe Diamond
Birthplace: Osaka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Tokyo Senators (1936-1939 [7]), 
Height: 5'6" Weight: 123 pounds Tsubasa (1940 [7]), Taiyo (1941-1942 [19])
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1936S 9 29.1 2 0 0 0 4 5 126 1 0 26 0 17 20 0 0 0 14 10 3.07 .239 1.57
1936F 13 64.2 3 1 0 0 4 9 289 1 0 76 3 20 24 1 1 0 34 28 3.90 .300 1.55
1937S 23 121.0 5 12 0 0 11 12 542 4 1 107 1 38 73 1 2 0 71 57 4.24 .232 1.49
1937F 20 105.2 3 8 0 0 11 9 462 6 1 91 5 33 60 2 1 0 58 43 3.66 .232 1.43
1938S 21 137.2 8 9 0 0 14 7 602 10 0 133 4 39 55 0 3 0 69 45 2.94 .247 1.37
1939F 19 104.1 7 5 0 0 12 7 458 8 2 94 7 39 48 0 0 0 57 42 3.62 .234 1.36
1939 34 212.2 9 8 0 0 23 11 875 9 2 173 4 86 84 2 1 0 53 31 1.31 .223 1.21
1940 41 281.2 14 9 0 0 26 15 1126 20 7 199 8 85 106 0 0 0 71 52 1.66 .199 1.08
1941 29 179.1 11 6 0 0 17 12 714 10 3 123 7 45 75 0 0 0 41 32 1.61 .195 1.10
1942 4 19.0 1 0 0 0 4 0 73 1 1 15 0 3 2 0 0 0 5 4 1.89 .217 0.89
Totals 213 1255.1 64 58 0 0 126 87 5267 70 17 1037 39 405 547 6 8 0 473 344 2.47 .224 1.26
Biography: Finished second in ERA (1939). Had one walkless complete games  lifetime. 
Career WHIP: 1.26 K/9: 2.9 BB/9: 3.9 HR/9: 0.3
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout ()
Titles: HR (1940-1941)
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Ashikaga, Yutaka Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Kanaashi Nogyo High School
Born: 10/15/1968 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: Shin Nittetsu Nagoya
Birthplace: Kawabe-gun, Akita Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Daiei Hawks (1991-1995 [52])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 154 pounds
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1991 11 20.0 0 0 0 0 0 11 87 0 0 21 1 10 9 1 0 0 11 11 4.95 .273 1.50
1992 32 102.1 5 5 0 0 10 22 435 3 2 105 11 57 28 4 0 0 51 48 4.22 .269 1.30
1993 24 142.1 6 13 1 1 20 4 636 6 0 152 18 65 57 8 1 0 71 67 4.24 .275 1.47
1994 13 37.0 2 2 0 0 5 8 158 0 0 38 5 22 11 0 0 0 16 16 3.89 .266 1.32
1995 1 1.1 0 0 0 0 0 1 10 0 0 5 0 1 0 1 0 0 5 5 33.75 .556 3.75
Totals 81 303.0 13 20 1 1 35 46 1326 9 2 321 35 155 105 14 1 0 154 147 4.37 .274 1.41
Biography: Started playing baseball in third grade. Became his high school's pitching ace as a junior. Drafted on the fifth round (1990). Released by Daiei after the 1997 season and was signed by Yokohama before retiring at the end of the 1998 season. 
Career WHIP: 1.41 K/9: 4.6 BB/9: 3.1 HR/9: 1.0
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout ()
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Atsuzawa, Kazuyuki Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Omiya Kogyo High School
Born: 8/11/1972 College: Kokushikan University
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Urawa, Saitama Prefecture Team Years and [uniform number]): Nippon Ham (1995-2003 [19])
Height: 6'0" Weight: 165 pounds
Bats: Left Throws: Left 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1995 7 11.1 0 1 0 0 1 6 50 0 0 8 1 11 8 0 1 0 8 8 6.35 .205 1.41
1997 3 1.2 0 0 0 0 0 3 7 0 0 1 0 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0.00 .167 0.60
1998 5 8.0 0 0 0 0 0 5 39 0 0 12 0 9 5 0 2 0 2 2 2.25 .364 2.13
1999 3 3.1 0 0 0 0 0 3 15 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 1 0 1 0 0.00 .000 1.20
2000 6 6.0 0 0 0 0 0 6 24 0 0 4 1 5 2 0 1 0 3 3 4.50 .200 1.00
2001 15 24.0 0 1 0 0 0 15 112 0 0 23 6 26 17 2 2 0 18 17 6.38 .256 1.67
2003 3 6.0 0 2 0 0 2 1 32 0 0 9 0 5 5 0 0 0 9 6 0.00 .346 2.33
Totals 42 60.1 0 4 0 0 3 39 279 0 0 57 8 59 41 4 8 0 41 36 5.37 .258 1.62
Biography: Started playing baseball in junior high. Was named his high school's ace as a junior. Won a Tokyo Metropolitan University League MVP his senior year. Drafted on the second round (1994). Suffered a concussion when hit in the head by a line drive (9/25/1997 against Lotte at Tokyo Dome). Released after the 1994 season. 
Career WHIP: 1.62 K/9: 8.8 BB/9: 6.1 HR/9: 1.2
Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Awano, Hideyuki Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Sakuragaoka Municipal High School
Born: 7/28/1964 College: Asia University
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Ota Ward, Tokyo Team (Years and [uniform number]): Kintetsu Buffaloes (1987-1994 [14]), 
Height: 5'10" Weight: 165 pounds Yomiuri (1995-1997 [28]), Yokohama (1998-2000 [49])
Bats: Left Throws: Left
Year G IP W L Save SF GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1987 32 249.2 15 12 0 0 30 2 1002 22 3 211 27 201 58 4 3 0 86 80 2.88 .232 1.08
1988 29 220.1 14 12 1 1 27 2 898 15 3 199 21 181 51 5 1 0 66 64 2.61 .243 1.13
1989 29 235.2 19 8 1 1 28 1 955 21 5 187 25 183 80 4 4 0 75 71 2.71 .222 1.13
1990 25 190.2 10 11 1 1 24 1 815 10 0 192 33 141 62 3 5 2 111 98 4.63 .264 1.33
1991 13 38.1 2 2 1 2 6 7 163 0 0 41 7 20 12 2 4 0 22 21 4.93 .289 1.38
1992 19 93.2 6 6 0 0 16 3 408 2 0 95 5 77 38 4 2 0 38 35 3.36 .276 1.42
1993 22 50.2 1 3 0 0 4 18 244 0 0 69 11 38 30 0 0 0 43 39 6.93 .330 1.95
1994 6 10.1 0 2 0 0 2 4 58 0 0 22 2 9 6 0 1 0 14 14 12.19 .458 2.71
1995 24 29.1 0 3 0 0 1 23 139 0 0 33 2 26 19 2 2 0 19 14 4.30 .300 1.77
1996 4 9.0 0 0 0 0 0 4 35 0 0 5 0 13 2 0 0 0 3 3 3.00 .152 0.78
1997 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 .000 infinity
1998 50 54.0 4 1 0 4 1 49 237 0 0 50 6 44 22 4 3 2 29 28 4.67 .248 1.33
1999 40 62.2 2 8 1 2 8 32 295 0 0 79 10 41 24 6 1 0 49 44 6.32 .310 1.64
2000 11 15.2 2 0 0 2 1 10 66 0 0 15 1 11 5 2 0 0 8 8 4.60 .259 1.28
Totals 305 1260.0 75 68 5 13 148 157 5316 70 11 1198 150 985 410 36 26 4 563 519 3.71 .255 1.28
Biography: Won 32 games in college, seventh all time in Tokyo Metropolitan University League annals. Was used in both starting roles and as an occasional lefty specialist his first year. Started four Opening Day games in a row (1988-1991). Used as a lefty specialist with Yokohama. Selected to four all star teams (1987-1990). Worked as a pitching coach for Yomiuri after retirement. 
Career WHIP: 1.28 K/9: 7.0 BB/9: 2.9 HR/9: 1.1
Debut: 4/12/1987 in a start against Lotte at Fujiidera Stadium, going all the way for the victory. First Win (4/12/1987 in a start against Lotte in a complete game effort at Fujiidera Stadium), First Shutout (4/18/1987 against Seibu)
Titles: Rookie of the Year (1987), IP (1987, 1989), Wins (1989), BF (1987), CG (1989), HR (1990), K (1987, 1989), Best Nine (1989), Gold Glove (1989)
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Azuma, Kazumasa Positions Played: P
Nicknames: Oompa High School: Sukumo High School
Born: 6/1/1982 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Sukumo, Kochi Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yokohama (2001-2004 [62]), 
Height: 6'1" Weight: 182 pounds Seibu (2005-2006 [69], [66])
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
2001 3 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 3 22 0 0 6 3 2 6 1 1 0 7 7 21.00 .400 4.00
2002 28 25.0 1 0 0 1 0 28 119 0 0 32 1 12 12 6 0 0 21 21 7.56 .330 1.76
2003 5 8.1 0 1 0 0 1 4 46 0 0 12 1 7 6 2 0 0 13 12 12.96 .353 2.16
2004 7 21.0 0 0 0 0 2 5 100 0 0 31 4 10 1 0 1 0 18 14 6.00 .360 1.52
2005 3 10.0 0 0 0 0 2 1 49 0 0 15 3 5 5 0 0 0 7 7 6.30 .357 2.00
2006 5 9.0 1 0 0 1 0 5 37 0 0 12 2 3 1 0 1 0 6 6 6.00 .343 1.44
Totals 51 76.1 2 1 0 2 5 46 373 0 0 108 14 39 31 9 3 0 72 67 7.90 1.82
Biography: Sdiearmer Was his high school team's ace. Notched an Eastern League ERA title (2003). Traded to Seibu in June, 2004. His Lions teammates thought he resembled an am oompa loompa, thus his nickname. Retired after the 2008 season and went into the civilian workforce. Had a good shuuto and slider, but uncertain control. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.82 K/9: 4.6 BB/9:3.7  HR/9: 1.7
Debut: 8/17/2001 against Hanshin at Yokohama Stadium in a fifth inning relief appearance. First Win (5/28/2002 against Hanshin at Kurashiki Muskat Stadiumin relief), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Azuma, Minoru Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Kainan High School
Born: 7/17/1934 College: Rikkyo University
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Kainan, Wakayama Prefecture Team (Years and [unifrom number]): Nankai Hawks (1957-1960 [18],
Height: 5'9" Weight: 156 pounds [10])
Bats: Left Throws: Left 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1957 31 72.0 1 4 0 0 6 25 301 0 0 68 8 50 27 2 0 0 30 26 3.25 .256 1.32
1958 10 25.1 1 1 0 0 2 8 113 0 0 28 3 16 10 0 1 0 12 12 4.26 .280 1.50
1959 4 9.1 0 1 0 0 1 3 42 0 0 8 1 5 4 1 0 0 5 4 3.86 .222 1.29
1960 3 3.1 0 0 0 0 0 3 15 0 0 3 0 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0.00 .214 1.20
Totals 48 110.0 2 6 0 0 9 39 471 0 0 107 12 73 42 3 1 0 49 42 3.44 .257 1.35
Biography: Played in one Koshien Tournament (spring 1952). Was 20-11 with ten shutouts in college, including a no hitter against Tokyo University. 
Career WHIP: 1.35 K/9: 6.0 BB/9: 3.4 HR/9: 1.0
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Azuse, Kotaro Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Kyushu Gakuin High School
Born: 5/6/1967 College: Meiji University
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Taiyo Whales (1990-1992 [12]), 
Height: 5'10" Weight: 171 pounds Lotte (1993-1996 [47]), Hiroshima (1997-1998 [39]), Chunichi (1999 
Bats: Left Throws: Left [52]), Kintetsu Buffaloes (2000 [62])
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1990 10 35.0 1 3 0 0 5 5 149 0 0 25 3 34 22 1 1 1 19 16 4.11 .200 1.34
1991 8 16.0 0 1 0 0 3 5 71 0 0 17 1 15 11 0 0 1 7 6 3.38 .283 2.00
1992 24 26.1 0 1 0 0 2 22 121 0 0 20 6 19 24 2 1 0 18 18 6.15 .220 1.67
1993 10 11.0 0 1 0 0 1 9 54 0 0 15 0 6 8 1 0 0 6 6 4.91 .341 2.09
1994 1 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0.00 .167 0.50
1996 4 3.1 0 0 0 0 0 4 19 0 0 7 2 1 3 0 0 0 4 4 10.80 .438 3.00
1997 37 25.2 1 0 0 1 0 37 113 0 0 21 2 17 11 6 1 1 17 15 5.26 .223 1.25
1998 13 6.0 0 1 0 0 0 13 29 0 0 7 0 5 2 2 1 0 5 4 6.00 .280 1.50
1999 2 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 .333 3.00
2000 7 6.0 0 0 0 0 0 7 36 0 0 4 0 6 12 2 3 0 4 4 6.00 .182 2.67
Totals 116 132.0 2 7 0 1 11 105 602 0 0 118 14 105 94 14 8 3 80 73 4.98 .243 1.61
Biography: Played on a nationwide junior high school tournament winner and won it all. Batted cleanup and played first in high school. Was 7-4 with a 3.62 ERA in college. Drafted on the second round (1989). 
Career WHIP: 1.61 K/9: 7.2 BB/9: 6.4 HR/9: 1.0
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A