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