| Kubo, Fumio | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Ito High School |
| Born: 12/3/1962 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Ito-gun, Wakayama Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Taiyo Whales (1981-1986 [19], |
| Height: 6'0" Weight: 171 pounds | [49]) |
| Bats: Right 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 |
| 1981 | 1 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | .167 | 1.50 | |
| 1982 | 5 | 7.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 41 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 2 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 12 | 14.09 | .353 | 2.48 | |
| 1983 | 23 | 24.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 107 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 3 | 11 | 13 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 15 | 5.55 | .258 | 1.48 | |
| 1984 | 28 | 40.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 27 | 165 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 2 | 31 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 12 | 2.70 | .217 | 1.18 | |
| 1985 | 36 | 49.1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 34 | 204 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 11 | 24 | 19 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 22 | 21 | 3.83 | .211 | 1.16 | |
| 1986 | 22 | 19.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 81 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 3 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 12 | 5.68 | .347 | 1.47 | |
| Totals | 115 | 142.1 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 112 | 606 | 0 | 0 | 131 | 21 | 90 | 59 | 59 | 4 | 1 | 75 | 72 | 4.55 | .249 | 1.33 |
| Biography: Signed outside the draft (1980). Retired after the 1987 season. |
| Career WHIP: 1.33 K/9: 5.7 BB/9: 3.7 HR/9: 1.3 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kubo, Mamoru | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Gojo Chugakkou |
| Born: 8/6/1928 | College: N/A |
| Died: 3/10/1992 | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Nara Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hankyu Braves (1952 [14]) |
| Height: 5'7" Weight: 132 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 |
| 1952 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 9.00 | .333 | 3.00 | |
| Totals | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 9.00 | .333 | 3.00 |
| Biography: |
| Career WHIP: 3.00 K/9: 9.0 BB/9: 18.0 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 |
![]()
| Kubo, Shigeo | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Karasuma Shogyo High School |
| Born: 8/15/1928 | College: Ritsumeikan University |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Kyoto Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number[): Taiyo Whales (1950 [20]) |
| Height: 5'9" Weight: 150 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 |
| 1950 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4.50 | .333 | 2.00 | |
| Totals | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4.50 | .333 | 2.00 |
| Biography: |
| Career WHIP: 2.00 K/9: 4.5 BB/9: 4.5 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 |
![]()
| Kubo, Yasuo | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Yanagawa Shogyo High School |
| Born: 4/8/1958 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Kaho-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Kintetsu Bufffaloes (1978-1988, 1996- |
| Height: 5'10" Weight: 182 pounds | 1997 [16], [6]), Hanshin (1988-1997 [48]) |
| 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 |
| 1978 | 6 | 15.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 67 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 3 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 5.74 | .262 | 1.34 | |
| 1979 | 5 | 10.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 46 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 7.20 | .395 | 1.80 | |
| 1980 | 34 | 130.1 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 24 | 555 | 4 | 0 | 130 | 24 | 69 | 45 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 61 | 58 | 4.01 | .262 | 1.34 | |
| 1981 | 42 | 165.1 | 9 | 11 | 8 | 12 | 17 | 25 | 713 | 5 | 1 | 166 | 23 | 78 | 71 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 78 | 75 | 4.08 | .267 | 1.43 | |
| 1982 | 26 | 176.2 | 12 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 22 | 4 | 748 | 15 | 2 | 165 | 27 | 75 | 68 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 81 | 76 | 3.87 | .247 | 1.32 | |
| 1983 | 29 | 142.1 | 5 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 20 | 9 | 598 | 5 | 0 | 134 | 26 | 46 | 52 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 83 | 72 | 4.55 | .254 | 1.31 | |
| 1984 | 36 | 124.2 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 28 | 546 | 2 | 0 | 125 | 20 | 51 | 52 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 73 | 66 | 4.76 | .263 | 1.42 | |
| 1985 | 30 | 54.1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 29 | 256 | 0 | 0 | 63 | 9 | 26 | 30 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 49 | 46 | 7.62 | .292 | 1.71 | |
| 1986 | 20 | 69.2 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 13 | 288 | 2 | 1 | 62 | 13 | 41 | 27 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 31 | 27 | 3.49 | .248 | 1.28 | |
| 1987 | 12 | 21.2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 94 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 4 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 13 | 5.40 | .314 | 1.52 | |
| 1988 | 25 | 71.1 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 16 | 309 | 2 | 1 | 77 | 9 | 37 | 28 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 35 | 35 | 4.42 | .287 | 1.47 | |
| 1989 | 14 | 49.1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 223 | 0 | 0 | 54 | 9 | 55 | 25 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 30 | 28 | 5.11 | .278 | 1.60 | |
| 1990 | 55 | 84.0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 55 | 334 | 0 | 0 | 71 | 13 | 89 | 29 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 38 | 38 | 4.07 | .241 | 1.19 | |
| 1991 | 37 | 59.2 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 12 | 0 | 37 | 252 | 0 | 0 | 51 | 8 | 39 | 25 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 22 | 21 | 3.17 | .233 | 1.27 | |
| 1992 | 11 | 14.0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 11 | 63 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 16 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 5.14 | .245 | 1.57 | |
| 1993 | 34 | 53.0 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 34 | 227 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 5 | 53 | 23 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 23 | 20 | 3.40 | .215 | 1.25 | |
| 1994 | 50 | 69.2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 50 | 298 | 0 | 0 | 63 | 7 | 56 | 26 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 24 | 3.10 | .245 | 1.28 | |
| 1995 | 45 | 60.0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 45 | 272 | 0 | 0 | 66 | 13 | 55 | 27 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 42 | 39 | 5.85 | .291 | 1.55 | |
| 1996 | 21 | 31.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 124 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 3 | 23 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 2.32 | .268 | 1.16 | |
| 1997 | 18 | 19.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 86 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 3 | 13 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 11 | 5.12 | .271 | 1.40 | |
| Totals | 550 | 1422.0 | 71 | 62 | 30 | 68 | 106 | 444 | 6099 | 35 | 5 | 1391 | 227 | 847 | 564 | 50 | 28 | 0 | 735 | 683 | 4.32 | .261 | 1.37 |
| Biography: Played in one Koshien Tournament (summer 1976). Drafted on the first round (1976). Moved to Kintetsu in June, 1996. Had one walkless complete game lifetime. Coached with Kintetsu after retirement. |
| Career WHIP: 1.37 K/9: 5.4 BB/9: 3.6 HR/9: 1.4 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout () |
| Titles: G (1990) |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kubo, Yasutomo | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Kansaidai Number One High School |
| Born: 8/6/1980 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: Matsushita Electric |
| Birthplace: Kashihara, Nara Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Lotte (2005-2008 [16]), |
| Height: 5'11" Weight: 180 pounds | Hanshin (2009-2010 [34]) |
| 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 |
| 2005 | 19 | 121.2 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 1 | 506 | 5 | 3 | 120 | 13 | 84 | 26 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 52 | 46 | 3.40 | .257 | 1.20 | |
| 2006 | 23 | 140.1 | 7 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 1 | 605 | 1 | 0 | 153 | 11 | 119 | 32 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 73 | 71 | 4.55 | .282 | 1.32 | |
| 2007 | 21 | 128.1 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 2 | 532 | 2 | 0 | 139 | 11 | 82 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 0 | 62 | 57 | 4.00 | .278 | 1.17 | |
| 2008 | 33 | 91.0 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 21 | 412 | 1 | 0 | 104 | 10 | 70 | 33 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 52 | 50 | 4.95 | .288 | 1.51 | |
| 2009 | 26 | 151.1 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 2 | 646 | 1 | 1 | 140 | 14 | 113 | 50 | 16 | 9 | 0 | 66 | 63 | 3.75 | .248 | 1.26 | |
| Totals | 122 | 632.2 | 39 | 29 | 0 | 1 | 95 | 27 | 2701 | 10 | 4 | 656 | 59 | 468 | 152 | 47 | 26 | 1 | 305 | 287 | 4.08 | 1.28 |
| Biography: Started playing baseball in elementary school with a local youth team. Played nanshiki ball in junior high. Commuted an hour and a half to his high school, which is in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, everyday by train. Became his high school team's ace his senior year and lead them to their first Koshien berth in 69 years and losing in the final. He also pitched them into the summer Koshien that year, but only made it to the q.uarterfinals. Was dogged by injuries in the industrial leagues and he didn't pitch much initially, but he became his team's ace in 2004 and was also selected to Japan's national amateur baseball team. Drafted on the first round (2004). Ripped off seven straight winsb before he was beaten in August (2005). He became the first rookie righthander to win ten games with Lotte ever and first man fresh out of the amateur ranks to do it in 55 years for that club. Started on Opening Day 2006 and got lit up in a loss and then got clobbered during interleague play. He would lose six decisions in a row down the stretch, too and ended up with the second most losses in the league that year. In 2007, took a liner off his righthand in June and suffered a fracture of the pinky finger, ultimately missing five weeks of the schedule. Traded to Hanshin in March, 2009. His first win for the Tigers was against Lotte. That season, he also became the youngest man ever to beat 12 different ballclubs and the seventh overall to do it. Has been clocked as high as 93mph with a slider, cutter, forkball, shuuto and changeup, but his command comes and goes. He is quick to the plate though, so he is tough to run on. Reference: Wikipedia Japan |
| Career WHIP: 1.28 K/9: 6.7 BB/9: 2.2 HR/9: 0.8 |
| Debut: 4/2/2005 against Softbank at Chiba Marine Stadium in a seventh inning relief appearance. First Win (4/24/2005 against Rakuten at Miyagi Prefectural Stadium in his first pro start), First Shutout (4/24/2005 against Rakuten at Miyagi Prefectural Stadium) |
| Titles: Rookie of the Year (2005), HBP (2009) |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kubo, Yukihiro | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Osaka Minato High School |
| Born: 4/2/1940 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Mie Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Kintetsu Buffaloes (1960-1966 [45]), |
| Height: 5'11" Weight: 165 pounds | Chunichi (1967-1968 [22]) |
| 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 |
| 1960 | 4 | 8.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 40 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7.56 | .343 | 1.68 | |
| 1961 | 50 | 108.0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 41 | 475 | 0 | 0 | 112 | 9 | 74 | 42 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 57 | 48 | 4.00 | .271 | 1.43 | |
| 1962 | 66 | 300.2 | 28 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 43 | 1245 | 10 | 1 | 294 | 13 | 168 | 70 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 122 | 101 | 3.02 | .257 | 1.21 | |
| 1963 | 62 | 251.2 | 19 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 43 | 993 | 9 | 2 | 218 | 15 | 94 | 48 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 82 | 66 | 2.36 | .237 | 1.06 | |
| 1964 | 51 | 220.1 | 10 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 19 | 939 | 8 | 3 | 249 | 16 | 65 | 49 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 112 | 92 | 3.76 | .290 | 1.35 | |
| 1965 | 34 | 143.0 | 3 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 13 | 623 | 5 | 1 | 175 | 12 | 38 | 34 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 79 | 64 | 4.03 | .303 | 1.46 | |
| 1966 | 19 | 71.0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 6 | 306 | 0 | 0 | 84 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 31 | 3.93 | .301 | 1.39 | |
| 1967 | 54 | 90.1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 53 | 381 | 0 | 0 | 92 | 6 | 34 | 26 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 41 | 30 | 2.99 | .267 | 1.31 | |
| 1968 | 8 | 15.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 66 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 9 | 5.40 | .306 | 1.47 | |
| Totals | 348 | 1208.1 | 61 | 86 | 0 | 0 | 119 | 229 | 5068 | 32 | 7 | 1255 | 84 | 489 | 289 | 28 | 15 | 1 | 547 | 448 | 3.34 | .271 | 1.28 |
| Biography: Selected to two all star teams (1962-1963). Had six walkless complete games lifetime. Scouted and coached for Hanshin after retirement. |
| Career WHIP: 1.28 K/9: 3.6 BB/9: 2.2 HR/9: 0.6 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout () |
| Titles: G (1962), Wins (1962), H (1962), R (1962), ER (1962), ERA (1963). |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kubo, Yuya | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Oki Gakuen High School |
| Born: 5/23/1980 | College: Tokai University |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Tokyo | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yomiuri (2003-2010 [11]) |
| Height: 5'10" Weight: 162 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 |
| 2003 | 38 | 109.2 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 25 | 470 | 0 | 0 | 115 | 18 | 105 | 29 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 61 | 52 | 4.27 | .270 | 1.31 | |
| 2004 | 35 | 99.1 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 13 | 22 | 439 | 1 | 0 | 116 | 10 | 86 | 30 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 52 | 45 | 4.80 | .291 | 1.47 | |
| 2005 | 64 | 78.2 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 14 | 1 | 63 | 346 | 0 | 0 | 82 | 8 | 67 | 27 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 32 | 30 | 3.43 | .270 | 1.39 | |
| 2006 | 59 | 61.1 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 59 | 266 | 0 | 0 | 58 | 7 | 60 | 26 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 29 | 21 | 3.08 | .254 | 1.37 | |
| 2007 | 13 | 60.1 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 4 | 260 | 1 | 1 | 67 | 13 | 46 | 12 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 29 | 4.33 | .284 | 1.31 | |
| 2008 | 6 | 17.2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 74 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 14 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 2.04 | .246 | 1.19 | |
| 2009 | 7 | 27.1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 116 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 3 | 25 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 3.29 | .233 | 1.24 | |
| Totals | 222 | 454.1 | 31 | 28 | 15 | 30 | 42 | 180 | 1971 | 2 | 1 | 479 | 59 | 403 | 138 | 24 | 27 | 1 | 218 | 191 | 3.78 | 1.36 |
| Biography: Started playing baseball in first grade while living in Fukuoka. Was his college team's ace and garnered four MVP awards while racking up 33 career wins. Drafted on the second round (2002). His career has been marred by inconsistent command. Reference: Wikipedia Japan |
| Career WHIP: 1.36 K/9: 8.0 BB/9: 2.7 HR/9: 1.2 |
| Debut: 3/28/2003 against Chunichi at Tokyo Dome in an eighth inning relief apeparance. First Win (4/2/2003 against Yokohama at Toko Dome in a ninth inning relief appearance), First Shutout (5/5/2007 against Yakult at Tokyo Dome), First Save (7/6/2004 against Yokohama at Tokyo Dome |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kubodera, Akira | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Zushi Kaisei Chugakkou |
| Born: 6/1930 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Kanagawa Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Tokyu Flyers (1950 [14]) |
| Height: 5'9" Weight: 150 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 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.00 | .333 | 2.00 | |
| Totals | 1 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.00 | .333 | 2.00 |
| Biography: |
| Career WHIP: 2.00 K/9:3.0 BB/9: 6.0 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 |
![]()
| Kubota, Osamu | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames; | High School: Toyokawa High School |
| Born: 12/19/1934 | College: Komazawa University (dropped out) |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Hamada, Shimane Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Toei Flyers (1955-1965 [62], [26]), |
| Height: 5'10" Weight: 158 pounds | Yomiuri (1966 [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 |
| 1955 | 16 | 68.0 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 4 | 285 | 0 | 0 | 62 | 3 | 26 | 23 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 32 | 30 | 3.97 | .247 | 1.25 | |
| 1956 | 11 | 27.1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 124 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 3 | 5 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 20 | 6.59 | .333 | 1.79 | |
| 1957 | 16 | 31.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 13 | 135 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 1 | 7 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 12 | 3.48 | .225 | 1.52 | |
| 1958 | 14 | 41.1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 9 | 178 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 5 | 21 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 17 | 3.70 | .278 | 1.40 | |
| 1959 | 24 | 68.0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 21 | 275 | 1 | 1 | 64 | 5 | 29 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 26 | 25 | 3.31 | .250 | 1.15 | |
| 1960 | 48 | 169.1 | 9 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 32 | 670 | 4 | 2 | 148 | 13 | 76 | 26 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 59 | 47 | 2.50 | .236 | 1.03 | |
| 1961 | 55 | 313.0 | 25 | 11 | 0 | 0- | 34 | 21 | 1230 | 18 | 5 | 257 | 12 | 137 | 47 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 96 | 75 | 2.16 | .220 | 0.97 | |
| 1962 | 43 | 190.2 | 16 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 18 | 739 | 5 | 4 | 164 | 10 | 43 | 25 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 65 | 45 | 2.12 | .235 | 0.99 | |
| 1963 | 36 | 206.2 | 15 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 9 | 840 | 7 | 2 | 218 | 20 | 61 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 67 | 62 | 2.70 | .273 | 1.18 | |
| 1964 | 24 | 82.2 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 15 | 342 | 1 | 0 | 82 | 6 | 17 | 16 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 38 | 34 | 3.70 | .264 | 1.19 | |
| 1965 | 15 | 44.1 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 191 | 1 | 0 | 50 | 5 | 16 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 29 | 20 | 4.06 | .286 | 1.33 | |
| 1966 | 5 | 22.0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 96 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 11 | 4.50 | .250 | 1.36 | |
| Totals | 307 | 1264.1 | 80 | 58 | 0 | 0 | 148 | 159 | 5105 | 38 | 14 | 1171 | 87 | 453 | 244 | 123 | 12 | 0 | 477 | 398 | 2.83 | .247 | 1.12 |
| Biography: Selected to two all star teams (1961, 1963). Had 11 walkless complete games lifetime. Became a Central League umpire after retirement. |
| Career WHIP: 1.12 K/9: 3.2 BB/9: 1.7 HR/9: 0.6 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout () |
| Titles: ERA (1962) |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kubota, Tomoyuki | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Namegawa Sogo High School |
| Born: 1/30/1981 | College: Tokiwa University |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Hiki-gun, Saitama Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hanshin (2003-2015 [30]) |
| Height: 5'11" Weight: 187 pounds | |
| Bats: Switch 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 | 26 | 89.1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 16 | 383 | 0 | 0 | 89 | 5 | 100 | 27 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 35 | 31 | 3.12 | .263 | 1.30 | |
| 2004 | 28 | 69.0 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 22 | 298 | 1 | 0 | 71 | 10 | 69 | 19 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 33 | 31 | 4.04 | .261 | 1.30 | |
| 2005 | 68 | 80.2 | 5 | 4 | 27 | 32 | 0 | 68 | 330 | 0 | 0 | 73 | 8 | 97 | 15 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 20 | 19 | 2.12 | .239 | 1.09 | |
| 2006 | 47 | 50.0 | 5 | 7 | 16 | 21 | 0 | 47 | 221 | 0 | 0 | 58 | 4 | 57 | 19 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 26 | 22 | 3.96 | .294 | 1.54 | |
| 2007 | 90 | 108.0 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 90 | 448 | 0 | 0 | 97 | 6 | 101 | 32 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 26 | 21 | 1.75 | .240 | 1.19 | |
| 2008 | 69 | 85.1 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 69 | 373 | 0 | 0 | 87 | 8 | 75 | 34 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 34 | 30 | 3.16 | .267 | 1.42 | |
| 2009 | 1 | 2.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 15.43 | .583 | 3.86 | |
| Totals | 329 | 484.2 | 34 | 27 | 47 | 76 | 17 | 312 | 2068 | 1 | 0 | 482 | 41 | 502 | 148 | 12 | 26 | 0 | 178 | 158 | 2.93 | 1.30 |
| Biography: Started playing baseball in third grade. Caught and was also a reliever in high school as well as his team's cleanup hitter, using a delivery reminiscent of Hideo Nomo's. Played in one Koshien Tournament (summer 1998). Won 22 games for his collegiate career and was clocked at a high of 95mph. He also switch hit during those years. Drafted on the fifth round (2002). He was fined 800,000 yen for being overweight during spring training of his rookie year. He lost the extra poundage. He also went to a more conventional delivery and was subsequently clocked at 97mph. After unsatisfactory performances as a starter in 2004, he was moved to the bullpen .Then he blossomed in 2005, becoming part of a three headed relief contingent that powered his side into the Japan Series, the Tigers first appearance there in 20 years. Selected to Japan's WBC nine in 2006. Unfortunatly, later that season, he broke his hand trying to stop his baby daughter's pram from falling and after missing some of the reamining schedule, came back and got hit around. His 90 appearances in 2007 is an NPB record. Hurt his shoulder during spraing training, 2009 as they tried to convert him to a starter again. His one start in July was lackluster and he was demoted to the minors to stay. Selected to two all star teams (2007-2008). Has a slider and a forkball to accompany his heater. He also tends to be an adventure at times as a reliever. Official Blog Reference: Wikipedia Japan |
| Career WHIP: 1.30 K/9: 9.3 BB/9: 2.7 HR/9: 0.8 |
| Debut: 5/11/2003 against Yokohama at Yokohama Stadium in a ninth inning relief appearance. First Win (6/15/2003 against Yomiuri at Koshien Stadium in a tenth inning relief appearance), First Shutout (N/A), First Save (8/28/2004 against Hiroshima at Koshien Stadium) |
| Titles: Appearances (2007-2008), Middle Reliever of the Year (2007-2008) |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kudoh, Kazuhiko | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Tsuchiura Nichidai High School |
| Born: 5/29/1956 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Aomori Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hanshin (1978-1990 [19], [26]) |
| Height: 5''9" Weight: 198 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 |
| 1978 | 1 | 0.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 67.50 | .714 | 7.50 | |
| 1979 | 31 | 119.0 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 18 | 13 | 493 | 2 | 0 | 109 | 17 | 83 | 35 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 63 | 54 | 4.08 | .247 | 1.21 | |
| 1980 | 31 | 125.2 | 5 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 18 | 13 | 538 | 0 | 0 | 140 | 21 | 79 | 29 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 70 | 57 | 4.08 | .282 | 1.34 | |
| 1981 | 32 | 163.2 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 25 | 7 | 684 | 3 | 1 | 163 | 22 | 99 | 42 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 75 | 69 | 3.79 | .261 | 1.25 | |
| 1982 | 35 | 204.1 | 11 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 32 | 3 | 857 | 1 | 0 | 208 | 12 | 96 | 52 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 81 | 68 | 3.00 | .265 | 1.27 | |
| 1983 | 32 | 175.1 | 13 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 30 | 2 | 754 | 5 | 0 | 177 | 24 | 66 | 62 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 87 | 81 | 4.16 | .268 | 1.36 | |
| 1984 | 25 | 102.1 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 5 | 445 | 3 | 0 | 117 | 19 | 39 | 29 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 62 | 58 | 5.10 | .290 | 1.43 | |
| 1985 | 30 | 75.0 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 24 | 313 | 0 | 0 | 80 | 15 | 40 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 38 | 32 | 3.84 | .277 | 1.25 | |
| 1986 | 38 | 86.2 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 33 | 362 | 0 | 0 | 94 | 8 | 49 | 21 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 39 | 36 | 3.74 | .284 | 1.33 | |
| 1987 | 32 | 104.0 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 18 | 437 | 2 | 0 | 113 | 19 | 57 | 18 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 55 | 50 | 4.33 | .276 | 1.26 | |
| 1988 | 12 | 17.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 74 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 2 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 4.67 | .304 | 1.44 | |
| 1989 | 5 | 7.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 37 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 9.39 | .394 | 1.96 | |
| 1990 | 4 | 5.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 10.80 | .400 | 2.00 | |
| Totals | 308 | 1186.2 | 66 | 63 | 4 | 18 | 170 | 138 | 5026 | 16 | 6 | 1248 | 162 | 623 | 310 | 14 | 15 | 3 | 598 | 533 | 4.04 | .273 | 1.31 |
| Biography: Ran track as a schoolboy as well. Played in two Koshien Tournaments (spring, summer 1974). Drafted on the second round (1974). Was the winning pitcher in the famous back to back to back jacks game by Okada, Kakefu and Bass, though that fusillade happened just after he came out of the game after going seven innings of three run ball (4/17/1985 against Yomiuri at Koshien Stadium). Had one walkless complete game lifetime. Selected to one all star team (1982). Worked as a baseball commentator for Sun TV after retirement. His oldest son Kazuki is a Pacific League umpire. Reference: Wikipedia Japan |
| Career WHIP: 1.31 K/9: 4.7 BB/9: 2.4 HR/9: 1.2 |
| Debut: First Win (6/24/1979 against Yomiuri at Koshien Stadium), First Shutout () |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kudoh, Kimiyasu | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Nagoya Denki High School |
| Born: 5/5/1963 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Toyoake, Aichi Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number[): Seibu (1982-1994, 2010 [47], [50]), |
| Height: 5'9" Weight: 176 pounds | (2010 [55]), Daiei Hawks (1995-1999 [21], [47]), Yomiuri (2000-2006 [47]), |
| Bats: Left Throws: Left | Yokohama (2007-2009 [47]) |
| 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 |
| 1982 | 27 | 28.2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 27 | 122 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 0 | 29 | 21 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 11 | 3.45 | .222 | 1.50 | |
| 1983 | 23 | 33.1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 21 | 138 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 6 | 24 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 12 | 3.24 | .248 | 1.29 | |
| 1984 | 9 | 12.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 53 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 8 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 2.92 | .238 | 1.62 | |
| 1985 | 34 | 137.0 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 20 | 554 | 8 | 0 | 84 | 13 | 104 | 73 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 44 | 42 | 2.76 | .179 | 1.15 | |
| 1986 | 22 | 145.1 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 2 | 586 | 10 | 2 | 111 | 22 | 138 | 45 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 53 | 52 | 3.22 | .215 | 1.07 | |
| 1987 | 27 | 223.2 | 15 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 1 | 899 | 23 | 2 | 181 | 18 | 175 | 64 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 65 | 60 | 2.41 | .224 | 1.10 | |
| 1988 | 24 | 159.0 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 20 | 4 | 694 | 11 | 2 | 164 | 18 | 94 | 70 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 77 | 67 | 3.79 | .272 | 1.47 | |
| 1989 | 33 | 118.0 | 4 | 8 | 2 | 4 | 17 | 16 | 540 | 4 | 0 | 126 | 12 | 94 | 76 | 2 | 9 | 0 | 70 | 65 | 4.96 | .284 | 1.71 | |
| 1990 | 13 | 86.2 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 359 | 4 | 1 | 58 | 11 | 89 | 46 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 33 | 32 | 3.36 | .187 | 1.20 | |
| 1991 | 25 | 175.1 | 16 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 23 | 2 | 705 | 10 | 4 | 124 | 17 | 151 | 75 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 55 | 55 | 2.82 | .202 | 1.13 | |
| 1992 | 25 | 150.2 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 1 | 645 | 6 | 3 | 140 | 17 | 133 | 59 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 60 | 59 | 3.52 | .255 | 1.32 | |
| 1993 | 24 | 170.0 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 1 | 697 | 4 | 0 | 129 | 10 | 130 | 54 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 46 | 39 | 2.06 | .210 | 1.08 | |
| 1994 | 24 | 130.2 | 11 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 2 | 554 | 4 | 1 | 120 | 12 | 124 | 44 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 54 | 50 | 3.44 | .241 | 1.26 | |
| 1995 | 22 | 163.0 | 12 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 0 | 652 | 6 | 1 | 137 | 15 | 138 | 48 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 69 | 66 | 3.64 | .232 | 1.13 | |
| 1996 | 29 | 202.2 | 8 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 0 | 867 | 9 | 1 | 207 | 17 | 178 | 70 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 94 | 79 | 3.51 | .272 | 1.37 | |
| 1997 | 27 | 161.1 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 0 | 670 | 0 | 0 | 153 | 14 | 146 | 48 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 61 | 60 | 3.35 | .254 | 1.25 | |
| 1998 | 15 | 93.2 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 1 | 386 | 1 | 0 | 90 | 8 | 65 | 28 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 35 | 32 | 3.07 | .265 | 1.26 | |
| 1999 | 26 | 196.1 | 11 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 0 | 754 | 7 | 3 | 143 | 12 | 196 | 34 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 56 | 52 | 2.38 | .205 | 0.90 | |
| 2000 | 21 | 136.0 | 12 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 0 | 545 | 1 | 1 | 127 | 14 | 148 | 16 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 53 | 47 | 3.11 | .249 | 1.05 | |
| 2001 | 5 | 21.1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 103 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 21 | 20 | 8.44 | .376 | 1.97 | |
| 2002 | 24 | 170.1 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 681 | 1 | 1 | 157 | 21 | 151 | 26 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 61 | 55 | 2.91 | .247 | 1.07 | |
| 2003 | 18 | 117.0 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 483 | 4 | 2 | 117 | 15 | 115 | 22 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 56 | 55 | 4.23 | .261 | 1.19 | |
| 2004 | 23 | 138.2 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 596 | 2 | 0 | 160 | 27 | 128 | 33 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 78 | 72 | 4.67 | .288 | 1.39 | |
| 2005 | 24 | 136.0 | 11 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 595 | 1 | 0 | 159 | 26 | 130 | 44 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 73 | 71 | 4.70 | .296 | 1.49 | |
| 2006 | 13 | 70.0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 295 | 0 | 0 | 69 | 12 | 52 | 19 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 35 | 4.50 | .257 | 1.26 | |
| 2007 | 19 | 103.2 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 1 | 442 | 0 | 0 | 118 | 6 | 73 | 28 | 4 | 2 | 9 | 46 | 45 | 3.91 | .296 | 1.41 | |
| 2008 | 3 | 13.2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 70 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 8 | 5.27 | 3.56 | 1.90 | |
| 2009 | 46 | 37.1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 45 | 172 | 0 | 0 | 53 | 11 | 24 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 30 | 27 | 6.51 | .349 | 1.79 | |
| Totals | 625 | 3330.2 | 224 | 140 | 3 | 11 | 472 | 153 | 13857 | 116 | 24 | 3045 | 361 | 2852 | 1124 | 43 | 81 | 5 | 1372 | 1272 | 3.44 | 1.25 |
| Biography: Even though he grew up in Chunichi territory, was a Giants fan. Played in one Koshien Tournament, throwing a no hitter and striking out 16 against Nagasaki Nishi High School and then fanning 21 in 12 innings against Hokuyo High School. Finished the tournament with 56 strikeouts in 39 innings (summer 1981). Drafted on the sixth round (1981). Was going to join Kumagai-gumi in the industrial leagues, but was talked out of it by team official Rikuo Nemoto. Struckout a Seibu team record 15 in a game (4/17/1987 against Kintetsu at Seibu Stadium, 4-3). Was given a Matsutaro Shoriki Award (1987). Tied a Japan record with five walks in an inning (5/23/1991). Tied a Japan record with four strikeouts in an inning (8/2/1996). Moved to Daiei as a free agent. Nemoto was the team's president at the time. Moved to Yomiuri as a free agent after turning down a three year offer from Colorado. There was also a signature campaign by Hawks fans to keep him in Fukuoka and that elicited 150,000 signatures, but to no avail. Holds the Central League record for most consecutive at bats without a hit with 84 (4/11/2000- 7/26/2002). Set a new pro yakyu record with 20 wins after turning 41, breaking Tadashi Wakabayashi's previous mark of 19 (4/5/2006 against Yakult at Meiji Jingu Stadium). Is tthe oldest man ever in Central League history to throw a complete game (5/19/2005 against Softbank) and is the oldest man to ever win ten games or more in the season (2005). Is the oldest lefthander in history. Talked of taking a shot at MLB, but just never pulled the trigger on it. Moved to Yokohama as a free agent compensation pick in Jamuary, 2007. Was selected to eight all star teams (1986-1987, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999-2000). Played in 14 Japan Series and was selected MVP twice (1986-1987). Holds the all time Japan Series record for career strikeouts with 102 and his 13 whiffs in Game One of the 1991 classic is also a record). Is only one of three men all time to win a Japan Series game for teams in both leagues. 100th win (9/4/1993 against Daiei at Seibu Stadium, the 109th to that mark). 200th win (8/17/2004 against Yakult in a complete game 4-2 victory, the first man in 12 years to reach that plateau and the 23rd man overall. He was also the oldest at the time to do that at 41 years and three months). 1000th strikeout (8/6/1992 against Kintetsu at Fujiidera Stadium, the 85th to that mark). 2000th strikeout (9/23/1999 against Orix at Kobe Green Stadium in the first inning from Yasuo Fujii, the 16th to that mark). 1000th inning (6/1/1991 against Lotte at Miyagi Stadium). 2000th inning (6/10/1997 against Lotte at Fukui Prefectural Stadium). 3000th inning (5/12/2005 against Orix at Tokyo Dome, the 25th man to that mark). 500th game (4/21/2004 against Yokohama at Tokyo Dome in a start). 600th game (7/9/2009 against Yomiuri Tokyo Dome in an eighth inning relief appearance). Fastball that topped out at around 92mph, good overhand curve ball, hard slider, and after joining the Giants added a changeup with good sinking action on it. Has played on 14 pennant winning clubs and 11 Japan Series champions. Is the only man ever to have played his whole career in Japan and won 200 without a single 200 win campaign. Is also onlyone of two pitchers ever to get to 200 without grabbing a wins title along the way. Released by Yokohama and signed by Seibu during the 2009 offseason. His 28 years of service time is a pro yakyu record. Was introduced to his wife by Kazuhiro Kiyohara and they have five children. Reference: Wikipedia Japan |
| Career WHIP: 1.25 K/9: 7.7 BB/9: 3.0 HR/9: 1.0 |
| Debut: 4/10/1982 against Hankyu at Seibu Stadium in a sixth inning 0.1 inning appearance, striking out one---Wayne Cage---and allowing no hits. First Win (8/31/1982 against Nippon Ham at Seibu Stadium after coming on during the fifth inning), First Shutout (6/18/1986 against Nankai at Seibu Stadium), First Save (6/5/1988 against Hankyu at Seibu Stadium) |
| Titles: Losses (1996), K (1996, 1999), BF (1996), CG (1987), SO (1991, 1999, 2003), H (1996), R (1996), ER (1996), ERA (1985, 1987, 1993, 1999), MVP (1993, 1999), Best Nine (1987, 1993, 2000), Gold Glove (1994-1995, 2000) |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kudoh, Mikio | Positions Played: P, 2B |
| Nicknames: | High School: Honjo High School |
| Born: 9/30/1960 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Honjo, Akita Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nippon Ham (1979-1984 [15]) |
| 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 |
| 1979 | 3 | 7.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 34 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 6 | 7.36 | .367 | 1.63 | |
| 1981 | 22 | 100.1 | 2 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 11 | 429 | 2 | 0 | 107 | 13 | 32 | 20 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 59 | 54 | 4.84 | .274 | 1.27 | |
| 1982 | 28 | 197.0 | 20 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 24 | 4 | 786 | 12 | 3 | 156 | 8 | 96 | 48 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 54 | 46 | 2.10 | .218 | 1.04 | |
| 1983 | 24 | 108.2 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 5 | 479 | 5 | 1 | 107 | 13 | 27 | 43 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 65 | 62 | 5.13 | .262 | 1.38 | |
| 1984 | 1 | 0.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 108.00 | .667 | 9.00 | |
| Totals | 78 | 413.2 | 30 | 22 | 0 | 2 | 56 | 22 | 1734 | 19 | 4 | 383 | 36 | 160 | 113 | 32 | 3 | 0 | 191 | 172 | 3.74 | .248 | 1.20 |
| Biography: Drafted on the second round (1968). Was a submariner in high school, but switched to a sidearm delivery after turning pro. Won an Eastern League wins title (1980). Incurred a pinky finger fracture in September, 1982, but recovered quickly enough to pitch in the Pacific League playoffs, tossing six shutout innings in game one against Seibu in a no decision and then started just three days later in a complete game victory, giving up only one run. He had gone 6-1 against the Lions that season. However, the Lions took the series. Hurt his shoulder in September, 1983 and it ruined his career, causing him to be demoted to a practice squad player in 1987 and then converted into an infielder in 1988 before retiring at the end of the 1988 season. Selected to one all star team (1982). Ran a sporting goodS store after retirement. Reference: Wikipedia Japan |
| Career WHIP: 1.20 K/9: 3.5 BB/9: 2.5 HR/9: 0.8 |
| Debut: 4/12/1979 against Nankai at Korakuen Stadium. First Win (6/19/1981 against Nankai at Korakuen Stadium), First Shutout () |
| Titles: Wins (1982), Best Nine (1982) |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kume, Yuki | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Kiryu Number One High School |
| Born: 9/10/1985 | College: Meiji University |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]) Softbank (2008-2015 [39]) |
| 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 |
| 2008 | 40 | 36.0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 40 | 172 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 2 | 20 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 15 | 13 | 3.25 | .322 | 1.67 | |
| 2009 | 18 | 19.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 78 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 2 | 13 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 5 | 2.37 | .203 | 1.21 | |
| Totals | 58 | 55.0 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 58 | 250 | 0 | 0 | 62 | 4 | 33 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 22 | 18 | 2.95 | 1.51 |
| Biography: Sidearmer. Was a second baseman in high school, going to one Koshien Tournament (summer 2003). Was converted into a pitcher in college. Drafted on the third round (2007). Became the first man fresh out of the amateur ranks to win his first appearance on Opening Day in the Pacific League in 49 years. Suffered a broken wrist during a practice drill in June of 2009, ending his season. Has reportedly clocked as high as 95mph, but is said to be more usually in the high 80's, low 90's. Also throws a shuuto. Reference: Wikipedia Japan |
| Career WHIP: 1.51 K/9:5.4 BB/9: 3.4 HR/9: 0.7 |
| Debut: 3/20/2008 against Rakuten at Fukuoka Dome in an eighth inning relief appearance. First Win (3/20/2008 against Rakuten at Fukuoka Dome in an eighth inning relief appearance). First Shutout (N/A), First Save (4/10/2008 against Orix at Fukuoka Dome). |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kunimatsu, Akira | Positions Played: P, OF |
| Nicknames: | High School: Saikyo Shogyo High School |
| Born: 9/14/1934 | College: Doshisha University (dropped out) |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Shiga Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yomiuri (1955-1956 [36]) |
| Height: 5'11" Weight: 170 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 |
| 1955 | 8 | 7.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3.86 | .333 | 2.00 | |
| 1956 | 2 | 2.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 10.12 | .250 | 3.00 | |
| Totals | 10 | 9.2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 52 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 6 | 5.59 | .310 | 2.28 |
| Biography: Was converted into an outfielder in 1957. |
| Career WHIP: 2.28 K/9: 1.9 BB/9: 8.4 HR/9: 0.9 |
| Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kunioka, Keiji | Positions Played: P, OF |
| Nicknames: | High School: Kamoshima Shogyo High School |
| Born: 3/8/1952 | College: N/A |
| Died; | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Tokushima Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hankyu Braves (1970 [34]) |
| Height: 6/0" Weight: 156 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 |
| 1970 | 10 | 15.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 65 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 5 | 2.87 | .236 | 1.21 | |||
| Totals | 10 | 15.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 65 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 5 | 2.87 | .236 | 1.21 |
| Biography: Played in one Koshien Tournament as a first baseman (summer 1968). Drafted on the second round (1969). Retired after the 1974 season. |
| Career WHIP: 1.21 K/9: 1.7 BB/9: 3.4 HR/9: 0.6 |
| Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kunito, Mitsuhito | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Yonago Higashi High School |
| Born: 4/3/1934 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: Osaka Tetsudo Kanrikyoku |
| Birthplace: Tottori Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hankyu Braves (1954 [18]) |
| Height: 5'9" 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 |
| 1954 | 9 | 29.0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 134 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 2 | 11 | 23 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 19 | 5.90 | .231 | 1.66 | |||
| Totals | 9 | 29.0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 134 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 2 | 11 | 23 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 19 | 5.90 | .231 | 1.66 |
| Biography: Retired after the 1955 season and played in the industrial leagues. |
| Career WHIP: 1.66 K/9: 3.4 BB/9: 7.1 HR/9: 0.6 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kuno, Katsumi | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Chukyo Shogyo High School |
| Born: 6/4/1925 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Aichi Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Chunichi (1946-1950 [11]) |
| Height: 5'7" 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 |
| 1946 | 17 | 106.2 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 6 | 461 | 7 | 0 | 123 | 7 | 14 | 42 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 52 | 43 | 3.63 | .296 | 1.55 | |
| 1947 | 19 | 107.0 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 6 | 434 | 3 | 2 | 98 | 2 | 26 | 31 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 42 | 33 | 2.78 | .246 | 1.21 | |
| 1948 | 42 | 181.2 | 5 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 16 | 784 | 3 | 0 | 186 | 9 | 50 | 63 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 94 | 82 | 4.06 | .264 | 1.37 | |
| 1949 | 11 | 29.2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 4 | 148 | 1 | 0 | 48 | 5 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 32 | 9.71 | .353 | 1.96 | |
| 1950 | 3 | 8.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 42 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 12 | 13.50 | .417 | 2.63 | |
| Totals | 92 | 433.0 | 19 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 58 | 34 | 1869 | 14 | 2 | 470 | 24 | 103 | 152 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 238 | 202 | 4.20 | .278 | 1.44 |
| Biography: Had two walkless complete games lifetime. |
| Career WHIP: 1.44 K/9: 2.1 BB/9: 3.2 HR/9: 0.5 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout () |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kura, Fumio | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Ikeda High School |
| Born: 2/1/1934 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: Kurashiki Rayon Saijo |
| Birthplace: Tokushima Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hankyu Braves (1955-1956 [13]) |
| Height: 5'8" Weight: 145 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 | 8 | 29.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 121 | 1 | 0 | 23 | 1 | 20 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 8 | 2.48 | .221 | 1.31 | |
| 1956 | 16 | 39.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 152 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 0 | 25 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 14 | 3.23 | .215 | 1.08 | |
| Totals | 24 | 68.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 20 | 273 | 1 | 0 | 51 | 1 | 45 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 25 | 22 | 2.92 | .218 | 1.18 |
| Biography: Retired after the 1957 season. |
| Career WHIP: 1.18 K/9: 6.0 BB/9: 3.8 HR/9: 0.1 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout () |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kurahashi, Hiroshi | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Sendai Ikuei High School |
| Born: 6/2/1946 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Miyagi Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Taiyo Whales (1972-1973 [56]) |
| Height: 5'8" Weight: 145 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 |
| 1972 | 1 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | .000 | 0.67 | |
| 1973 | 1 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3.00 | .286 | 1.33 | |
| Totals | 2 | 6.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1.50 | .125 | 1.00 |
| Biography: Signed with Nankai before the 1965 season. Released after 1967 season. Signed with Taiyo before 1968 season. |
| Career WHIP: 1.00 K/9: 6.0 BB/9: 6.0 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 |
![]()
| Kuramochi, Akira | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Yokohama Number One Shogyo High School |
| Born: 7/20/1952 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: Nihon Kokan |
| Birthplace: Kanagawa Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Lotte Orions (1972-1976, 1979- |
| Height: 5'11"Weight: 158 pounds | 1982 [46]), Crown Lighter Lions (1977-1978 [18]), Yakult (1983 [16]) |
| 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 |
| 1972 | 4 | 10.1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 47 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 3.48 | .243 | 1.65 | |
| 1973 | 2 | 4.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 9.00 | .385 | 2.50 | |
| 1974 | 5 | 14.1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 60 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 2 | 14 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 3.77 | .220 | 1.47 | |
| 1975 | 3 | 4.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2.25 | .250 | 1.75 | ||
| 1976 | 31 | 64.2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 275 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 9 | 40 | 36 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 19 | 2.64 | .230 | 1.36 | |
| 1977 | 8 | 25.1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 112 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 5 | 12 | 17 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 15 | 13 | 4.62 | .258 | 1.62 | |
| 1978 | 15 | 67.2 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 6 | 271 | 4 | 0 | 65 | 3 | 29 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 20 | 2.66 | .259 | 1.09 | |
| 1979 | 33 | 75.1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 28 | 322 | 0 | 0 | 81 | 17 | 38 | 17 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 36 | 4.30 | .274 | 1.30 | |
| 1980 | 39 | 71.1 | 0 | 2 | 18 | 18 | 0 | 39 | 275 | 0 | 0 | 49 | 6 | 50 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 17 | 2.14 | .193 | 0.87 | |
| 1981 | 40 | 56.2 | 5 | 4 | 11 | 16 | 0 | 40 | 245 | 0 | 0 | 57 | 9 | 37 | 22 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 26 | 26 | 4.13 | .266 | 1.39 | |
| 1982 | 9 | 10.2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 42 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 2.53 | .275 | 1.22 | |
| 1983 | 17 | 26.2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 125 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 2 | 18 | 23 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 | 4.72 | .247 | 1.72 | |
| Total | 206 | 431.0 | 17 | 21 | 40 | 46 | 18 | 188 | 1815 | 5 | 0 | 391 | 56 | 251 | 165 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 163 | 163 | 3.40 | .247 | 1.29 |
| Biography: Drafted on the fourth round (1971). Selected to one all star team (1980). Became a baseball commentator with Chiba TV after retirng. |
| Career WHIP: 1.29 K/9: 5.2 BB/9: 3.4 HR/9: 1.2 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: Save (1980) |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kurano, Shinji | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Ujiyamada High School |
| Born: 9/15/1974 | College: Aoyama Gakuin University |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Watarai-gun, Mie Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Daiei Hawks/Softbank (1997- |
| Height: 5'10" Weight: 187 pounds | 2006 [41]) |
| 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 |
| 1997 | 15 | 32.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 154 | 0 | 0 | 44 | 1 | 23 | 17 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 18 | 17 | 4.68 | .328 | 1.87 | |
| 1998 | 36 | 51.1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 223 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 4 | 21 | 35 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 26 | 24 | 4.21 | .239 | 1.52 | |
| 1999 | 8 | 14.2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 85 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 28 | 23 | 14.11 | .429 | 2.73 | |
| 2000 | 2 | 4.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2.08 | .200 | 1.62 | |
| 2001 | 34 | 88.1 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 26 | 388 | 1 | 0 | 83 | 11 | 58 | 47 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 37 | 37 | 3.77 | .256 | 1.47 | |
| 2002 | 9 | 9.1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 44 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 7.71 | .333 | 1.71 | |
| 2003 | 6 | 13.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 59 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 6.59 | .294 | 1.61 | |
| 2004 | 37 | 88.1 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 28 | 371 | 0 | 0 | 88 | 6 | 37 | 27 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 25 | 2.55 | .266 | 1.30 | |
| 2005 | 15 | 39.1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 136 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 4 | 11 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 21 | 6.23 | .317 | 1.17 | |
| 2006 | 2 | 8.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 38 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 8 | 8.64 | .351 | 1.68 | |
| Totals | 164 | 341.1 | 19 | 9 | 1 | 11 | 28 | 136 | 1519 | 1 | 0 | 372 | 40 | 176 | 157 | 18 | 10 | 1 | 192 | 174 | 4.59 | 1.55 |
| Biography: Went 17-7 in 41 games with a 3.17 ERA in college and was selected to one Tokyo Metropolitan University League Best Nine squad his junior year.Selected to Japan's national collegiate all star team. Drafted on the fourth round (1996). Named MVP of a 1997 minor league all star game. Won seven straight decisions in starts in 2004. Released after the 2007 season. Worked in the Hawks front office after retirement before coaching in the minors for them. Official Homepage Reference: Wikipedia Japan |
| Career WHIP: 1.55 K/9: 4.6 BB/9: 4.1 HR/9: 1.1 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kurata, Kunifusa | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Okazaki Kogyo High School |
| Born: 8/3/1960 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: Dai Showa Seishi |
| Birthplace: Anjo, Aichi Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Chunichi (1984 [47]) |
| 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 |
| 1984 | 24 | 37.1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 23 | 157 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 6 | 20 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 16 | 3.86 | .237 | 1.31 | |
| Totals | 24 | 37.1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 23 | 157 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 6 | 20 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 16 | 3.86 | .237 | 1.31 |
| Biography: Drafted on the third round (1981). Retired after the 1986 season. |
| Career WHIP: 1.31 K/9: 4.8 BB/9: 4.1 HR/9: 1.4 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kurata, Makoto | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Tsurumi High School |
| Born: 6/3/1946 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Minato Ward, Tokyo | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yomiuri (1965-1976 [54], [17]), |
| Height: 6'1" Weight: 182 pounds | Yakult (1977-1980 [15]) |
| 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 |
| 1965 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | .000 | infinite | |
| 1968 | 21 | 96.2 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 6 | 389 | 4 | 1 | 68 | 10 | 54 | 43 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 38 | 36 | 3.35 | .203 | 1.15 | |
| 1969 | 3 | 10.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 43 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 3 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 6.30 | .237 | 1.40 | |
| 1970 | 18 | 46.1 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 17 | 177 | 1 | 0 | 34 | 2 | 45 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 5 | 0.97 | .205 | 0.91 | |
| 1971 | 44 | 89.2 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 42 | 368 | 0 | 0 | 75 | 7 | 77 | 36 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 27 | 25 | 2.51 | .231 | 1.24 | |
| 1972 | 36 | 104.2 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 26 | 465 | 1 | 0 | 94 | 13 | 71 | 66 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 60 | 55 | 4.73 | .245 | 1.53 | |
| 1973 | 49 | 187.1 | 18 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 38 | 780 | 8 | 2 | 156 | 13 | 142 | 63 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 66 | 57 | 2.74 | .225 | 1.17 | |
| 1974 | 38 | 74.1 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 37 | 307 | 0 | 0 | 65 | 7 | 52 | 26 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 33 | 26 | 3.15 | .239 | 1.22 | |
| 1975 | 35 | 57.0 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 239 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 5 | 37 | 24 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 22 | 17 | 2.68 | .243 | 1.30 | |
| 1976 | 30 | 48.2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 30 | 196 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 9 | 43 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 17 | 3.14 | .220 | 1.15 | |
| 1977 | 15 | 23.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 109 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 7 | 12 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 17 | 6.65 | .318 | 1.83 | |
| 1978 | 43 | 70.0 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 1 | 42 | 306 | 0 | 0 | 61 | 15 | 49 | 37 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 37 | 33 | 4.24 | .237 | 1.40 | |
| 1979 | 36 | 49.1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 208 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 5 | 47 | 23 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 23 | 21 | 3.83 | .220 | 1.26 | |
| 1980 | 5 | 7.1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 41 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 4 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 7 | 8.59 | .308 | 2.86 | |
| Totals | 374 | 864.1 | 55 | 37 | 13 | 14 | 47 | 327 | 3630 | 14 | 3 | 725 | 96 | 644 | 378 | 21 | 22 | 4 | 364 | 323 | 3.36 | .231 | 1.28 |
| Biography: Had two walkless complete games lifetime. Worked in Yomiuri's public relations department before becoming an equipment manager. |
| Career WHIP: 1.28 K/9: 6.7 BB/9: 3.9 HR/9: 1.0 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout () |
| Titles: WOP (1968) |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kurataka, Shinji | Positions Played: P, 1B |
| Nicknames: | High School: Heian High School |
| Born: 8/21/1938 | College: Doshisha University |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Kyoto Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Daimai Orions (1962 [35]) |
| 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 |
| 1962 | 3 | 5.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 7.20 | .409 | 1.80 | |
| Totals | 3 | 5.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 7.20 | .409 | 1.80 |
| Biography: |
| Career WHIP: 1.80 K/9: 3.6 BB/9:0.0 HR/9: 1.8 |
| Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kurimoto, Mitsuaki | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Fukuyama Kogyo High School |
| Born: 3/13/1936 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: Kurashiki Rayon |
| Birthplace: Fuchu, Hiroshima Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Daimai/Tokyo Orions (1961-1966 |
| Height: 5'9" Weight: 132 pounds | [15]) |
| 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 |
| 1961 | 3 | 4.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 4.50 | .333 | 1.50 | |
| 1962 | 15 | 41.1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 177 | 0 | 0 | 49 | 4 | 16 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 24 | 5.23 | .299 | 1.31 | |
| 1963 | 54 | 125.2 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 50 | 488 | 0 | 0 | 105 | 11 | 48 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 39 | 2.79 | .228 | 0.99 | |
| 1964 | 17 | 30.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 133 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 5 | 13 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 14 | 4.11 | .287 | 1.34 | |
| 1966 | 6 | 7.2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 40 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 7 | 8.22 | .333 | 1.96 | |
| Totals | 95 | 209.1 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 88 | 857 | 0 | 0 | 209 | 22 | 83 | 31 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 98 | 86 | 3.70 | .259 | 1.15 |
| Biography: |
| Career WHIP: 1.15 K/9: 3.6 BB/9: 1.33 HR/9: 0.9 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kurita, Yusuke | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Chiba Kogyo High School |
| Born: 8/23/1980 | College: Chiba Kogyo University |
| Died: | Industrial League: Miyagi Kensetsu |
| Birthplace: Chiba Prefecture | Team (years and [uniform number]): Kintetsu Buffaloes (2004 [68]) |
| Height: 5'8" 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 |
| 2004 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.00 | .400 | 2.00 | |
| Totals | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.00 | .400 | 2.00 |
| Biography: Drafted on the seventh round (2003). Reatined by Orix when it merged with Kintetsu during the 2004 offseason. Released at the end of the 2005 schedule following an injury marred year. Became a batting practice pitcher with Chunichi after retirement. Reference: Wikipedia Japan |
| Career WHIP: 2.00 K/9: 9.0 BB/9: 0.0 HR/9: 0.0 |
| Debut: 9/27/2004 against Orix at Kobe Green Stadium in a fifth inning relief appearance.First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kuriyama, Satoshi | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Shibata Chuo High School |
| Born: 6/15/1974 | College: Tokyo Nogyo University Abashiri |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Niigata, Niigata Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Orix Blue Wave (1998-2001, 2004 |
| Height: 6'1" Weight: 176 pounds | [61], [66]), Chunichi 2002 [0]) |
| 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 |
| 1998 | 5 | 16.1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 67 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 11 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 3.86 | .211 | 1.29 | |
| 1999 | 3 | 6.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 36 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 10.50 | .393 | 3.00 | |
| 2000 | 16 | 20.2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 108 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 6 | 13 | 11 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 22 | 21 | 9.15 | .394 | 2.32 | |
| 2002 | 4 | 5.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 6.75 | .318 | 2.44 | |
| 2004 | 28 | 32.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 142 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 2 | 25 | 21 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 18 | 17 | 4.73 | .222 | 1.45 | |
| Totals | 56 | 80.2 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 382 | 0 | 0 | 93 | 13 | 54 | 54 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 59 | 56 | 6.25 | 1.82 |
| Biography: Started playing baseball in fourht grade. Became his high school team's ace his senior year. Threw five shutouts in a row his senior year in college to help his school to the league title. Finished with a record of 15-2 at university. Drafted on the fifth round (1996). He was the first man from hsi school to ever go pro. Gave up a two run pinch hit single to Daisuke Matsuxaka, becoming the first Pacific League pitcher ever to surrender a two RBI pinch hit knock to an opposing team's hurler since the introduction of the DH in 1975 (8/7/2000 in the ninth inning). Releases at the end of the 2001 season and picked up by Chunichi after a tryout. Released after the 2003 season following a lackluster minor league campaign (4.87 ERA). Became a batting practice pitcher with Orix after retirement. However, because their pitching was getting hammered, they activated Kuriyama in May, 2004 and, after several encouraging outings in the minors, he was called up to the big club But he would be released again due to the upcoming merger with Kintetsu and he headed for Matsushita (Panasonic) in the industrial leagues and played with them until 2006.. Reference: Niigata Shusshin No Pro Yakyu Senshu |
| Career WHIP: 1.82 K/9: 6.0 BB/9: 6.0 HR/9: 1.5 |
| Debut: 6/22/1998 against Seibu at Nagoya Dome in a start. First Win (6/22/1998 against Seibu at Nagoya Dome), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kuroda, Hiroki | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: Mr. Complete Game | High School: Uenomiya High School |
| Born: 2/10/1975 | College: Senshu University |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Osaka, Osaka Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]):Hiroshima (1997-2007 [15]) |
| Height: 6'1" 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 | WHIP | OBA |
| 1997 | 23 | 135.0 | 6 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 601 | 4 | 1 | 147 | 17 | 64 | 63 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 72 | 66 | 4.40 | 1.56 | .288 | |
| 1998 | 18 | 45.0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 12 | 199 | 0 | 0 | 53 | 5 | 25 | 24 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 34 | 33 | 6.60 | 1.71 | .325 | |
| 1999 | 21 | 87.2 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 5 | 406 | 2 | 1 | 106 | 20 | 55 | 39 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 70 | 66 | 6.78 | 1.65 | .299 | |
| 2000 | 29 | 144.0 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 8 | 623 | 7 | 1 | 147 | 21 | 116 | 61 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 73 | 69 | 4.31 | 1.44 | .268 | |
| 2001 | 27 | 190.0 | 12 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 0 | 786 | 13 | 3 | 175 | 19 | 146 | 45 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 72 | 64 | 3.03 | 1.18 | .244 | |
| 2002 | 23 | 164.1 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 671 | 8 | 2 | 166 | 16 | 144 | 34 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 69 | 67 | 3.67 | 1.22 | .269 | |
| 2003 | 28 | 205.2 | 13 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 0 | 827 | 8 | 1 | 197 | 18 | 137 | 45 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 77 | 71 | 3.11 | 1.18 | .261 | |
| 2004 | 21 | 147.0 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 0 | 639 | 7 | 1 | 187 | 17 | 138 | 29 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 81 | 76 | 4.65 | 1.47 | .314 | |
| 2005 | 29 | 212.2 | 15 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 28 | 1 | 852 | 11 | 1 | 183 | 17 | 165 | 42 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 76 | 75 | 3.17 | 1.06 | .233 | |
| 2006 | 26 | 189.1 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 25 | 1 | 744 | 7 | 2 | 169 | 12 | 144 | 21 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 49 | 39 | 1.85 | 1.00 | .243 | |
| 2007 | 26 | 179.2 | 12 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 0 | 738 | 7 | 1 | 176 | 20 | 123 | 42 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 78 | 71 | 3.56 | .261 | 1.21 | |
| Totals | 271 | 1700.1 | 103 | 89 | 1 | 2 | 244 | 27 | 7086 | 74 | 14 | 1706 | 182 | 1257 | 445 | 42 | 43 | 2 | 751 | 697 | 3.69 | 1.27 |
| Biography: Father played for the Nankai Hawks for eight years as an outfielder. He currently owns a sporting goods store. Will be a free agent after the 2006 season. Mother competed in the shotput at the Tokyo olympics (1964). Started playing baseball in first grade. Later played in a Boys League team his father started for the boys in their immediate area. Was a reliever in high school. Finished 6-4 for his career in the Tokyo Metropolitan University League. Drafted on the second round (1996). First strikeout was off of Hideki Matsui. Hurt his shoulder in 1998. Halted his team's 13 game losing streak (7/14/1999 against Chunichi). Gave up four homers in an inning (7/31/1999). Threw four complete games in a row (2000). Struckout the side on ten pitches in his first all star appearance (7/24/2001 at Sapporo Dome). Threw a one hitter (8/22/2001 against Chunichi at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium; the lone knock was an infield hit by shortstop Hirokazu Ibata). Had a five complete game streak (2001). Kuroda features a fastball that will get up to 96mph along with a slider and a forkball, both of which are filthy, the forkball running up there in the mid-80's. Added a shuuto in 2005. Played in the Intercontinental Cup, winning two games (1999).. Dominated at Athens. Fiercely competitive and hides the ball well. The hitter won't see it until he gets his arm up. However, he has been inconsistent (which is exacerbated by his team's second rate defense and the fact that he pitches in the smallest ballpark in Japan) and he tends to overuse his fastball. New manager Marty Brown came in, though, and had him pitch more to contact to help reduce his pitch counts and he took the ERA title, but missed almost all of the last month of the season or so with discomfort in his shoulder. Married to wife Masayo. Was the first 200 million yen pitcher in team history. Selected to three all star teams (2001, 2006-2007) 1000th strikeout (4/6/2006 against Hanshin at Kurashiki Muskat Stadium in the fifth inning off of Norihiro Akahoshi). 1500th inning (8/18/2006 against Yokohama at Yokohama Stadium). 100th win (7/14/2007 against Yomiuri at Tokyo Dome in a complete game on two runs and six hits 8-2). Official Homepage Reference: Wikipedia Japan |
| Career WHIP: 1.27 K/9: 6.7 BB/9: 2.4 HR/9: 1.0 |
| Debut: 4/25/1997 against Yomiuri at Tokyo Dome in a start. First Win ( 4/25/1997 against Yomiuri at Tokyo Dome in a complete game effort.6-1), First Shutout (6/3/1997 at Nishi Kyogoku Stadium in his sixth pro appearance), First Save (10/16/2006 against Chunichi at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium |
| Titles: Wins (2005), Hits (2001), CG (2000-2002, 2004-2005), ERA (2006), Pitcher of the Year (2005), Best Nine (2005), Gold Glove (2005) |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kuroda, Kengo | Positions Played: P, SS, 3B |
| Nicknames: | High School: Kansai Chugakkou |
| Born: 10/28/1907 | College: N/A |
| Died: ? | Industrial League: Shin Kokugeki, Taiwan Senbaikyoku, Pyongyang Tetsudo Kanrikyoku |
| Birthplace: Okayama Prefecture | Team (Years anbd [uniform number]): Hankyu (1940 [24]) |
| Height: 5'6" Weight: 132 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 |
| 1940 | 1 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | .000 | 1.00 | |
| Totals | 1 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | .000 | 1.00 |
| Biography: Was team captain with Nagoya Golden.Dolphins in 1936., but came into some kind of conflict with team management and went to Hankyu later that year,. where he was converted into an infielder. Played in the industrial leagues after retiring at the end of the 1942 season. |
| Career WHIP: 1.00 K/9: 3.0 BB/9: 9.0 HR/9: 0.0 |
| DebutL: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kuroda, Shinji | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Sutoku High School |
| Born: 6/19/1914 | College: N/A |
| Died: 6/23/1947 | Industrial League: Nihon Kokan Fukuyama, Rikka |
| Birthplace: Hiba-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yakult (1983-1986 [22]) |
| Height: 5'11" Weight: 190 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 |
| 1983 | 32 | 72.0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 28 | 320 | 0 | 0 | 86 | 11 | 37 | 23 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 42 | 38 | 4.75 | .307 | 1.51 | |
| 1984 | 7 | 11.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 53 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 09 | 0 | 11 | 10 | 7.94 | .396 | 1.85 | |
| 1986 | 10 | 19.2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 84 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 10 | 4.58 | .270 | 1.27 | |
| Totals | 49 | 103.0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 43 | 457 | 0 | 0 | 125 | 18 | 47 | 30 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 67 | 58 | 5.07 | .311 | 1.50 |
| Biography: Played in two Koshien Tournaments (spring 1976-1977 []). Signed outside the draft (1982). Became a batting practice pitcher after retiring at the end of the 1987 season before running a snack bar. |
| Career WHIP: 1.50 K/9: 4.1 BB/9: 2.6 HR/9: 1.6 |
| Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kuroda, Tsutomu | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Shonan High School, Tsurumi Kogyo High School |
| Born: 8/28/1936 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: Nihon Kokan |
| Birthplace: Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Kintetsu Buffaloes (1956-1965 [22]) |
| Height: 5'11" Weight: 154 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 |
| 1956 | 40 | 152.1 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 25 | 632 | 1 | 0 | 129 | 6 | 90 | 61 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 64 | 46 | 2.72 | .232 | 1.25 | |
| 1957 | 50 | 201.1 | 9 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 21 | 822 | 6 | 2 | 167 | 9 | 119 | 69 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 78 | 56 | 2.50 | .226 | 1.17 | |
| 1958 | 37 | 141.0 | 4 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 19 | 593 | 3 | 1 | 145 | 11 | 90 | 37 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 81 | 74 | 4.72 | .267 | 1.29 | |
| 1959 | 31 | 87.0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 24 | 385 | 0 | 0 | 104 | 9 | 53 | 28 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 64 | 52 | 5.38 | .295 | 1.52 | |
| 1960 | 45 | 134.2 | 7 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 32 | 573 | 2 | 2 | 116 | 11 | 109 | 61 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 64 | 55 | 3.68 | .232 | 1.31 | |
| 1961 | 50 | 156.0 | 4 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 28 | 696 | 0 | 176 | 15 | 112 | 57 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 97 | 73 | 4.21 | .281 | 1.49 | ||
| 1962 | 57 | 199.1. | 8 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 25 | 856 | 1 | 1 | 210 | 14 | 120 | 73 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 100 | 79 | 3.57 | .276 | 1.42 | |
| 1963 | 23 | 48.1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 17 | 215 | 2 | 0 | 59 | 9 | 20 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 29 | 5.40 | .306 | 1.53 | |
| 1964 | 15 | 32.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 149 | 0 | 0 | 46 | 2 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 11 | 3.06 | .338 | 1.64 | |
| 1965 | 2 | 4.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2.08 | .313 | 1.62 | |
| Totals | 350 | 1156.2 | 38 | 93 | 0 | 0 | 143 | 207 | 4940 | 15 | 6 | 1157 | 86 | 730 | 410 | 11 | 18 | 1 | 598 | 476 | 3.70 | .262 | 1.35 |
| Biography: Both ran track and played baseball in junior high. He ran track for a year in high school and then transfered, where he played both sports. Played in one Koshien Tournament. Had one walkless complete game lifetime. |
| Career WHIP: 1.35 K/9: 5.7 BB/9: 3.2 HR/9: 0.7 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout () |
| Titles: Losses (1962) |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kuroda, Yoshihiro | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Kitami Hokuto High School |
| Born: 6/15/1940 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Kitami, Hokkaido | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yomiuri (1960 [24]) |
| Height: 5'11" Weight: 162 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 |
| 1960 | 1 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | .000 | 0.00 | |
| Totals | 1 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | .000 | 0.00 |
| Biography: Retired after the 1961 season. |
| Career WHIP: 0.0 K/9: BB/9: 0.0 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 |
![]()
| Kurohara, Yuji | Positions Played: p |
| Nicknames: | High School: Miyakonojo Kogyo High School |
| Born: 8/27/1960 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Kita Morokata-gun, Miyazaki Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Seibu (1983-1990 [44]) |
| Height: 5'11" Weight: 154 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 |
| 1983 | 5 | 6.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2.70 | .320 | 1.80 | |
| 1984 | 18 | 42.2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 17 | 198 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 7 | 20 | 27 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 27 | 25 | 5.27 | .319 | 1.85 | |
| 1985 | 7 | 11.2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 49 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 3.86 | .244 | 1.46 | |
| 1986 | 7 | 21.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 90 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 5 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 12 | 5.06 | .294 | 1.31 | |
| 1987 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | .000 | 1.00 | |
| 1988 | 33 | 47.1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 33 | 192 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 5 | 17 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 21 | 18 | 3.42 | .291 | 1.31 | |
| 1989 | 3 | 7.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 11.57 | .419 | 2.00 | |
| 1990 | 2 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3.00 | .429 | 2.67 | |
| Totals | 76 | 140.2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 74 | 612 | 0 | 0 | 164 | 65 | 65 | 57 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 80 | 72 | 4.61 | .307 | 1.57 |
| Biography: Drafted on the fourth round (1978). Appeared in a then record 216 Eastern League games. |
| Career WHIP: 1.57 K/9: 4.2 BB/9: 3.6 HR/9: 4.2 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kuroiwa, Hiroshi | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Kami Minouchi Nogyo High School |
| Born: 7/1/1933 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: Kokutetsu Nagano |
| Birthplace: Kami Takai-gun, Nagano Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Kokutetsu Swallows (1954-1958 |
| Height: 5'8" Weight: 154 pounds | [12]) |
| 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 |
| 1954 | 26 | 97.1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 16 | 426 | 2 | 0 | 111 | 10 | 31 | 26 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 51 | 41 | 3.79 | .287 | 1.41 | |
| 1955 | 35 | 143.2 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 23 | 582 | 2 | 0 | 142 | 9 | 45 | 15 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 58 | 42 | 2.63 | .257 | 1.09 | |
| 1956 | 14 | 27.2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 119 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 22 | 7.16 | .300 | 1.48 | |
| 1957 | 17 | 25.2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 14 | 101 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 2 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 9 | 3.16 | .224 | 0.94 | |
| 1958 | 22 | 34.2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 154 | 0 | 0 | 49 | 4 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 20 | 5.19 | .340 | 1.53 | |
| Totals | 114 | 329.0 | 9 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 87 | 1382 | 4 | 0 | 357 | 34 | 108 | 55 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 165 | 134 | 3.67 | .276 | 1.25 |
| Biography: Started playing baseball in high school as a shortstop. Switched schools after the war was over and became his team's pitching ace. Had two walkless complete games lifetime. Worked in the railway business after retirement before getting job in a furniture company. |
| Career WHIP: 1.25 K/9: 3.0 BB/9: 1.5 HR/9: 0.9 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kurokawa, Hiroshi | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Kita Yo Chugakkou |
| Born: 1/2/1930 | College: Matsuyama Shogyo University |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Ehime Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hiroshima (1950 [17]) |
| Height: 5'6" Weight: 132 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 |
| 1950 | 3 | 7.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 42 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 9 | 11.57 | .382 | 3.00 | |
| Totals | 3 | 7.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 42 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 9 | 11.57 | .382 | 3.00 |
| Biography: |
| Career WHIP: 3.00 K/9: 3.9 BB/9: 10.3 HR/9: 2.6 |
| Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kuroki, Junji | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Nobeoka Gakuen High School |
| Born: 6/20/1974 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: Mitsubishi Motors Mizushima |
| Birthplace: Nobeoka, Miyazaki Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nippon Ham (1996-2001 [26]), |
| Height: 6'0"Weight: 180 pounds | Lotte (2002-2003 [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 |
| 1996 | 2 | 5.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 5.40 | .235 | 1.20 | |
| 1997 | 34 | 66.0 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 11 | 2 | 32 | 279 | 0 | 0 | 65 | 4 | 25 | 17 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 34 | 28 | 3.82 | .266 | 1.24 | |
| 1998 | 41 | 50.2 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 12 | 0 | 41 | 230 | 0 | 0 | 56 | 7 | 25 | 25 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 28 | 27 | 4.80 | .287 | 1.60 | |
| 1999 | 50 | 73.2 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 0 | 50 | 327 | 0 | 0 | 83 | 9 | 39 | 29 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 31 | 29 | 3.54 | .291 | 1.52 | |
| 2000 | 32 | 33.2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 32 | 151 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 5 | 26 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 19 | 18 | 4.81 | .293 | 1.40 | |
| 2001 | 1 | 0.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 5 | 67.50 | .800 | 7.50 | |
| 2002 | 6 | 12.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 43 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 4.50 | .320 | 1.250 | |
| 2003 | 4 | 7.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 7.36 | .321 | 1.50 | |
| Totals | 170 | 249.0 | 14 | 12 | 22 | 36 | 2 | 168 | 1101 | 0 | 0 | 276 | 32 | 131 | 86 | 18 | 9 | 5 | 132 | 122 | 4.41 | .288 | 1.45 |
| Biography: Was an outfielder in high school before being converted into a catcher and forming a battery with Tomohiro Kuroki (no relation). Played in one Koshien Tournament (summer 1991). Became a pitcher in the industrial leagues. Drafted on the fourth round (1995). Traded to Lotte during the 2001 offseason. Became a scout for Lotte after retirement. Reference: Wikipedia Japan |
| Career WHIP: 1.45 K/9: 4.7 BB/9: 3.1 HR/9: 1.5 |
| Debut: 4/6/1996 against Kintetsu at Nihon Seimei Stadium. First Win (6/22/1997 against Kintetsu at Osaka Dome), First Shutout (N./A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kuroki, Sadao | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Takanabe High School |
| Born: 4/24/1935 | College: N/A |
| Died: 5/18/1981 | Industrial League: Moji Tetsudo Kanrikyoku |
| Birthplace: Miyazaki Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nankai Hawks (1955-1956 [52]) |
| Height: 5'7" Weight: 136 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 | 10 | 34.0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 138 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 1 | 15 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 13 | 3.44 | .197 | 1.03 | |
| 1956 | 5 | 22.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 89 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 0 | 10 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 0.82 | .211 | 1.09 | |
| Totals | 15 | 56.0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 227 | 2 | 1 | 40 | 1 | 25 | 19 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 15 | 2.41 | .202 | 1.05 |
| Biography: Had one walkless complete game lifetime. Managed in the industrial leagues after retirement. |
| Career WHIP: 1.05 K/9: 4.0 BB/9: 3.1 HR/9: 0.2 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout () |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kuroki, Tomohiro | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: Johnny | High School: Nobeoka Gakuen High School |
| Born: 12/13/1973 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: Oji Seishi Kasugai |
| Birthplace: Hyuga, Miyazaki Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Lotte (1995-2007 [54]) |
| Height: 5'10" Weight: 175 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 |
| 1195 | 20 | 80.0 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 331 | 1 | 1 | 72 | 7 | 58 | 26 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 35 | 33 | 3.71 | .246 | 1.23 | |
| 1996 | 28 | 135.2 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 19 | 9 | 576 | 0 | 0 | 119 | 11 | 90 | 57 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 58 | 54 | 3.58 | .239 | 1.30 | |
| 1997 | 32 | 240.2 | 12 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 1 | 995 | 13 | 1 | 206 | 24 | 179 | 86 | 2 | 13 | 1 | 98 | 80 | 2.99 | .234 | 1.21 | |
| 1998 | 31 | 197.0 | 13 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 3 | 831 | 8 | 2 | 185 | 14 | 124 | 89 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 78 | 72 | 3.29 | .255 | 1.39 | |
| 1999 | 29 | 212.2 | 14 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 0 | 850 | 7 | 0 | 164 | 14 | 171 | 68 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 67 | 59 | 2.50 | .216 | 1.09 | |
| 2000 | 26 | 160.0 | 10 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 2 | 698 | 5 | 1 | 181 | 21 | 134 | 48 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 103 | 92 | 5.18 | .286 | 1.43 | |
| 2001 | 17 | 125.0 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 499 | 4 | 1 | 102 | 12 | 89 | 30 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 44 | 42 | 3.02 | .223 | 1.06 | |
| 2004 | 7 | 34.2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 9 | 20 | 21 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 17 | 4.41 | .265 | 1.62 | |
| 2005 | 3 | 17.2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 78 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 3 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 4.50 | .300 | 1.36 | |
| 2006 | 5 | 4.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6.75 | .333 | 2.25 | |
| 2007 | 1 | 1.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | .000 | 0.75 | |
| Totals | 199 | 1208.2 | 76 | 68 | 1 | 4 | 168 | 31 | 5040 | 38 | 6 | 1090 | 116 | 879 | 433 | 14 | 49 | 2 | 516 | 461 | 3.43 | 1.26 |
| Biography: Started playing baseball in kindergarten. Played softball in elementary school with a local youth team. Played in one Koshien Tournament (summer 1991). Got his nickname in the industrial leagues after he fell asleep in a team meetng and was forced to let his hair be cut. Someone remarked he looked like entertainer Joji Yamamoto and, somehow, "Joji" evolved into "Johnny.". Drafted on the second round (1994).Became the youngest player ever to make 100 million yen for Lotte at age 25. Started on Opening Day three times (1999-2001). Played on Japan's olympic baseball team at Sydney (2000). In 2000, he hurt his ankle just before the start of the regular season and tried to pitch through it and absolutly got his clock cleaned during the first half, his ERA ballooning to over 10.00. He also started experiencing shoulder problems and tried tp pitch through that, too. He was nonetheless selected to a Japanese all star team that faced off against one from MLB and dominated. It would be the last real hurrah of his career. Outpitched Daisuke Matsuzaka on Opening Day 2001 to become the first NPB pitcher to win a game in the 21st Century (3/24/2001 against Seibu at Seibu Dome). Unfortunately, the shoulder discomfort was still ongoing and he missed the second half of that season because of it. It would basically end his career. He chose not to have surgery and instead tried to rehab it with weightwork and changing his delivery by dropping his arm angle. He then hurt his elbow in 2005. On April 27thm, 2007 against Seibu, went 1.1 innings of shutout ball and then was sent to the minors never to return before being relieased at the end of the schedule. He tried to continue as an active player, but there was little interest and he announced his retirement. He became a baseball commentator for NHK and TBS. 1000th inning (9/13/2000 against Daiei at Fukuoka Dome). Was a smart pitcher who really knew how to work hitters, so it was said to see his playing days end like they did. Ichiro called him the toughest pitcher he ever faced. Selected to three all star teams (1997-1998, 2001). His hobby is fishing. Reference: Wikipedia Japan |
| Career WHIP:1.26 K/9: 6.5 BB/9: 3.2 HR/9: 0.9 |
| Debut: 4/6/1995 against Daiei at hiba Marine Stadium in a sixth inning relief appearance. First Win (6/30/1995 against Nippon Ham at Tokyo Dome in a start), First Shutout (6/30/1995 against Nippon Ham at Tokyo Dome), First Save (7/28/2006 against Orix at Kobe Green Stadium |
| Titles: IP (1997, 1999), Wins (1998), Losses (1997), BF (1997, 1999), CG (1997), H (2000), HR (1997), BB (1998), WP (1997-1998), R (2000) , ER (2000) |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame INduction: N/A |
![]()
| Kuroo, Shigeaki | Positions Played: P, OF |
| Nicknames: | High School: Toritsu Kako High School |
| Born: 7/20/1926 | College: N/A |
| Died: 10./17/1974 | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Azabu, Tokyo | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Tokyo Senators/Tokyu/Kyuei/ |
| Height: 5'7" Weight: 132 pounds | Toei Flyers (1946-1949 [8], [15]), Kintetsu Pearls (1950-1955 [18]) |
| 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 |
| 1946 | 40 | 270.0 | 10 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 14 | 1254 | 14 | 0 | 309 | 8 | 76 | 139 | 9 | 3 | 4 | 179 | 131 | 4.37 | .282 | 1.66 | |
| 1947 | 49 | 361.0 | 19 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 14 | 1546 | 28 | 3 | 335 | 2 | 89 | 139 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 142 | 106 | 2.64 | .243 | 1.31 | |
| 1948 | 47 | 362.2 | 19 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 39 | 8 | 1468 | 28 | 3 | 296 | 14 | 131 | 117 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 135 | 109 | 2.70 | .223 | 1.14 | |
| 1949 | 41 | 268.1 | 14 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 10 | 1156 | 21 | 2 | 263 | 29 | 102 | 97 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 142 | 118 | 3.96 | .251 | 1.34 | |
| 1950 | 41 | 263.2 | 12 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 6 | 1084 | 24 | 1 | 248 | 25 | 69 | 62 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 130 | 98 | 3.35 | .248 | 1.18 | |
| 1951 | 24 | 133.1 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 12 | 566 | 5 | 1 | 137 | 4 | 40 | 29 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 68 | 50 | 3.38 | .262 | 1.25 | |
| 1952 | 19 | 71.1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 12 | 302 | 1 | 0 | 79 | 2 | 23 | 16 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 33 | 24 | 3.03 | .287 | 1.33 | |
| 1953 | 30 | 226.1 | 14 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 3 | 895 | 15 | 2 | 199 | 9 | 48 | 44 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 62 | 51 | 2.03 | .239 | 1.07 | |
| 1954 | 11 | 62.0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 254 | 1 | 0 | 65 | 4 | 24 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 23 | 3.34 | .275 | 1.21 | |
| 1955 | 12 | 22.2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 115 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 27 | 10.72 | .383 | 2.03 | |
| Totals | 314 | 2041.1 | 99 | 121 | 0 | 0 | 226 | 88 | 8630 | 137 | 12 | 1972 | 104 | 610 | 658 | 035 | 14 | 10 | 949 | 737 | 3.25 | .252 | 1.29 |
| Biography: Had 15 walkless complete games lifetime. |
| Career WHIP: 1.29 K/9: 2.7 BB/9: 2.9 HR/9: 0.5 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout () |
| Titles: Losses (1949), BB (1948), HBP (1946-1947), R (1947) |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kurosaka, Yukio | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Itoigawa Shoko High School |
| Born: 10/8/1955 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: Washimiya Seisakusho |
| Birthplace: Itoigawa, Niigata Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yakult (1978-1982 [34]) |
| Height: 6'0" Weight: 160 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 |
| 1978 | 8 | 17.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 79 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 4 | 12 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 4.24 | .250 | 1.71 | |
| 1979 | 19 | 31.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 137 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 6 | 26 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 16 | 4.55 | .281 | 1.48 | |
| 1980 | 3 | 4.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6.75 | .235 | 2.00 | |
| 1981 | 5 | 8.2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 40 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 10.38 | .286 | 1.62 | |
| 1982 | 15 | 19.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 88 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 5 | 15 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 4.66 | .280 | 1.60 | |
| Totals | 50 | 80.2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 47 | 365 | 0 | 0 | 85 | 18 | 60 | 44 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 47 | 47 | 5.24 | .272 | 1.60 |
| Biography: Drafted on the fourth round (1976) |
| Career WHIP: 1.60 K/9: 9.5 BB/9: 4.9 HR/9: 2.0 |
| Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kushida, Yumihiko | Positions Played: P, OF |
| Nicknames: | High School: Taipei Number One Chugakkou |
| Born: 5/14/1922 | College: Taipei Kosho |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Taiwan | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Kinki Nihon (1946 [16]) |
| Height: 5'6" Weight: 136 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 |
| 1946 | 9 | 41.0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 195 | 3 | 1 | 53 | 1 | 11 | 26 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 23 | 5.05 | .321 | 1.93 | |
| Totals | 9 | 41.0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 195 | 3 | 1 | 53 | 1 | 11 | 26 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 23 | 5.05 | .321 | 1.93 |
| Biography: Played in one Koshien Tournament (summer 1940). |
| Career WHIP: 1.93 K/9: 2.4 BB/9: 5.7 HR/9: 0.2 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout () |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kushihara, Yasuo | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknsmes: | High School: Tokorozawa Shogyo High School |
| Born: 4/13/1963 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Seibu (1986 [35]) |
| Height: 6'2" Weight: 162 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 |
| 1986 | 1 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4.50 | .286 | 1.50 | |
| Totals | 1 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4.50 | .286 | 1.50 |
| Biography: Drafted on the fourth round (1981). Worked at Seibu Amusement Park after retiring at the end of the 1989 season. |
| Career WHIP: 1.50 K/9: 4.5 BB/9: 4.5 HR/9: 0.0 |
| Debut: 4/8/1986 against Nippon Ham. First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kusunoki, Yasuo | Positions Played: P, C, 3B |
| Nicknames: | High School: Takamatsu Shogyo High School |
| Born: 6/21/1920 | College: Nihon University |
| Died: 10/9/2000 | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Kagawa Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Tokyo Giants (1938F-1940 [12]) |
| Height: 5'9" Weight: 154 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 |
| 1938F | 4 | 14.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 61 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 1.93 | .185 | 1.21 | |
| 1939 | 14 | 70.2 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 4 | 298 | 4 | 0 | 57 | 3 | 23 | 32 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 17 | 2.17 | .227 | 1.26 | |
| 1940 | 5 | 21.2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 105 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 2 | 6 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 6 | 2.49 | .230 | 1.71 | |
| Totals | 23 | 106.1 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 8 | 464 | 5 | 0 | 87 | 6 | 31 | 56 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 44 | 26 | 2.20 | .222 | 1.34 |
| Biography: Converted into a third baseman in 1940. |
| Career WHIP: 1.34 K/9: 2.6 BB/9: 4.7 HR/9: 0.5 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
![]()
| Kuwahara, Kentaro | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Tsuda Gakuen High School |
| Born: 10/29/1985 | College: Nara Sangyo University |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Nabari, Mie Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yokohama (2008-2012 [38]) |
| Height: 6'0" Weight: 176 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 |
| 2008 | 30 | 76.0 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 20 | 345 | 1 | 1 | 85 | 8 | 52 | 33 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 44 | 40 | 4.74 | .292 | 1.55 | |
| 2009 | 11 | 30.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 117 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 2 | 17 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 1.76 | .171 | 0.88 | |
| Totals | 41 | 106.2 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 29 | 462 | 1 | 1 | 103 | 10 | 69 | 42 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 50 | 46 | 3.88 | 1.36 |
| Biography: Started playing baseball in fourth grade. Became his high school team's ace his senior year. Tossed a perfect game in college (2007). Went 26-2 for his career in the Kinki Scholastic League. Drafted on the third round (2007). Injured himself during the 2009 spring training schedule and was out until mid-season. Has reportedly been clocked as high as 93mph, which he compliments with two different sliders and a forkball. Referenjce: Wikipedia Japan |
| Career WHIP: 1.36 K/9: 5.8 BB/9: 3.5 HR/9: 0.8 |
| Debut: 4/6/2008 against Hiroshima at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium in an eighth inning relief appearance. First Win (7/9/2008 against Yakult at Meiji Jingu Stadium in a fourth inning relief appearance), First Shutout (8/16/2008 against Hanshin at Osaka Dome) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kuwahara, Shoji | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Hinata Gakuin High School |
| Born: 2/5/1939 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Miyazaki Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nishitetsu Lions (1959 [33]) |
| Height: 5'5" Weight: 151 pounds | |
| Bats: Left Throws: Left |
| Year | G | IP | W | L | Save | SP | GS | RA | BF | PC | CG | SO | H | HR | K | BB | HBP | SP | Balk | R | ER | ERA | OAVG | WHIP |
| 1959 | 5 | 6.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 6.00 | .217 | 1.67 | |
| Totals | 5 | 6.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 6.00 | .217 | 1.67 |
| Biography: Signed with Nishitetsu before the 1958 season. |
| Career WHIP: 1.67 K/9: 13.5 BB/9: 7.5 HR/9: 1.5 |
| Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kuwana, Shigeharu | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Mito Chugakkou |
| Born: 7/18/1921 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: Manchu Kozan, Zen-Mito |
| Birthplace: Ibaraki Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Tokyu/Toei Flyers (1950-1954 |
| Height: 5'7" Weight: 136 pounds | [20]) |
| 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 |
| 1950 | 33 | 113.1 | 5 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 23 | 515 | 3 | 0 | 142 | 14 | 39 | 33 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 85 | 68 | 5.40 | .300 | 1.54 | |
| 1951 | 22 | 66.0 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 15 | 288 | 0 | 0 | 74 | 3 | 21 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 37 | 27 | 3.68 | .279 | 1.36 | |
| 1952 | 30 | 147.1 | 6 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 9 | 617 | 9 | 1 | 160 | 13 | 29 | 27 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 70 | 61 | 3.73 | .277 | 1.27 | |
| 1953 | 36 | 163.2 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 19 | 670 | 8 | 3 | 168 | 12 | 50 | 25 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 68 | 54 | 2.97 | .268 | 1.18 | |
| 1954 | 24 | 94.0 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 12 | 419 | 2 | 0 | 127 | 10 | 24 | 21 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 60 | 55 | 5.27 | .326 | 1.57 | |
| Totals | 145 | 584.1 | 23 | 41 | 0 | 0 | 67 | 78 | 2309 | 22 | 4 | 671 | 52 | 163 | 122 | 13 | 4 | 3 | 320 | 265 | 4.08 | .288 | 1.36 |
| Biography: Had five walkless complete games lifetime. |
| Career WHIP: 1.36 K/9: 2.5 BB/9: 1.88 HR/9: 0.8 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout () |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kuwata, Masumi | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: PL Gakuen High School |
| Born: 4/1/1968 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Yao, Osaka Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yomiuri (1986-2006 [18]) |
| Height: 5'8" Weight: 176 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 |
| 1986 | 15 | 61.1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 261 | 1 | 0 | 64 | 13 | 57 | 17 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 36 | 35 | 5.14 | .269 | 1.32 | |
| 1987 | 28 | 207.2 | 15 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 1 | 823 | 14 | 2 | 177 | 16 | 151 | 43 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 59 | 50 | 2.17 | .233 | 1.06 | |
| 1988 | 27 | 198.1 | 10 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 0 | 806 | 5 | 1 | 174 | 19 | 139 | 53 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 80 | 75 | 3.40 | .240 | 1.14 | |
| 1989 | 30 | 249.0 | 17 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 995 | 20 | 5 | 214 | 18 | 155 | 54 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 77 | 72 | 2.60 | .238 | 1.08 | |
| 1990 | 23 | 186.1 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 1 | 748 | 17 | 2 | 161 | 12 | 115 | 40 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 58 | 52 | 2.51 | .233 | 1.08 | |
| 1991 | 28 | 227.2 | 16 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 27 | 1 | 934 | 17 | 3 | 192 | 17 | 175 | 58 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 89 | 80 | 3.16 | .229 | 1.10 | |
| 1992 | 29 | 210.1 | 10 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 0 | 912 | 11 | 3 | 235 | 24 | 152 | 64 | 5 | 9 | 1 | 112 | 103 | 4.41 | .289 | 1.42 | |
| 1993 | 26 | 178.0 | 8 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 0 | 745 | 8 | 1 | 162 | 15 | 158 | 61 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 85 | 79 | 3.99 | .246 | 1.25 | |
| 1994 | 28 | 207.1 | 14 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 27 | 1 | 836 | 10 | 1 | 175 | 16 | 185 | 51 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 65 | 58 | 2.52 | .229 | 1.09 | |
| 1995 | 9 | 65.1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 265 | 3 | 1 | 53 | 2 | 61 | 18 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 22 | 18 | 2.48 | .219 | 1.09 | |
| 1997 | 26 | 141.0 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 0 | 580 | 0 | 0 | 127 | 15 | 104 | 37 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 68 | 59 | 3.77 | .243 | 1.16 | |
| 1998 | 27 | 181.0 | 16 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 0 | 779 | 7 | 1 | 197 | 17 | 116 | 46 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 88 | 82 | 4.08 | .281 | 1.34 | |
| 1999 | 32 | 141.2 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 22 | 10 | 608 | 2 | 0 | 137 | 17 | 100 | 57 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 69 | 64 | 4.07 | .256 | 1.37 | |
| 2000 | 30 | 86.0 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 20 | 385 | 0 | 0 | 103 | 6 | 49 | 28 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 43 | 43 | 4.50 | .301 | 1.52 | |
| 2001 | 16 | 50.1 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 226 | 0 | 0 | 56 | 4 | 31 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 27 | 4.83 | .284 | 1.49 | |
| 2002 | 23 | 158.1 | 12 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 640 | 3 | 1 | 138 | 13 | 108 | 38 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 51 | 39 | 2.22 | .235 | 1.11 | |
| 2003 | 14 | 71.1 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 314 | 0 | 0 | 92 | 13 | 46 | 16 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 48 | 47 | 5.93 | .321 | 1.51 | |
| 2004 | 16 | 79.1 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 357 | 0 | 0 | 100 | 16 | 39 | 28 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 58 | 57 | 6.47 | .318 | 1.61 | |
| 2005 | 12 | 49.2 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 238 | 0 | 0 | 65 | 7 | 34 | 23 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 43 | 40 | 7.25 | .317 | 1.77 | |
| 2006 | 3 | 11.2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 55 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 9 | 6.94 | .358 | 1.71 | |
| Totals | 442 | 2861.2 | 173 | 141 | 14 | 19 | 11507 | 118 | 21 | 2641 | 264 | 1980 | 752 | 76 | 68 | 7 | 1191 | 1089 | 3.42 | 1.23 |
| Biography: Started playing baseball in third grade in Boys League. His then coach reportedly used to teach pitchers by blindfolding them and telling them to throw strikes in practice and Kuwata reportedl did it better than anyone before or since. When he entered high school, he was getting lit up, so he was moved to the outfield. However, a friend of his coach's liked Kuwata's arm strength and told the coach that he would correct Kuwata's pitching flaws. And he did by getting Kuwata to use his legs correctly and learn to drive off the mound toward the plate. He became his team's ace shortly afterward, becoming part of the so-called "KK Combi" with first baseman Kazuhiro Kiyohara. Played in five straight Koshien Tournaments, going 20-3 in tournament games, a postwar record for victories, while helping his squad take two titles (summer 1983, spring summer 1984, spring, summer 1985). In addition, he pounded six homers lifetime in Koshien action. Was going to go to Waseda University, but then Yomiuri drafted him on the first round (1985). Once balked with a man on third and one out when a strong wind blew him off the mound while he was in the middle of his windup (3/31/1987 against Taiyo at Gumma Prefectural Stadium in the second inning of an exhbition game). Became the youngest postwar pitcher to be given an Opening Day start (1988). Induced 20 ground balls in a game, a Japan record (6/2/1990 against Hiroshima). Struckout a career high 16 in a game (8/13/1994 against Hanshin at Tokyo Dome). At one point, there was talk about Kuwata perhaps taking a shot at the big leagues, but he wrecked his elbow going after a little infield pop fly and had to have reconstructive surgery on it (5/24//1995). He was out of action until spring training 1997. His first regular season appearance after the injury was on 4/6/1997 against Yakult at Tokyo Dome in a start, grabbing a win. His 15 years between ERA titles is the longest such stretch in Japanese history. Managed to get himself several million dollars in debt speculating in the early 1990's Japanese real estate market and was bailed out by Yomiuri. Was also accused of having friends in organized crime by one of the weekly tabloids, but he successfully sued them for defamation. However, that wasn't the first time an association with gangsters has been alledged. Back in 1990, a book asserted that Kuwata did have friends in organized crime and had even accepted money from them. He was suspended for a month, the Giants were fined 20 million yen and Kuwata was fined tem million yen to go along with the suspension. There was reportedly talk aboutt suspending Kuwata for a full season, but that was brought down to a month by manager Motoshi Fujita, who aregued that Kuwata was essential to the Giants pennant hopes and that if Yomiuri won it the unpleasant scandal would go away. For more on this, see Saraba Kuwata Masumi, Saraba Pro Yakyu by Shoji Nakamaki. Nakamaki, btw, is now a an aide to a Japanese Diet member. Selected to eight all star teams (1987-1989, 1991-1994, 1997). Kuwata is also known.as a movie buff and also a wine connoisseur, but yet doesn't like sake. He also reportedly hates dogs and cats. Can also apparently speak english fairly well and was great friends with Bill Gullickson and Warren Cromartie. Was the Giants players union rep for two years. Married to wife Maki and has two sons he hopes will become pro baseball players one day. Released by Yomiuri and picked up by Pittsburgh, where he was very well liked and became something of an informal coach, but his performances weren't there and he was released after the 2007 season. He was then re-signed to a minor league deal by the Bucs and then decided to retire in Marech, 2008. He became a baseball commentator with TBS and J-Sports after retirement. He is a member of a Buddhist cult called the Perfect Liberty Kyodan and his motto "Life is Art" is directly liftted from that group's teachings. His younger brother Izumi is a pro golfer. 1000th inning (6/21/1991 against Yokohama at Tokyo Dome). 1500th inning: 9/29/1993 against Chunichi at Nagoya Stadium). 2000th inning (6/17/1998 against Chunichi at Tokyo Dome in the fourth inning). 2500th inning (8/13/2002 against Yakult at Tokyo Dome). 100th win (7/6/1994 against Hanshin at Koshien Stadium in a complete game). 1000th strikeout (6/12/1993 against Chunichi at Nagoya Stadium in the first inning against Alonzo Powell). 1500th strikeout (6/17/1998 against Chunichi at Tokyo Dome in the fourth inning against Takeshi Yamasaki). Official Blog Reference: Wikipedia Japan |
| Career WHIP: 1.23 K/9: 6.2 BB/9: 2.4 HR/9: 0.8 |
| Debut: 5/25/1986 against Chunichi in a one inning relief appeearance, giving up one run on two hits and striking out one. First Win (6/5/1986 against Hanshin at Korakuen Stadium), First Shutout (7/8/1987 against Hiroshima at Sapporo Maruyama Stadium), First Save (4/14/1991 against Hiroshima at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium) |
| Titles: IP (1987, 1989), Losses (1992), BF (1989, 1992), CG (1991), HR (1992), K (1994), R (1992), ER (1992, 1998), ERA (1987, 2002), MVP (1994), Best Nine (1987), Gold Glove (1987-1988, 1991, 1993-1994, 1997-1998, 2002), Sawamura Award (1987), |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kuwata, Shigeru | Positions Played: P |
| Nicknames: | High School: Hokuyo High School |
| Born: 12/20/1960 | College: N/A |
| Died: | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Higashi Osaka, Osaka Prefecture | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Chunichi (1983-1986 [32]), Lotte |
| Height: 5'9" Weight: 190 pounds | Orions (1987-1988 [13]) |
| 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 |
| 1983 | 23 | 37.1 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 23 | 161 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 11 | 36 | 15 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 21 | 20 | 4.82 | .254 | 1.37 | |
| 1984 | 14 | 16.0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 11 | 78 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 13 | 7.31 | .297 | 1.75 | |
| 1985 | 18 | 45.0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 11 | 200 | 0 | 0 | 44 | 2 | 18 | 26 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 23 | 19 | 3.80 | .267 | 1.56 | |
| 1986 | 25 | 77.1 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 14 | 340 | 1 | 0 | 77 | 16 | 47 | 38 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 43 | 36 | 4.19 | .267 | 1.49 | |
| 1987 | 1 | 1.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | .000 | 0.60 | |
| 1988 | 5 | 4.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 9.00 | .333 | 2.50 | |
| Totals | 86 | 181.1 | 6 | 12 | 1 | 4 | 21 | 65 | 807 | 1 | 0 | 182 | 33 | 110 | 93 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 105 | 92 | 4.57 | .267 | 1.52 |
| Biography: Started playing baseball in third grade. Played Senior League in junior high. Became his high school's pitching ace as a high school senior. Signed outside the draft (1978). Retired after the 1989 season. |
| Career WHIP: 1.52 K/9: 5.5 BB/9: 4.6 HR/9: 1.6 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |
![]()
| Kyuki, Isao | Positions Played: P, C |
| Nicknames: | High School: Kainan Chugakkou |
| Born: 2/12/1926 | College: Wakayama Keisen University |
| Died: 9/12/1993 | Industrial League: N/A |
| Birthplace: Kainan, Wakayama | Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nishi Nihon Pirates (1950 [17]), |
| Height: 5'8" Weight: 140 pounds | Nishitetsu Lions (1951-1953 [10]), Takahashi Unions (1954 [11]) |
| Bats: Left 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 |
| 1950 | 28 | 133.0 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 16 | 601 | 5 | 0 | 138 | 15 | 31 | 66 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 86 | 71 | 4.80 | .260 | 1.53 | |
| 1951 | 10 | 21.1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 92 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 0 | 12 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 8 | 3.38 | .265 | 1.41 | |
| 1954 | 15 | 40.1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 175 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 2 | 10 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 18 | 4.02 | .268 | 1.36 | |
| Totals | 53 | 194.2 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 40 | 868 | 5 | 0 | 202 | 17 | 53 | 87 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 121 | 97 | 4.48 | .262 | 1.48 |
| Biography: Converted into a catcher in 1952 and then went to first base in 1954. Umpired in the Pacific League after retirement. |
| Career WHIP: 1.48 K/9: 2.45 BB/9:4.0 HR/9: 0.8 |
| Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A) |
| Titles: N/A |
| Managerial Record: N/A |
| Hall of Fame Induction: N/A |