Mugikura, Yoichi Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School:  Sano Nichidai High School
Born: 7/29/1971 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Tsuga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hanshin (1991 [50])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 173 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1991 12 39.1 2 4 0 0 7 5 174 0 0 40 6 18 24 0 2 0 23 21 4.81 .288 1.63
Totals 12 39.1 2 4 0 0 7 5 174 0 0 40 6 18 24 0 2 0 23 21 4.81 .288 1.63
Biography:  Started playing baseball in second grade. Played nanshiki ball in junior high, winning a nationwide tournament. Had a 48 inning scoreless streak in high school. Played in one Koshien Tournament (summer 1989). Drafted on the third round (1989). Hurt his shoulder in 1991 and had two surgeries in the U.S., but it wasn't enough to salvage his career and he retired in mid-1994. Worked for a golf course developer and a sporting goods company after retiring at the end of the 1994 season. 
Career WHIP: 1.63 K/9: 4.1 BB/9: 5.5 HR/9: 1.4
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Mukai, Kikuzo Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Hashimoto High School
Born: 12/15/1937 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Hashimoto, Wakayama Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Mainichi Orions (1957 [40])
Height: 5'9" Weight: 156 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1957 4 8.0 0 0 0 0 0 4 34 0 0 4 0 2 7 0 0 0 3 2 2.25 .148 1.38
Totals 4 8.0 0 0 0 0 0 4 34 0 0 4 0 2 7 0 0 0 3 2 2.25 .148 1.38
Biography: Oldest son of a two term mayor of Hashimoto. Signed by Mainichi before the 1956 season. Played in the industrial leagues after leaving Mainichi. Once he retired from baseball, he also turned to politics, winning a city council seat in Hashimaoto and then being elected to a prefectural assembly slot. 
Career WHIP: 1.38 K/9: 2.3 BB/9: 7.9 HR/9: 0.0
Debut: First Win (N/A). First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induxtion: N/A


Munechika, Shuhei Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Gotsu Kogyo High School
Born: 9/15/1936 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Shimane Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hiroshima (1955-1956 [29])
Height: 5'6" 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
1955 6 17.0 0 2 0 0 2 4 78 0 0 20 2 5 5 2 0 0 10 9 4.76 .286 1.47
1956 25 60.2 0 5 0 0 6 19 257 0 0 50 3 43 27 2 0 0 32 25 3.71 .226 1.27
Totals 31 77.2 0 7 0 0 8 23 335 0 0 70 5 48 32 4 0 0 42 34 3.94 .241 1.31
Biography: Was his high school team's ace. Had a 20 strikeout game in a tournament. Retired after the 1957 season. 
Career WHIP: 1.31 K/9: 5.6 BB/9: 3.7 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


Murakami, Etsuo Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Miyazaki Kogyo High School
Born: 4/10/1950 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: Takashimaya Seisakusho
Birthplace: Miyazaki Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nankai Hawks (1976-1978 [47])
Height: 5'8" 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
1976 1 5.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 19 0 0 2 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 0.00 .118 0.80
1977 1 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 12 0 0 5 2 0 1 0 0 0 5 5 22.50 .455 3.00
1978 2 1.1 0 0 0 0 0 2 8 0 0 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 .429 3.00
Totals 4 8.1 0 0 0 0 0 4 39 0 0 10 2 3 4 0 0 0 6 5 5.40 .286 1.68
Biography: Signed with Nankai before the 1972 season. 
Career WHIP: 1.68 K/9: 3.2 BB/9: 4.3 HR/9: 2.2
Debut: First Win (N/A)., First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Murakami, Hiromichi Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Tohoku High School
Born: 7/16/1944 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Miyagi Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hankyu Braves (1963-1964 [58])
Height: 6'0" Weight: 158 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
1963 3 5.0 0 0 0 0 0 3 21 0 0 6 1 3 0 0 0 0 4 4 7.20 .300 1.20
1964 3 7.0 0 0 0 0 0 3 34 0 0 12 0 4 2 0 0 0 6 4 5.14 .414 2.00
Totals 6 12.0 0 0 0 0 0 6 55 0 0 18 1 7 2 0 0 0 10 8 6.00 .367 1.67
Biography: 
Career WHIP: 1.67 K/9: 5.3 BB/9: 1.5 HR/9: 0.8
Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Murakami, Masanori Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Hosei Number Two High School
Born: 5/6/1944 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Kita Tsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nankai Hawks (1963, 1966-1974
Height: 6'0" Weight: 182 pounds [10], [15]), Hanshin (1975 [12]), Nippon Ham (1976-1982 [37])
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
1963 3 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 3 10 0 0 2 1 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 4.50 .250 2.00
1966 46 96.1 6 4 0 0 2 44 387 0 0 80 10 66 25 8 1 0 34 33 3.08 .235 1.09
1967 41 80.1 3 1 0 0 1 40 340 0 0 72 11 60 26 7 2 0 36 36 4.03 .240 1.22
1968 40 177.2 18 4 0 0 19 21 718 9 1 141 18 90 40 10 1 0 54 47 2.38 .216 1.02
1969 31 119.0 7 9 0 0 14 17 513 3 0 139 19 47 32 3 0 0 64 60 4.54 .301 1.44
1970 32 191.1 11 11 0 0 24 8 791 9 2 167 18 75 52 14 1 0 79 69 3.25 .234 1.14
1971 38 234.2 14 15 0 0 31 7 992 13 0 233 36 78 63 16 0 0 122 107 4.10 .262 1.26
1972 33 147.1 11 9 0 0 19 14 652 6 1 156 20 57 46 20 3 1 79 70 4.28 .274 1.37
1973 23 65.2 2 4 0 0 8 15 295 0 0 75 8 27 25 7 1 0 42 38 5.21 .296 1.52
1974 10 24.2 1 2 0 0 2 8 89 1 1 13 1 10 3 3 0 0 7 5 1.82 .165 0.65
1975 18 19.1 2 1 1 0 1 17 89 0 0 24 4 8 7 2 0 0 14 11 5.12 .308 1.60
1976 32 53.0 1 0 0 0 1 31 229 0 0 61 7 17 15 0 0 0 24 22 3.74 .295 1.43
1977 61 112.1 7 4 6 13 0 61 446 0 0 96 7 78 19 3 0 0 36 29 2.32 .234 1.02
1978 57 130.2 12 11 10 22 2 55 530 0 0 125 12 59 29 9 0 0 54 44 3.03 .260 1.18
1979 45 98.2 5 3 11 16 0 45 419 0 0 101 16 42 30 6 1 0 50 46 4.20 .272 1.33
1980 37 67.0 2 3 2 4 0 37 294 0 0 70 12 31 28 4 0 0 39 35 4.70 .283 1.46
1981 17 20.1 1 1 0 1 0 17 98 0 0 28 1 10 9 1 0 1 13 10 4.43 .322 1.82
1982 2 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 10 0 0 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 2 9.00 .333 2.00
Totals 566 1642.1 103 82 30 56 124 442 6902 41 5 1586 201 758 452 113 10 2 750 665 3.64 .258 1.24
Biography: Started  out playing softball in elementary school. Began playing organized baseball in eighth grade. Played in one Koshien Tournament (spring 1961). Joined Nankai while still in high school in September, 1962. Was dispatched to San Francisco's farm club in Fresno, California for some seasoning in 1964. Was promoted to the show in late August, making his MLB debut on September 1st against the NY Mets at Shea Stadium. He then tossed three shutout innings against Houston at Candlestick Park on September 29th in a walkoff 11 ining victory. He finished that season with a 1.80 ERA in the big leagues and the Japanese press took little notice due to the Hawks winning the Japan Series without him and the Tokyo Olympics. The Giants wanted to keep him, but after quite a bit of wrangling and acrimony, he returned to Nankai after the end of the 1965 campaign. That whole episode is recounted in detail in Robert Whiting's The Meaning of Ichiro. Traded to Hanshin during the 1974. offseason. Holds the Japan record for HBP in a game with five (8/29/1972). Following his release by Nippon Ham, he went to spring training with the Giants in 1983, but didn't make the grade and became a batting practice pitcher for them. The following year, was hired by NHK as a baseball commentator. Also coached in the minors with Nippon Ham and Seibu and at the top team level with Daiei. He later scouted for San Francisco and wrote for Daily Sports before NHK rehired him as a broadcaster for its satellite arm. Selected to one all star team (1971). Reference: Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.24 K/9: 4.2 BB/9: 2.5 HR/9: 1.1
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout ()
Titles: G (1977-1978), HBP (1972), R (1971), ER (1971)
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Murakami, Seiichi Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Kumamoto Kogyo High School
Born: 5/31/1970 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Yashiro, Kumamoto Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Daiei Hawks (1990-1993 [13]), Hanshin
Height: 6'1" Weight: 176 pounds (1995-1998 [46])
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1990 1 4.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 19 0 0 4 1 2 4 0 2 0 4 4 9.00 .267 2.00
1991 5 18.2 0 0 0 0 3 2 76 0 0 13 1 8 8 0 1 0 7 6 2.89 .194 1.12
1995 4 4.0 0 0 0 0 0 4 23 0 0 7 2 6 3 1 0 0 8 7 15.75 .368 2.50
1997 10 14.2 0 0 0 0 0 10 60 0 0 13 2 16 4 0 1 0 5 5 3.07 .236 1.16
1998 3 2.2 0 0 0 0 0 3 12 0 0 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 2 2 6.75 .273 1.50
Totals 23 44.0 0 0 0 0 3 20 190 0 0 40 7 34 20 1 4 0 26 24 4.91 .240 1.36
Biography: Started playing baseball in fifth grade. Played in three Koshien Tournaments (summer 1987, spring, summer 1988). Drafted on the fourth round (1988). Released after the 1993 season and became a batting practice pitcher in 1994, but resumed his career by signing with Hanshin during that offseason. Threw a rained shortend 6.2 inning no hitter in the Western League (5/.25/1997 against Orix' affiliate). Became a batting practice pitcher with Daiei after retiring at the end of the 1999 season. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.36 K/9: 7.0 BB/9: 4.1 HR/9: 1.4
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout ()
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Murakami, Toshiyoshi Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Tochiku High School
Born: 8/29/1941 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: Bridgestone Tire
Birthplace: Fukuoka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hanshin (1962-1964 [55]
Height: 5'9" Weight: 145 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 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 .000 infinity
1964 2 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0.00 .000 1.00
Totals 3 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 3 6 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0.00 .000 2.00
Biography: 
Career WHIP: 2.00 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


Murakami, Yoshinori Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Shodoshima High School
Born: 6/15/1950 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: Okura Kogyo High School
Birthplace: Kagawa Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Chunichi (1972-1977 [34])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 165 pounds
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
1972 2 2.1 0 0 0 0 0 2 8 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 .143 0.86
1974 6 15.1 1 1 0 0 1 5 69 0 0 19 3 3 7 0 0 0 8 8 4.70 .317 1.70
1976 6 8.0 0 0 0 0 0 6 34 0 0 5 0 7 6 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 .179 1.38
1977 6 6.1 0 0 0 0 0 6 31 0 0 11 2 3 3 1 0 0 6 6 8.53 .423 2.21
Totals 20 32.0 1 1 0 0 1 19 142 0 0 36 5 14 17 1 0 0 14 14 3.94 .298 1.66
Biography: Drafted on the fourth round (1970). 
Career WHIP: 1.66 K/9: 3.9 BB/9: 4.8 HR/9: 1.4
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Murakami, Yukihiro Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Takanezawa Shogyo High School
Born: 9/9/1956 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: Nittsu Urawa
Birthplace: Tochigi Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nankai Hawks (1978-1980 [18])
Height: 6'0" 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
1978 40 132.0 5 8 3 5 11 29 561 4 1 126 9 69 53 5 1 0 58 53 3.61 .257 1.36
1979 34 90.1 5 6 2 6 7 27 417 1 0 94 13 52 54 7 6 0 57 52 5.18 .269 1.64
1980 24 103.2 4 11 0 0 20 4 509 3 0 116 20 49 87 4 5 0 90 85 7.38 .289 1.96
Totals 98 326.0 14 25 5 11 38 60 1487 8 1 336 42 170 194 16 12 0 205 190 5.25 .271 1.63
Biography: Drafted on the fourth round (1976). However, he didn't actually join the team until late 1977. Retired at the end of the 1982 season.
Career WHIP: 1.63 K/9: BB/9: 4.7 HR/9: 1.2
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout ()
Titles: Rookie of the Year (1978). 
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Muramatsu, Chotaro Positions Played: P, OF
Nicknames:  High School: Naniwa Shogyo High School
Born: 5/9/1921 College: N/A
Died: 6/20/1944 Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Osaka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Tsubasa (1940 [8])
Height: Weight: 
Bats: Throws: 
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 11 35.2 1 0 0 0 7 4 152 0 0 32 1 10 15 0 0 0 20 15 3.79 .239 1.32
Totals 11 35.2 1 0 0 0 7 4 152 0 0 32 1 10 15 0 0 0 20 15 3.79 .239 1.32
Biography: Was his high school team's ace. Played in two Koshien Tournaments, winning it all in the first one (spring 1937-1938). 
Career WHIP: 1.32 K/9: 2.5 BB/9: 3.8 HR/9: 0.3
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Muramatsu, Shojiro Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Omiya Kogyo High School
Born: 11/30/1927 College: Chuo University
Died:  Industrial League: Kamagai-gumi
Birthplace: Saitama Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Kokutetsu Swallows (1950-1951 
Height: 5'8" Weight: 151 pounds [10])
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 24 56.2 0 2 0 0 5 19 259 0 0 71 6 10 35 0 0 0 40 34 5.40 .318 1.87
1951 5 12.1 0 0 0 0 0 5 72 0 0 21 1 3 13 0 0 0 17 12 8.76 .356 2.76
Totals 29 69.0 0 2 0 0 5 24 331 0 0 92 7 13 48 0 0 0 57 46 6.00 .326 2.03
Biography: Released by Kokutetsu after the 1951 season and picked up by Taiyo. Retired after the 1952 schedule concluded. 
Career WHIP: 2.03 K/9: 1.7 BB/9: 6.3 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


Muramatsu, Yukio Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Kakegawa Chugakkou
Born: 3/6/1920 College: N/A
Died: 7/25/1944 Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Shitai-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nagoya (1939-1941 [18])
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
1939 10 70.0 5 3 0 0 7 3 275 4 1 45 3 23 24 1 0 0 16 8 1.03 .181 0.99
1940 51 296.2 21 13 0 0 23 28 1174 18 3 240 5 64 72 1 3 0 78 50 1.52 .223 1.05
1941 28 210.2 12 10 0 0 22 6 788 18 5 130 1 61 50 1 0 0 33 23 0.98 .179 0.85
Totals 89 577.1 38 26 0 0 52 37 2237 40 9 415 9 148 146 3 3 0 127 81 1.26 .202 0.97
Biography: Was also his high schol team's cleanup hitter. Played in one Koshien Tournament (1938). Had three walkless complete games lifetime. Drafted into the military in February, 1942. Served in Manchuria in 1943 before being sent to Guam in March, 1944, where he died in combat during WWII. 
Career WHIP: 0.97 K/9: 2.3 BB/9: 2.3 HR/9: 0.1
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout ()
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Muranaka, Kyohei Positions Played: P
Nicknames: Murachu, Sakana-kun High School: Tokaidai Kofu High School
Born: 10/25/1987 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Kanagawa Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yakult (2006-2011 [15])
Height: 6'1" 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
2006 1 3.0 0 1 0 0 1 0 18 0 0 6 1 1 4 0 0 0 4 4 12.00 4.29 3.33
2008 21 122.1 6 11 0 0 21 0 530 0 0 107 13 105 59 7 12 0 60 59 4.34 .239 1.36
2009 9 43.0 1 6 0 0 9 0 202 0 0 49 5 35 25 3 4 0 34 34 7.12 .293 1.72
2010 28 178.0 11 10 0 0 28 0 765 0 0 176 15 163 69 8 10 0 79 68 3.44 .265 1.38
2011 15 84.0 4 6 0 0 15 0 352 2 1 76 10 60 30 4  2 0 45 40 4.29 .247 1.26
Totals 74 430.1 22 34 0 0 74 0 1867 2 1 414 44 364 187 22 28 0 222 205 4.29 1.40
Biography: Throws and bats left, but does everything else righthanded. Father runs a cookie bakery. Started playing baseball in second grade. Played Senior League ball in junior high. Became his high school's ace his junior year. Drafted in the first round (2005). Was part of Japan's olumpic baseball squad at Beijing (2008). He then pitched well in the Hawaii Winter League. Suffered an elbow ligament injury in August, 2009, ending his season. Missed two months with a b ack problem in 2011. Throws in the high 80's (maxed out at a reported 92mph) with a slider and forkball. However, his command of his breaking pitches is suspect. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.40 K/9: 7.6 BB/9: 3.9 HR/9: 0.9
Debut: 10/14/2006 against Chunichi at Nagoya Dome in a start. First Win (4/4/2008 against Chunichi at Nagoya Dome in a start), First Shutout (7/29/2011 against Yomiuri at Fukushima Prefectural Azuma Stadium; it was also his first career CG)
Titles: WP (2010)
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Muranishi, Tetsuyuki Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Hieizan High School
Born: 8/6/1981 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birhtplace: Aichi-gun, Shiga Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yokohama (2004-2005 [36])
Height: 5'10" 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
2004 2 1.2 0 0 0 0 0 2 12 0 0 5 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 1 5.40 .556 3.60
2005 4 4.2 0 0 0 0 0 4 26 0 0 6 0 0 4 1 0 0 7 5 9.64 .286 2.14
Totals 6 6.1 0 0 0 0 0 6 38 0 0 11 0 0 5 2 0 0 11 6 8.53 2.53
Biography: Started playing baseball in elementary school. Became a pitcher in junior high. Played in two Koshien Tournaments (spring, summer 1999). Was 40-8 in high school. Drafted on the third round (2000). Once threw 91mph from an over the top delivery, but shoulder injuries lead to experiments with both sidearm and submarine motions and they never panned out. Lead the Eastern League in strikeouts (2004). Released after the 2006 season. 
Career WHIP: 2.53 K/9: 0.0 BB/9: 7.1 HR/9: 0.0
Debut: 6/17/2004 against Yomiuri. First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Murasawa, Hideo Positions Played: P, OF
Nicknames:  High School: Motomaki Chugakkou
Born: 1918 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Kanagawa Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Tokyo Senators (1938 [22])
Height: Weight: 
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
1938S 1 1.2 0 1 0 0 1 0 12 0 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 1 5.40 .500 4.20
1938F 3 9.0 0 1 0 0 2 1 50 0 0 12 0 4 11 0 0 1 12 11 11.00 .308 2.56
Totals 4 10.2 0 2 0 0 3 1 62 0 0 17 0 4 13 0 0 1 16 12 10.12 .347 2.81
Biography: Signed by the Senators during the 1937 season. 
Career WHIP: 2.81 K/9: 3.4 BB/9: 11.0 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


Murase, Hiromoto Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Kandai Number One High School
Born: 7/16/1941 College: Kansai University (dropped out)
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Osaka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yomiuri (1961-1963 [61], [19])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 170 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
1961 9 51.0 5 1 0 0 6 3 196 4 3 29 1 13 20 4 0 0 12 12 2.12 .173 0.96
1962 19 56.1 2 2 0 0 9 10 218 1 1 40 5 23 10 6 0 0 21 17 2.72 .203 0.89
1963 1 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 0 0 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 4.50 .571 2.50
Totals 29 109.1 7 3 0 0 15 14 422 5 4 73 6 37 31 10 0 0 34 30 2.47 .196 0.95
Biography: Dropped out of college in August, 1961. Wons five games striaght after a September callup to help the Giants clinch the pennant that season. Worked at a sushi restaurant after retirement. . 
Career WHIP: 0.95 K/9: 3.0 BB/9: 2.6 HR/9: 0.5
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout ()
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Murata, Choji Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Fukuyama Denpa Kogyo High School
Born: 11/27/1949 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Toyoda-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Tokyo/Lotte Orions (1968-1990
Height: 5'11" Weight: 171 pounds [29])
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
1968 3 7.0 0 1 0 0 0 3 29 0 0 8 0 5 1 0 0 0 3 3 3.86 .296 1.29
1969 37 146.1 6 8 0 0 20 17 615 5 5 110 11 90 80 2 5 0 64 58 3.57 .212 1.30
1970 21 79.0 5 6 0 0 12 9 351 2 0 76 7 48 43 3 3 0 51 42 4.78 .255 1.51
1971 43 194.1 12 8 0 0 27 16 813 8 1 183 25 122 61 7 9 0 82 72 3.33 .252 1.26
1972 16 46.0 3 3 0 0 5 11 213 0 0 56 10 30 22 3 3 0 34 33 6.46 .303 1.70
1973 40 157.0 8 11 0 0 24 16 672 6 1 134 6 104 79 4 6 2 69 56 3.21 .233 1.36
1974 32 180.2 12 10 1 0 28 4 765 8 1 151 10 108 87 11 11 1 75 54 2.69 .232 1.32
1975 39 191.2 9 12 13 0 17 22 759 11 2 128 15 120 65 6 3 0 56 47 2.21 .191 1.07
1976 46 257.1 21 11 4 0 24 22 1037 18 5 209 13 202 73 8 13 0 67 52 1.82 .222 1.10
1977 47 235.0 17 14 6 11 28 19 975 15 2 216 15 180 62 8 10 0 85 70 2.68 .242 1.18
1978 37 223.1 14 13 3 5 27 10 907 17 3 188 18 174 58 15 10 0 84 72 2.90 .231 1.10
1979 37 255.0 17 12 2 2 32 5 1035 21 3 224 26 230 55 5 10 0 99 84 2.96 .234 1.09
1980 27 178.0 9 9 2 2 22 5 772 11 1 169 14 135 73 8 2 0 90 77 3.89 .256 1.36
1981 32 230.2 19 8 0 0 31 1 970 16 2 237 18 154 55 6 6 0 99 76 2.97 .264 1.27
1982 6 40.1 4 1 0 0 6 0 166 3 2 35 4 27 11 2 0 0 14 13 2.90 .238 1.14
1984 5 9.0 0 1 0 0 1 4 39 0 0 13 1 3 0 0 0 0 6 6 6.00 .351 1.44
1985 24 173.2 17 5 0 0 24 0 752 10 0 181 20 93 65 7 11 1 89 83 4.30 .270 1.42
1986 23 155.1 8 11 0 0 23 0 658 5 0 164 23 106 32 8 4 1 82 68 3.94 .270 1.26
1987 21 130.2 7 9 0 0 21 0 573 3 2 151 15 74 42 4 12 1 68 63 4.34 .295 1.48
1988 20 145.2 10 7 0 0 20 0 599 5 1 123 22 120 45 6 7 0 65 63 3.89 .230 1.15
1989 22 179.2 7 9 0 0 22 0 739 16 3 143 17 135 69 5 6 1 58 50 2.50 .224 1.18
1990 26 115.2 10 8 2 3 19 7 524 4 2 120 14 103 56 6 17 1 62 58 4.51 .270 1.52
Totals 604 3331.1 215 177 33 23 433 171 13963 184 36 3019 304 2363 1144 124 148 8 1402 1200 3.24 .243 1.25
Biography: Started out playing softball in elementary school. Mostly played outfield in junior high due to lack of control on the hill. Began pitching in earnest in high school, where it was said he was throwing upwards of 93mph by then (this was the pre-radar gun era). Drafted on the first round (1967). Reportedly used to stay up late into the night playing mah jong, but was found out by teammate and future hall of famer Masaaki Koyama, who chewed Murata out by accusing him of disappating his talent. Murata then rededicated himself . Made changes to his delivery in 1971. The forkball was part of his arsenal when he came up, but he finally mastered it in 1976. Even though he reportedly tipped the pitch off, it was so good that opposing batters still couldn't do anything with it. Struckout a career high 16 (6/8/1979 against Kintetsu). Won his first 11 decisions in 1981. Suffered an elbow injury in 1982 and missed the better part of two seasons after having Dr.  Frank Jobe surgically repair it in August, 1983.He was the first Japanese pro baseball player Jobe ever operated on.  He came bak in August, 1984, largely pitching on Sundays and he was known for a time as "Sunday Choji." Won his initial 11 decisions in a row to begin his 1985 campaign, the second time in his career he had done that. 200th win (5/13/1989 against Nippon Ham at Yamagata Prefectural Stadium). Became only the second 40 year old ever to win ten or more games in a season and then retired (1990). The last game he ever pitched was a five inning rain shortened shutout with Hidetoshi Hakamada catching, who also retired after that game (10/13/1990 against Seibu at Kawasaki Stadium). Started on Opening Day 13 times (1975-1982, 1986-1990). Selected to 13 all star teams (1971, 1974-1981, 1985-1986, 1988-1989). Had 14 walkless complete games lifetime. His 148 career wiild pitches is a Japan record, as was his 17 wild pitches in a season (1990). Had three wild pitches in an inning to tie a Japan record (6/14/1987). Was the oldest man to ever win an all star game, doing it at age 39. Became a baseball commentator for NHK after retirement. Later, he coached for Daiei. Is still a workout freak and reportedly still threw in the high 80's into his 50's. He has alos done  a lot of clinics for youth league players. Is married and his wife speaks english. Murata's Club Team's Official Homepage   Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.25 K/9: 6.4 BB/9: 3.1 HR/9: 0.8
Debut: 10/8/1968 against Nankai at Osaka Stadium in relief. First Win (), First Shutout (5/23/1969 against Nankai in his first pro start)
Titles: IP (1979), Wins (1981), Saves (1975), BF (1979), CG (1979), SO (1976, 1979), K (1976-1977, 1979, 1981), BB (1969), WP (1969, 1971, 1973-1974, 1976-1979, 1981, 1985, 1987, 1990), ERA (1975-1976, 1989), Best Nine (1981), Comeback Player of the Year (1985)
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: 2005


Murata, Genichi Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Meiji High School
Born: 4/10/1938 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Tokyo Team (Years and [uniform number]): Kokutetsu Swallows/Sankei
Height: 5'8" Weight: 147 pounds Atoms (1957-1969 [52], [37], [11])
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
1957 1 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 18.00 .400 2.00
1958 62 320.0 15 22 0 0 41 21 1266 13 1 265 24 178 56 7 2 2 123 104 2.93 .226 1.03
1959 42 187.1 9 11 0 0 31 11 775 6 3 172 17 110 43 2 2 0 84 72 3.46 .243 1.15
1960 58 295.2 18 16 0 0 40 18 1163 14 2 263 18 152 38 2 3 0 101 83 2.53 .239 1.02
1961 43 217.2 14 13 0 0 24 19 840 5 0 195 14 100 25 1 2 0 68 56 2.32 .247 1.01
1962 40 216.1 12 16 0 0 28 12 855 12 3 199 14 102 28 1 0 0 73 57 2.37 .249 1.05
1963 40 209.1 13 14 0 0 25 15 864 9 4 219 27 60 32 0 0 0 97 83 3.57 .268 1.20
1964 27 114.1 2 7 0 0 16 11 473 2 0 133 17 22 16 0 1 0 54 46 3.62 .296 1.30
1965 23 110.2 6 11 0 0 17 6 470 5 0 122 15 31 21 4 0 0 50 48 3.90 .281 1.29
1966 39 189.1 11 12 0 0 28 11 770 8 1 179 19 74 33 2 0 0 74 66 3.14 .249 1.12
1967 33 165.2 8 12 0 0 28 5 696 5 0 166 29 76 38 1 1 0 83 74 4.02 .256 1.23
1968 36 95.2 8 5 0 0 6 30 399 1 0 97 11 63 22 3 0 0 36 33 3.10 .266 1.24
1969 15 31.0 2 1 0 0 0 15 124 0 0 29 4 22 5 1 0 0 10 7 2.03 .250 1.10
Totals 459 2154.0 118 140 0 0 284 175 8700 80 14 2041 210 990 357 24 11 2 855 731 3.05 .251 1.11
Biography: 100th win (10/12/1966 against Chunichi at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium). Selected to three all star teams (1958, 1960, 1962). Had 21 walkless complete games lifetime. 
Career WHIP: 1.11 K/9: 4.1 BB/9: 1.5 HR/9: 0.9
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout ()
Titles: G (1958), HR (1967), R (1958), ER (1958)
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Murata, Hirohide Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Kyushu Gakuin High School
Born: 5/28/1932 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: Kishima Tanko
Birthplace: Kumamoto Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Takahashi Unions (1954 [14])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 156 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1954 2 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 16 0 0 6 0 0 4 0 0 0 7 6 27.00 .500 5.00
Totals 2 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 16 0 0 6 0 0 4 0 0 0 7 6 27.00 .500 5.00
Biography: 
Career WHIP: 5.00 K/9: 0.0 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


Murata,  Katsuyoshi Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Seiryo High School
Born: 9/18/1969 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nankai/Daiei Hawks (1988-1993 
Height: 5'11" Weight: 158 pounds [50], [15], [18]), Seibu (1994-1995 [21]), Chunichi (1996-1997 [21])
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
1988 7 16.0 0 1 0 0 1 6 72 0 0 20 2 10 6 0 1 0 10 6 3.38 .313 1.63
1989 25 130.0 7 8 0 1 21 4 593 4 1 117 15 107 88 6 2 0 72 57 3.95 .245 1.58
1990 27 175.2 7 15 0 0 26 1 789 9 1 179 29 143 92 6 4 0 117 113 5.79 .270 1.54
1991 23 188.0 13 9 0 0 23 0 790 15 1 166 17 155 70 7 3 1 81 74 3.54 .241 1.26
1992 25 181.2 10 9 0 0 23 2 775 12 1 162 18 123 76 4 5 0 79 74 3.67 .243 1.31
1993 25 196.1 10 12 0 0 25 0 817 14 1 171 10 127 81 5 3 0 74 70 3.21 .241 1.28
1994 25 101.1 4 5 0 0 20 5 476 3 1 104 9 82 69 4 3 0 60 51 4.53 .269 1.71
1995 9 17.2 0 0 0 0 2 7 79 0 0 14 1 12 12 2 1 0 12 12 6.11 .237 1.47
1996 4 12.2 1 3 0 1 3 1 61 0 0 15 4 14 6 1 0 0 14 14 9.95 .300 1.66
1997 11 34.0 2 3 0 0 6 5 167 0 0 42 7 21 24 2 0 0 24 24 6.35 .311 1.94
Totals 181 1053.1 54 65 0 2 150 31 4619 57 6 990 112 694 524 37 22 1 543 495 4.23 .254 1.44
Biography: Drafted on the sixth round (1987). Career was dogged by back problems. Had one walkless complete game lifetime. Became the last losing pitcher in Nankai history after coming on in relief in their final game before they were sold to Daiei (10/20/1988 against Lotte at Kawasaki Stadium). Traded to Seibu during the 1993 offseason. Traded to Chunichi during the 1995 offseason. Ran his own business and was on the boar4d of a non profit organization after retirement. Hard fastball, slider, curve and a forkball he had poor command of. Selected to two all star teams (1991, 1993). Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.44 K/9: 5.9 BB/9: 4.5 HR/9: 1.0
Debut: 9/20/1988 against Kintetsu at Nihon Seimei Stadium. First Win (5/10/1989 against Orix at Kobe Green Stadium), First Shutout (8/31/1989 against Seibu at Seibu Stadium)
Titles: Losses (1990), Runs (1990), ER (1990)
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Murata, Shigeharu Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Tokyo Kyobashi Shogyo Gakko
Born: 2/9/1917 College: N/A
Died:? Industrial League: Tokyo City Hall
Birthplace: Tokyo Team (Years and [uniform number]): Osaka Tigers (1936 [7]), Dai
Height: 5'6" Weight: 132 pounds Tokyo/Lion (1937 [15])
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
1936F 1 4.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 15 0 0 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 2.25 .231 1.00
1937S 4 14.2 0 1 0 0 1 3 77 0 0 17 1 8 19 0 1 0 13 9 5.52 .298 2.45
1937F 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0.00 1.000 infinity
Totals 6 18.2 0 1 0 0 2 4 95 0 0 21 1 8 22 1 1 1 14 10 4.82 .296 2.30
Biography: Drafted in late 1937. Is deceased, but date is unknown. 
Career WHIP: 2.30 K/9: 3.9 BB/9: 10.6 HR/9: 0.5
Debut: 11/18/1936 against Dai Tokyo in a start. First Win  (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Murata, Tatsumi Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Rokugo High School
Born: 7/9/1952 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: Mitsubishi Motors Kawasaki
Birthplace: Yokote, Akita Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Kintetsu Buffaloes (1975-1989 [34]), 
Height: 5'10" Weight: 162 pounds Taiyo Whales (1990 [34])
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
1975 11 20.0 0 0 0 0 0 11 90 0 0 19 3 6 9 0 1 0 11 6 2.79 .241 1.40
1977 15 30.1 0 0 0 0 0 15 132 0 0 38 6 6 8 0 0 0 19 13 3.86 .309 1.52
1978 37 73.2 5 2 1 5 2 35 277 1 0 61 3 21 8 3 0 0 16 15 1.83 .235 0.94
1979 43 192.1 12 8 2 3 26 17 786 11 3 207 23 98 34 4 1 0 81 73 3.42 .284 1.25
1980 36 136.0 7 7 2 6 18 18 625 3 0 165 38 52 57 6 0 0 105 94 6.22 .299 1.63
1981 37 150.2 7 7 0 0 17 20 651 5 3 156 12 80 46 11 1 0 62 56 3.35 .269 1.34
1982 25 136.2 7 11 2 2 19 6 582 10 1 135 18 51 40 13 0 0 71 65 4.28 .263 1.28
1983 25 86.1 2 6 0 0 9 16 371 4 0 94 8 25 32 5 0 0 55 48 5.00 .294 1.46
1984 36 110.1 4 9 0 0 19 17 473 1 0 106 16 31 46 5 0 1 66 59 4.81 .260 1.38
1985 36 184.2 9 14 2 2 28 8 828 9 0 202 21 57 81 8 1 0 101 91 4.44 .287 1.53
1986 30 181.0 14 10 0 0 27 3 769 5 2 198 30 84 53 6 1 0 82 82 4.08 .288 1.39
1987 33 93.1 4 7 1 3 12 21 420 1 0 115 18 36 26 9 1 1 57 51 4.92 .308 1.51
1988 22 124.2 10 3 0 0 21 1 516 5 1 128 12 44 28 2 0 0 49 46 3.32 .272 1.25
1989 14 67.1 4 6 0 0 13 1 300 0 0 81 12 25 27 4 0 0 43 41 5.48 .313 1.60
1990 4 7.2 0 0 0 0 1 3 31 0 0 7 0 7 0 1 0 0 3 3 3.52 .233 0.91
Totals 404 1595.0 85 90 10 21 212 192 6851 55 10 1712 220 623 495 77 6 2 831 743 4.19 .281 1.38
Biography:  Sidearmer. Started playing baseball in elementary school. Struckout 18 in a no hitter in high school, but he let in a run and lost it when the oppposing hurler spun a no hitter, too. Drafted on the second round (1974). His 6.22 ERA was the highest postwar figure for any pitcher qualifying for the title at the time (he was eclipsed by Daiei pitcher Kazumi Saito in 2004, though) and is the third highest all time. Started on Opening Day 1986-1987. Hit three men in an inning, an NPB record (4/8/1981). Selected to three all star teams (1979, 1982, 1985). Had eight walkless complete games lifetime. Became a baseball commentator for Yomiuri Tv after retirement before coaching with Kintetsu. He then returned to commentating, this time for Kansai TV, Fuji Tv and Radio Osaka as well as J-Sports.  Official Homepage   Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.38 K/9: 3.5 BB/9: 2.8 HR/9: 1.2
Debut: 4/6/1975 against Hankyu at Nishinomiya Stadium in relief. First Win (), First Shutout ()
Titles: SO (1979), HBP (1987)
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Murayama, Minoru Positions Played: P
Nicknames: Ningen Kikansha (Human Tank) High School: Sumitomo Gakuen Chugakkou
Born: 12/10/1936 College: Kansai University
Died: 8/22/1998 Industrial League: Sumitomo Kogyo High School
Birrthplace: Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Osaka Tigers/Hanshin (1959- 
Height: 5'9" Weight: 182 pounds 1972 [11])
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
1959 54 295.1 18 10 0 0 26 28 1079 19 7 165 15 294 56 5 0 1 45 39 1.19 .165 0.75
1960 36 167.2 8 15 0 0 18 18 665 7 1 116 12 153 48 3 2 0 62 47 2.52 .194 0.98
1961 48 293.0 24 13 0 0 31 17 1148 18 3 238 16 221 62 7 4 1 81 74 2.27 .227 1.02
1962 57 366.1 25 14 0 0 38 19 1386 23 6 261 17 265 55 5 1 0 62 49 1.20 .201 0.86
1963 28 158.1 11 10 0 0 16 12 640 10 2 126 16 121 48 1 1 1 59 49 2.79 .218 1.10
1964 46 255.0 22 18 0 0 33 13 1043 17 5 227 27 159 80 5 2 0 102 94 3.32 .242 1.20
1965 39 307.2 25 13 0 0 37 2 1165 26 11 221 17 205 52 4 0 0 72 67 1.96 .203 0.89
1966 38 290.1 24 9 0 0 32 6 1102 24 8 194 16 207 52 4 1 0 58 50 1.55 .190 0.85
1967 30 180.1 13 9 0 0 25 5 709 9 3 141 20 126 42 1 2 0 62 56 2.79 .217 1.01
1968 32 198.0 15 8 0 0 24 8 784 14 1 169 13 152 39 7 2 0 66 60 2.73 .235 1.05
1969 35 214.2 12 14 0 0 26 9 842 11 1 180 19 160 38 7 0 0 58 48 2.01 .231 1.02
1970 25 156.0 14 3 0 0 19 6 573 7 5 85 7 118 34 3 0 0 18 17 0.98 .161 0.76
1971 19 83.0 7 5 0 0 10 9 325 4 2 70 6 45 15 3 0 0 26 25 2.71 .233 1.02
1972 22 84.2 4 6 0 0 13 9 340 3 0 78 8 45 18 2 1 0 36 34 3.61 .250 1.13
Totals 509 3050.1 222 147 0 0 348 161 11801 192 55 2271 209 2271 639 57 16 3 807 709 2.09 .209 0.95
Biography: Started playing baseball in junior high school as a shortstop. Was originally a second baseman in the industrial leagues, but switched to pitching. He then decided to go to college and became his team's ace. Pitched his team to a Japanese collegiate championship his sophomore year. Unfortunately, he then had hepatitis his junior year and sat the year out. That was exacerbated by shoulder problems. Joined Hanshin's parent firm  in 1958 unsure if his shoulder would hold up, though one story had it that he  turned down a huge offer from Yomiuri because he was a proud Kansai native. There were reportedly only 34 people in the stands in his debut, which was a Friday day game, although officially it says there were 3,000. Was the losing pitcher in the famous Tenran Shiai (Viewed by the Emperor Game) when eventual hall of fame Yomiuri third baseman Shigeo Nagashima hooked a ball just inside the leftfield foul pole at Korakuen Stadium (6/25/1959). Murayama contended until the day he died that the ball was foul.  That was the beginning of an epic rivalry between Murayama and Nagashima and it was exacerbated by the fact that Nagashima was the Golden Boy from Rikkyo University, which wouldn't accept Murayama into its baseball program because its coaches thought he was too small. Nagashima would bat .281 lifetime against Murayama (85-302 with 21 homers and 39 strikeouts). Lost out in the rookie balloting to Taiyo infielder Takeshi Kuwata and his league leading 31 homers. Thus Murayama is the only rookie Sawamura ASward winner to not also garner the Rookie of the Year trophy. In 1962, he had a perfect game with one out in the eighth in game two of the Japan Series before it was broekn up. The Tigers didn't give him any run support in Japan Series play and his five stright losing decisions in the Japanese fall classic tied an NPB record. On November 17th, 1962, he had a no hitter going against Detroit at Korakuen Stadium before it was ruined with two gone in the eighth. He finished with a walkless two hit shutout, striking out nine, the first time ever a Japanese pitcher had rendered an MLB outfit scoreless.. Detroit skipper Bob Scheffing was said to have asked Murayam if he would consider leaving Japan to join his MLB team. Murayama, though, was flustered to begin with and didn't understand english. His 2.09 lifetime ERA is best all time in the Central League (2000 innings or more). Began having circulatory problems in 1967. Became player-coach in 1969 the  a playing manager in 1970. His 0.98 ERA in 1970 was a postwar low for any pitcher qualifying for the ERA title.200th win (7/7/1970 against Taiyo at Koshien Stadium). 2000th strikeout (8/1/1969). Threw his forkball from three different arm angles and would use it 30-40% of the time. 1500th strikeout (6/8/1966 against Yomiuri off of Shigeo Nagashima). 2000th strikeout (8/1/1969 against Yomiuri off of Shigeo Nagashima). Selected to eight all star teams (1959-1961, 1964-1967, 1969). Hsd 32 walkless complete games. His number 11 has been permanently retired. Became a baseball commentator after retirement for NTV and Hiroshima Tv and Asahi Broadcasting. Died of colon cancer. Reference: Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 0.95 K/9: 6.7 BB/9: 1.9 HR/9: 0.6
Debut:4/14/1959 against Kokutetsu in a start, facing off Masaichi Kaneda. First Win (4/14/1959 against Kokutetsu), First Shutout (4/14/1959 against Kokutetsu in a two hitter)
Titles: IP (1962, 1965-1966), Wins (1965-1966), BF (1965), CG (1965-1966), SO (1964-1966), K (1965-1966), ERA (1959, 1962, 1970), MVP (1962), Sawamura Award (1959, 1965-1966), Best Nine (1962, 1965-1966)
Managerial Record: Hanshin 241-271-16
Hall of Fame Induction: 1993


Murayama, Yasunobu Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Tobata High School
Born: 5/29/1938 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Fukuoka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nishitetsu Lions (1957-1960 [34])
Height: 5'9" Weight: 151 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
1957 2 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 13 0 0 7 1 2 1 0 0 0 4 4 18.00 .583 4.00
1958 28 65.2 2 0 0 0 6 22 261 1 0 61 4 52 7 0 1 0 28 24 3.29 .242 1.04
1959 15 27.0 0 3 0 0 4 11 124 0 0 32 6 7 7 1 0 1 23 15 5.00 .278 1.44
1960 1 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 4.50 .250 1.50
Totals 46 96.2 2 3 0 0 10 36 407 1 0 102 11 62 16 1 1 1 56 44 4.10 .264 1.22
Biography: Had one walkless complete game lifetime. 
Career WHIP: 1.22 K/9: 5.8 BB/9: 1.5 HR/9: 1.0
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Muto, Junichiro Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Yoshiwara Shogyo High School
Born: 3/15/1969 College: Senshu University
Died:  Industrial League: Prince Hotels
Birthplace: Fukushima Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Lotte (1993-2001 [17], [16]),
Height: 6'0" Weight: 182 pounds Nippon Ham (2002-2003 [26])
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
1993 12 20.1 0 2 0 0 2 10 105 0 0 33 2 17 13 2 1 0 26 24 10.62 .379 1.16
1994 9 20.2 0 2 0 0 2 7 106 0 0 25 6 19 17 1 1 0 24 24 10.45 .291 2.03
1995 2 2.1 0 0 0 0 0 2 13 0 0 6 1 2 0 0 0 0 4 4 15.43 .462 2.57
1996 26 59.0 0 1 0 0 4 22 253 0 0 70 7 48 15 2 1 0 35 33 5.03 .303 1.44
1997 14 56.0 2 5 0 0 9 5 250 1 0 60 5 49 26 3 1 0 35 39 4.66 .282 1.54
1998 26 141.1 8 7 0 0 21 5 611 2 2 131 18 102 55 5 2 0 69 59 3.76 .243 1.32
1999 21 130.0 6 11 0 0 20 1 572 1 0 127 13 83 60 3 3 0 60 50 3.46 .259 1.44
2000 21 66.0 1 4 0 0 10 11 303 0 0 74 9 56 35 5 1 0 41 38 5.18 .289 1.65
2001 1 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 10 0 0 3 1 1 1 0 0 0 3 3 13.50 .375 2.00
2002 25 39.0 0 1 0 0 0 25 174 0 0 41 5 39 18 3 1 1 20 20 4.62 .275 1.51
2003 2 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 13 0 0 2 1 4 2 0 0 0 2 2 6.00 .182 1.33
Totals 159 539.2 17 33 0 0 68 89 2410 4 2 572 68 420 242 24 11 1 319 286 4.76 .275 1.51
Biography: Moved to Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture at age three. Started playing baseball in second grade. Became his high school team's ace as a junior. Won seven games in college. Drafted on the first round (1992). Traded to Nippon Ham during the 2001 offseason. Released by Nippon Ham at the end of the 2003 campaign and picked up by Seibu, who released him at the conclusion of the 2004 schedule. Played with the Brother Elephants of the CPBL in 2005, going 6-10 with a 3.51 ERA in 24 games. He retired at season's end and became a minor league pitching coach for Yokohama until 2008 before coaching for the Sinon Bulls in Taiwan in 2009. Fastball around 90mph  Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.51 K/9: 7.0 BB/9: 4.0 HR/9: 1.1
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout ()
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Muto, Yuta Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Hanno Minami High School
Born: 6/14/1989 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: Honda Motors
Birthplace: Iruma, Saitama Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Chunichi (2011 [25])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 187 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
2011 7 8.2 0 0 0 0 0 7 37 0 0 9 2 7 3 0 0 0 4 4 4.15 .265 1.38
Totals 7 8.2 0 0 0 0 0 7 37 0 0 9 2 7 3 0 0 0 4 4 4.15 .265 1.38
Biography: Was his high school team's ace. Drafted on the third round (2010). Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.38 K/9: 7.3 BB/9: 3.1 HR/9: 2.1
Debut: 6/29/2011 against Yokohama at Yokohama Stadium in a seventh inning relief appearance. First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A