Yabu, Keiichi Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Shingu High School
Born: 9/28/1968 College: Tokyo Keizai University
Died:  Industrial League: Asahi Seimei
Birthplace: Minami Muro-gun, Mie Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hanshin (1994-2004 [18], [4]),
Height: 6.'0" Weight: 202 pounds Rakuten (2010 [64])
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
1994 26 181.1 9 9 0 0 25 1 743 8 1 174 12 110 42 2 2 1 67 64 3.18 .256 1.19
1995 27 196.0 7 13 0 0 27 0 813 7 2 185 19 118 50 10 4 1 73 65 2.98 .252 1.20
1996 30 195.1 11 14 0 0 30 0 834 6 1 204 14 145 51 11 1 1 97 87 4.01 .271 1.31
1997 29 183.0 10 12 0 0 26 3 768 4 1 172 23 111 62 10 9 0 79 73 3.59 .254 1.28
1998 24 164.0 11 10 0 0 24 0 692 3 2 159 11 90 51 8 4 2 74 64 3.51 .258 1.28
1999 28 173.1 6 16 0 0 27 1 737 4 2 175 16 95 57 11 4 0 80 76 3.95 .270 1.34
2000 25 151.0 6 10 0 0 24 1 638 1 1 162 19 95 30 4 7 0 76 70 4.17 .276 1.27
2001 17 55.0 0 4 0 0 8 9 250 0 0 55 2 26 33 5 5 0 32 25 4.09 .267 1.60
2002 20 131.2 10 6 0 0 20 0 532 5 2 118 14 97 30 6 3 0 48 46 3.14 .242 1.12
2003 23 97.2 8 3 0 0 15 8 405 0 0 97 13 67 27 2 4 0 50 43 3.96 .264 1.27
2004 19 116.1 6 9 0 0 18 1 480 1 1 108 8 75 36 7 5 0 44 44 3.20 .252 1.24
2010 11 11.0 0 0 0 0 0 11 48 0 0 9 2 6 6 2 0 0 6 6 4.91 .237 1.36
Totals 279 1655.2 84 106 0 0 244 35 6940 39 13 1618 153 1035 475 77 48 5 726 658 3.58 1.26
Biography: Started playing baseball in third grade. Hurt his arm during his elementary school years and while he didn't have it treated back then, when it rains he will still get some residual pain. Took a year off between high school and college to study for Toyo Keizai University's entrance exam. Won a total of 36 games in Tokyo Metropolitan University second division play. Drafted on the first round (1993). He is the first man from his university to play in NPB ever. Was the Opening Day pitcher for Hanshin twice (1998-1999). Usually began to run into big touble in the sixth inning during his career and was slated for it by fans and the press. He also tended to run out of gas during Japan's humid rainy season. Had shoulder problems in 2001. Selected to six all star teams (1194-1997, 1999-2000). Signed with Oakland after qualifying for free agency, with whom he played one season. He then went to Colorado, who released him at the end of March, 2006. He then migrated to the Mexican League with Tijuana and finished his year with them. He sat out all of 2007 He subsequently signed with San Francisco for 2008 and became the first Japanese to win a regular season game for them since Masanori Murakami in September, 1965 (4/14/2008 against Airzona; he was also the oldest Japanese pitcher at the time to win an MLB game). Unfortunately, he would spend 2009 solely in the minors with the Giants, who released him that July. He tried out for Rakuten in late July, 2010 at Chiba Marine Stadium and was signed. Fastball usually around 90mph, curve, slider, shuuto,. forkball and changeup. Is 27-17 lifetime against Hiroshima before going to MLB. 1000th inning (6/5/1999 against Yakult at Meiji Jingu Stadium in the fourth inning). 1500th inning (7/11/2003 against Yomiuri at Koshien Stadium in the first inning). 1000th strikeout (8/11/2004 against Yokohama at Sapporo Dome in the fifth inning off of Takahiro Saeki). Became a minor league pitching coach for Hanshin after retirement. Official Blog   Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.26 K/9: 5.6 BB/9: 2.6 HR/9: 0.8
Debut: 4/13/1994 against Chunichi at Koshien Stadiium in a start. First Win (4/19/1994 against Hiroshima at Okayama Prefectural Stadium in his first career complete game), First Shutout (5/24/1994 against Yomiuri at Koshien Stadium)
Titles: Rookie of the Year (1994), Losses (1995-1996, 1999), H (1995-1996), HBP (1996-1997, 1999), WP (1997), R (1996), ER (1996)
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yabukami, Toshio Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Koyo High School
Born: 5/10/1951 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Wakayama Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nankai Hawks (1971 [36])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 171 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1971 10 17.0 0 0 0 0 0 10 72 0 0 16 2 8 4 1 1 0 5 3 1.59 .239 1.18
Totals 10 17.0 0 0 0 0 0 10 72 0 0 16 2 8 4 1 1 0 5 3 1.59 .239 1.18
Biography: Drafted on the fourth round (1969). Retired after the 1972 season. 
Career WHIP: 1.18 K/9: 4.2 BB/9: 2.1 HR/9: 1.1
Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yabumoto, Kazuo Positions Played: P, 3B
Nicknames:  High School: Onomichi Nishi High School
Born: 1932 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Daiei Stars (1950-1955 [1], [19])
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
1950 1 2.2 0 1 0 0 1 0 16 0 0 4 0 1 3 0 0 0 4 0 0.00 .308 2.62
1951 16 64.1 1 2 0 0 4 12 265 0 0 46 1 21 25 5 0 1 20 14 1.96 .200 1.10
1952 26 120.2 6 4 0 0 11 15 508 5 1 116 9 37 33 3 1 0 62 49 3.65 .249 1.23
1953 17 76.1 6 2 0 0 9 8 300 4 1 68 5 24 21 0 1 0 17 17 2.00 .246 1.17
1954 7 21.1 1 2 0 0 1 6 91 0 0 26 2 7 3 0 0 0 10 10 4.22 .295 1.36
1955 8 14.2 0 0 0 0 1 7 56 0 0 13 1 4 2 0 0 0 5 5 3.07 .245 1.02
Totals 75 300.0 14 11 0 0 27 48 1236 9 2 273 18 94 87 8 2 1 118 95 2.85 .242 1.20
Biography: Had two walkless complete games lifetime. 
Career WHIP: 1.20 K/9: 2.8 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


Yabusaki, Hiroshi Positions Played: P
Nickanmes: High School: Fujieda Higashi High School
Born: 4/23/1935 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Shizuoka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Mainichi Orions (1955 [36]), 
Height: 5'9" Weight: 150 pounds Daiei Stars (1956 [21])
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
1955 4 9.0 0 0 0 0 1 3 43 0 0 14 0 6 2 0 1 0 7 6 6.00 .350 1.78
1956 19 33.2 0 3 0 0 8 11 144 0 0 20 1 15 28 0 0 0 12 9 2.41 .179 1.43
Totals 23 42.2 0 3 0 0 9 14 157 0 0 34 1 21 30 0 1 0 19 15 3.16 .224 1.50
Biography: 
Career WHIP: 1.50 K/9: 4.4 BB/9: 6.3 HR/9: 0.2
Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yabuta, Masanori Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Nishinan Gakuin High School
Born: 9/25/1923 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: Moji Tetsudo Kanrikyoku, Shoka Tanko
Birthplace: Fukuoka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nishi Nihon Pirates  (1950 [16])
Height: 5'4" Weight: 134 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 6 21.1 0 1 0 0 2 4 103 0 0 32 3 7 8 0 0 0 16 13 5.48 .337 1.88
Totals 6 21.1 0 1 0 0 2 4 103 0 0 32 3 7 8 0 0 0 16 13 5.48 .337 1.88
Biography: 
Career WHIP: 1.88 K/9: 3.0 BB/9: 3.4 HR/9: 1.3
Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yabuta, Yasuhiko Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Uenomiya High School
Born: 6/19/1973 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: Shin Nittetsu Hirohata
Birthplace: Kishiwada, Osaka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Lotte 1996-2007, 2010- 
Height: 6'0" Weight: 187 pounds 2011 [20], [49])
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 18 92.0 4 6 0 1 11 7 376 1 1 79 8 58 29 3 5 0 39 37 3.62 .237 1.17
1997 25 146.1 5 9 0 0 24 1 621 4 0 144 16 74 48 2 7 2 69 64 3.94 .261 1.31
1998 17 100.1 2 9 0 0 16 1 448 2 0 123 15 45 40 1 8 6 61 54 4.84 .309 1.62
1999 12 57.0 5 4 0 0 10 2 260 0 0 68 9 33 30 2 3 1 33 31 4.89 .302 1.72
2000 2 6.2 0 1 0 0 2 0 31 0 0 9 3 3 2 0 0 0 10 10 13.50 .333 1.65
2001 27 97.1 4 6 0 1 13 14 414 0 0 94 15 70 40 3 4 0 46 42 3.88 .260 1.38
2002 3 11.1 1 2 0 0 3 0 52 0 0 16 4 8 4 0 0 0 11 11 8.74 .356 1.76
2003 17 68.2 5 6 0 0 13 4 304 0 0 74 12 44 27 2 3 0 45 45 5.90 .272 1.47
2004 66 77.1 3 4 2 5 1 65 328 0 0 62 4 71 34 3 2 1 26 24 2.79 .218 1.24
2005 51 55.2 7 4 2 9 0 51 220 0 0 42 7 54 13 2 1 0 20 19 3.07 .209 0.99
2006 47 55.0 4 2 1 5 0 47 232 0 0 43 3 48 26 0 0 0 19 16 2.62 .218 1.25
2007 58 62.2 4 6 4 8 0 58 264 0 0 64 5 45 10 2 1 0 21 19 2.73 .268 1.18
2010 63 65.2 2 5 1 3 0 63 277 0 0 59 9 57 22 3 2 0 26 23 3.15 .238 1.23
2011 53 56.2 1 2 31 32 0 53 217 0 0 38 4 57 13 0 1 0 11 11 1.75 .190 0.90
Totals 459 952.2 47 66 41 64 93 366 4044 7 1 915 114 667 338 23 37 10 437 406 3.84 1.32
Biography: His father played on a summer Koshien Tournament champion in 1961 for Naniwa Shogyo High School. Started playing baseball in first grade in Boys League and stuck with it all the way through junior high. Was a reliever in high school. and lived with then teammate and future Hanshin outfielder Yutaka Nakamura's family during that time Drafted on the second round (1995). Was an integral part of Lotte's 2005 Japan championship ballclub, the first time in 31 years they had done that. Selected to Japan's 2006 WBC squad. Signed with Kansas City as a free agent during th 2007 offseason, spending two lackluster seasons with them before returning to Lotte during the 2009 offseason. Fastball clocked as high as 95mph but usually around 90mph with a slider, forkball and changeup. Talks to himself on the mound. Selected to two all star teams (2005, 2007). Hobby is golf. Official Blog   Reference: Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.32 K/9: 6.3 BB/9: 3.2 HR/9: 1.1
Debut: 5/31/1996 against Orix at Chiba Marine Stadium in a start. First Win (7/16/1996 against Orix at Chiba Marine Stadium in a start), First Shutout (7/30/1996 against Kintetsu at Fujiidera Stadium in his first career complete game), First Save (8/10/2004 against Kintetsu at Chiba Marine Stadium)
Titles: Appearances (2004), Middle Reliever of the Year (2007)
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yachi, Kento Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Takaoka Number One High School
Born: 1/15/1988 College: Takaoka Hoka University
Died: Industrial League:
Birthplace: Shinminato, Toyama Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Chunichi (2010-2011 [59])
Height: 5'11" 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
2010 1 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0.00 .500 3.00
2011 2 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 12 0 0 4 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 2 9.00 .571 3.00
Totals 3 2.1 0 0 0 0 0 3 15 0 0 5 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 2 7.71 3.00
Biography: Sidearmer. Taken in the first round of the taxi squad draft (2009). Added to the regular roster in April, 2010, the first Dragons taxi squad draftee to do that. Got tossed out of his debut after a pitch he threw buzzed the helmet of the second man he faced, Carp shortstop Eishin Soyogi, thus only going one-third of an inning. Fatsball around 90mph. with a slider and curveball. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 3.00 K/9: 0.0 BB/9: 7.7 HR/9: 0.0
Debut: 4/18/2010 against Hiroshima at Matsuda Stadium in an eighth inning relief appearance. First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yachi, Masaki Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Saikyo Shogyo High School
Born: 4/29/1972 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Kintetsu Buffaloes (1994-1999 [65]) 
Height: 5'10" Weight: 158 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
1994 5 6.0 0 0 0 0 1 4 32 0 0 6 1 4 8 0 0 0 5 5 7.50 .261 2.33
1997 1 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 .000 0.00
1998 7 11.1 0 1 0 0 0 7 50 0 0 13 0 7 5 0 1 0 6 6 4.76 .310 1.59
1999 7 3.2 0 0 0 0 0 7 18 0 0 6 1 5 3 0 1 0 4 4 9.82 .462 2.45
Totals 20 22.0 0 1 0 0 1 19 103 0 0 25 2 18 16 0 2 0 15 15 6.14 .309 1.86
Biography: Tried out for Kintetsu in October, 1990 and was added to the roster two months later. Tossed a no hitter in a Western League game (7/1998). Released by Kintetsu after the 1999 season after trying to hide his shoulder problems from them and signed with Hiroshima. Had shoulder surgery in 2000 and was released. Became a batting practice pitcher for Nippon Ham after retirement. He also played on a club team as an outfielder in 2003. Is also qualified as a judo therapist. Fastball, slider, changeup. Reference  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.86 K/9: 7.4 BB/9: 6.5 HR/9: 0.8
Debut: 6/14/1994 against Orix at Fujiidera Stadium in a ninth inning relief appearance. First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yagi, Masayoshi Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Choshi Shogyo High School
Born: 4/14/1969 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Choshi, Chiba Prefecture Team (years and [uniform number]): Hankyu Braves (1988 [51])
Height: 5'11" 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
1988 2 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 14 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 6 5 22.50 .545 1.50
Totals 2 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 14 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 6 5 22.50 .545 1.50
Biography: Retired after the 1991 season. 
Career WHIP: 1.50 K/9: 4.5 BB/9: 13.50 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


Yagi, Takashi Positions Played: P, OF
Nicknames:  High School: Saeki Tsurugi High School
Born: 9/16/1940 College: Meiji University
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Oita Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hiroshima (1963-1968 [27])
Height: 5'9" Weight: 143 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
1963 12 24.2 0 1 0 0 0 12 109 0 0 24 3 8 16 0 0 0 18 18 6.57 .258 1.62
1964 5 5.0 0 0 0 0 1 4 25 0 0 3 1 1 7 0 1 0 4 4 7.20 .188 2.00
1968 3 1.2 0 0 0 0 0 3 9 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 .286 1.20
Totals 20 31.1 0 1 0 0 1 19 143 0 0 29 4 9 25 0 1 0 22 22 6.32 .250 1.72
Biography: Converted into an outfielder in 1965, but reverted to pitching in 1968. 
Career WHIP: 1.72 K/9: 2.6 BB/9: 7.2 HR/9: 1.1
Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yagi, Tomoya Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Nihon Koku High School
Born: 11/7/1983 College: Soka University
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nippon Ham (2006-2011 [29])
Height: 5'11" Weight: 171 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 26 170.2 12 8 0 0 26 0 683 5 3 134 12 108 51 3 3 0 54 47 2.48 .221 1.08
2007 15 85.1 4 6 0 0 15 0 370 0 0 99 12 36 20 4 1 1 45 43 4.54 .299 1.39
2008 2 10.2 1 1 0 0 2 0 49 0 0 14 3 10 2 2 0 0 8 8 6.75 .318 1.50
2009 20 122.0 9 3 0 0 20 0 501 3 1 115 16 76 40 5 3 0 41 39 2.88 .258 1.27
2010 9 39.0 1 4 0 0 9 0 182 0 0 47 10 27 18 4 1 0 31 30 6.92 .305 1.67
2011 3 15.0 1 1 0 0 3 0 68 0 0 17 0 4 4 2 2 0 7 7 4.20 .293 1.40
Totals 75 442.2 28 23 0 0 75 0 1853 8 4 426 53 261 135 20 10 1 186 174 3.54 1.27
Biography: Started out playing nanshiki ball in second grade with a local youth team. Played in Young League in junior high. Played in one Koshien Tournament. Won 35 games for his collegiate career. His 49 strikeouts during Japan's equivalent of the College World Series in 2005 is a tournament record. He also spun a perfect game that season against Hakuo University. Drafted on the first round (2005). Was the starter in an extra inning no hit NPB first three man relay against Softbank, going ten innings before being lifted (4/15/2006 at Fukuoka Dome 1-0 in 12 innings). Is married with a son. Hurt his shoulder in 2007. Didn't beat Seibu until 2009. Fastball tops out at 89mph from a three quarter arm slot with a screwball, slider and cruveball. Selected to one all star team (2006).  Official Blog   Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.27 K/9: 5.3 BB/9: 2.7 HR/9: 1.1
Debut: 3/31/2006 against Orix at Kobe Green Stadium in a start. First Win (3/31/2006 against Orix at Kobe Green Stadium in a start), First Shutout (5/19/2006 against Hiroshima at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium)
Titles: Rookie of the Year (2006). 
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yagisawa, Soroku Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Sakushina Gakuin High School
Born: 12/1/1944 College: Waseda University
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Imaichi, Tochigi Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Tokyo/Lotte Orions (1967-1979
Height: 5'8" Weight: 165 pounds [27])
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1967 1 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0.00 .400 2.00
1968 6 19.1 0 1 0 0 3 3 81 0 0 16 2 4 6 3 0 0 10 9 4.19 .229 1.14
1969 44 90.0 3 2 0 0 2 42 359 0 0 71 11 56 24 3 1 0 40 36 3.60 .218 1.06
1970 43 98.1 5 4 0 0 4 39 419 2 0 99 11 72 30 1 0 0 36 31 2.84 .260 1.31
1971 23 36.2 4 1 0 0 0 23 161 0 0 40 3 19 11 0 1 0 25 19 4.66 .276 1.39
1972 35 90.1 7 8 0 0 7 28 395 1 0 106 14 33 20 6 0 0 50 45 4.48 .294 1.39
1973 55 130.1 7 1 0 0 9 46 513 1 1 112 14 68 25 3 1 0 47 40 2.76 .237 1.05
1984 37 115.0 8 7 2 0 12 25 453 2 2 86 12 54 27 3 1 0 56 49 3.83 .208 0.98
1975 20 77.2 2 5 0 0 9 11 324 1 0 76 13 26 21 2 1 0 35 33 3.82 .260 1.25
1976 34 171.2 15 9 1 0 22 12 676 5 0 153 14 66 29 5 2 0 53 47 2.46 .241 1.06
1977 40 175.0 11 14 1 3 28 12 719 5 2 167 10 89 32 6 2 0 75 51 2.62 .249 1.14
1978 28 120.1 5 6 3 4 17 11 496 6 1 119 7 48 23 5 0 0 49 43 3.22 .260 1.18
1979 28 74.1 4 8 1 5 6 22 326 0 0 95 6 32 19 4 0 0 43 40 4.84 .320 1.53
Totals 394 1200.0 71 66 8 12 119 275 4929 23 6 1142 117 567 267 42 9 0 521 443 3.32 .252 1.17
Biography: Father was Imaichi's mayor. Became a pitcher in junior high school. Played in two Koshien Tournaments, winning it all in the second one (spring 1961-1962). His high school also won the summer 1973 tourney, but he came down with dysentery before it started and didn't play. They still won it all. Went 24-12 in college with a Tokyo Big Six University league record tying nine walkless complete games, weaving a record 56 innings without an HBP or a walk. Selected on the first round in the secondary phase of the draft (1966). Had seven walkless complete games lifetime. Coached for Seibu and Yokohama after retirement beforebecoming a Fuji-TV baseball commentator. He then took a coaching job with Hanshin. 
Career WHIP: 1.17 K/9: 4.3 BB/9: 2.0 HR/9: 0.9 Perfect Game (10/10/1973 against Taiheiyo at Sendai 1-0).
Debut: First Win (), First Shutou ()
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: Lotte (1992-1994)
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yaguchi, Tetsuro Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Omiya Higashi High School
Born: 2/18/1981 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Chunichi (2000-2002 [61])
Height: 5'10" 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
2000 2 7.0 0 0 0 0 2 0 36 0 0 13 3 6 2 0 0 0 6 6 7.71 .406 2.14
2002 2 2.2 0 0 0 0 0 2 13 0 0 5 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 2 6.75 .417 .2.25
Totals 4 9.2 0 0 0 0 2 2 49 0 0 18 4 7 3 0 0 0 8 8 7.45 .409 1.66
Biography: Drafted on the sixth round (1998). Nabbed a Western League wins title in 2002. Hurt his elbow in 2003  and went to a idearm delivery as a result. They tinkered with turning him into a position player, but nothing bore fruit and he was released after the 2005 season and became a batting practice pitcher  and an advance scout for the Dragons. Left the Chunichi organizatin after the 2009 season. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.66 K/9: 6.5 BB/9: 2.8 HR/9: 3.7
Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamabe, Futoshi Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Yawatahama Kogyo High School
Born: 1/14/1971 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: NTT Shikoku
Birthplace: Yawatahama, Ehime Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yakult (1994-2006 [19], [30])
Height: 5'11" Weight: 167 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
1994 16 67.0 1 6 0 0 11 5 291 1 1 51 5 64 43 1 5 0 33 30 4.03 .211 1.40
1995 31 160.0 16 7 0 4 25 6 680 4 2 121 12 144 89 1 6 0 72 68 3.83 .212 1.31
1996 20 123.2 7 4 0 0 20 0 527 2 1 111 23 98 56 1 4 0 62 55 4.00 .246 1.35
1997 14 25.2 0 2 2 2 5 9 106 0 0 18 1 24 13 0 0 0 11 10 3.51 .200 1.21
1998 29 63.0 3 8 0 3 8 21 284 0 0 62 7 62 36 2 11 0 33 32 4.57 .262 1.56
1999 28 90.1 6 7 0 0 13 15 425 0 0 95 16 89 57 2 5 0 63 52 5.18 .266 1.68
2000 9 30.1 1 3 0 0 6 3 134 0 0 34 6 25 10 1 2 0 23 23 6.82 .276 1.45
2001 12 52.2 4 2 0 0 10 2 219 0 0 45 4 36 23 1 2 0 22 22 3.76 .239 1.29
2002 10 40.2 5 3 0 0 9 1 178 0 0 51 9 29 9 3 0 0 29 25 5.53 .321 1.48
2003 34 43.0 2 0 0 2 0 34 180 0 0 34 3 36 16 2 3 0 12 5 1.05 .221 1.16
2004 25 23.0 0 1 0 0 0 25 123 0 0 36 6 22 14 4 1 0 26 26 9.78 .350 2.17
2005 40 21.0 0 2 0 0 0 40 102 0 0 25 1 21 12 2 1 0 15 15 6.43 .291 1.76
2006 1 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 .000 0.00
Totals 269 740.2 45 45 2 11 107 162 3250 7 4 683 93 651 378 20 40 0 401 362 4.40 1.43
Biography: Drafted on  the first round (1993). Threw a no hitter in the Eastern League where the opposing pitxher, Jun Takeshita, rendered his opposition without a knock, the only time in either the first team or minor league level that has ever happened in NPB history (4/24/1994 against Seibu's farm team 1-0).  Career was riddled by injuries. Selected to two all star teams (1996-1996). The final pitch he thrww in his career was also the last one for the batter he faced, Ichiro Horita (10/15/2006 against Yomiuri at Meiji Jingu Stadium). Became a coach with Yakult after retirement. Three quarter delivery with a fastball and slow curve. Reference: Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.43 K/9: 8.3 BB/9: 4.6 HR/9: 1.1
Debut: 6/7/1994 against Yomiuri at Meiji Jingu Stadium. First Win (7/6/1994 against Chunichi at Nagoya Stadium), First Shutout (7/6/1994 against Chunichi at Nagoya Stadium)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamabe, Seiji Positions Played: P, OF
Nicknames:  High School: Kumamoto Kogyo HIgh School
Born: 5/27/1937 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Kumamoto Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Takahashi Unions (1956 [12])
Height: 5'9" 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
1956 21 55.0 0 4 0 0 12 9 249 0 0 68 3 18 21 1 0 0 32 29 4.74 .306 1.62
Totals 21 55.0 0 4 0 0 12 9 249 0 0 68 3 18 21 1 0 0 32 29 4.74 .306 1.62
Biography: Signed  by Chunichi before the 1954 season and released at the end of the schedule. 
Career WHIP: 1.62 K/9: 2.9 BB/9: 3.4 HR/9: 0.5
Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamada, Akichika Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Kita Saga High School
Born: 9/19/1978 College: Ritsumeikan University
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Daiei Hawks/Softbank (2001-
Height: 6''1" Weight: 190 pounds 2008 [17], [34]), Lotte (2010-2011 [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
2001 10 48.1 2 2 0 0 9 1 218 1 1 43 5 25 32 3 4 0 29 29 5.40 .251 1.55
2002 18 91.0 5 6 0 0 15 3 403 1 0 92 17 82 39 5 3 1 55 53 5.24 .261 1.44
2003 24 26.0 2 1 0 2 0 24 121 0 0 25 3 20 17 5 1 0 12 12 4.15 .269 1.62
2004 35 57.2 6 2 1 6 1 34 244 0 0 53 7 53 24 1 0 0 25 25 3.90 .247 1.34
2005 4 5.1 0 0 0 0 0 4 28 0 0 5 0 5 5 1 2 0 4 1 1.69 .227 1.88
2007 6 6.0 0 0 0 0 0 6 25 0 0 5 2 4 3 0 0 0 3 3 4.50 .238 1.33
2008 1 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 13.50 .500 4.50
2010 28 31.1 1 0 0 1 0 28 146 0 0 31 3 29 20 6 5 0 17 17 4.88 .267 1.63
Totals 126 266.1 16 11 1 9 25 101 1190 2 1 255 37 218 142 21 15 1 146 141 4.76 1.49
Biography: Started playing baseball in second grade. Was reportedly clocked at 95mph in high school. Played in one Koshien Tournament. Tossed a no hitter in college against Kansai Gakuin University. Went 17-6 for his collegiate career. Drafted on the second round (2000). Had shoulder surgery in 2006 and then a knee procedure in 2007. Released by Softbank at the conclusion of the 2008 campaign and, after having the shoulder operated on again, went to the Shikoku-Kyushu Island League, where he joined with Fukuoka in 2009, but only got into five games. He was then signed by Lotte during the 2009 offseason.  Fastball currently tops out around 90mph with a slider, curve and forkball.  Official Blog    Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.47 K/9: 7.4 BB/9: 4.8 HR/9: 1.3
Debut: 3/28/2001 against Kintetsu at Osaka Dome in a start. First Win (3/28/2001 against Kintetsu at Osaka Dome in a start), First Shutout (7/8/2001 against Kintetsu at Osaka Dome in his first career complete game), First Save (5/29/2004 against Orix at Kobe Green Stadium)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamada, Hiroki Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Tsukuba Shuei High School
Born: 7/30/1988 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Softbank (2010 [34])
Height: 6'2" Weight: 202 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
2010
Totals
Biography: Fastball was clocked at 89mph in high school. Taken in the first round of the taxi squad draft (2006). Had elbow surgery in 2008. Put on the regular roster in March, 2010. He then became the first former taxi squad player under the current system to post a win in the Pacific League ever. Fastball maxing out at 94mph with a cirve, slider and forkball. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: K/9: BB/9: HR/9:
Debut: 6/10/2010 against Yokohama at Fukuoka Dome in a start. First Win (6/24/2010 against Nippon Ham at Fukuoka Dome in a start, going 8.1 innings and surrendering a run), First Shutout ()
Titles: 
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamada, Hiroshi Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Ogaki Kogyo High School
Born: 6/17/1973 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: Nittsu Nagoya
Birthplace: Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Chunichi (1997-2001 [16]), 
Height: 6'2" Weight: 187 pounds Yokohama (2001-2004 [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
1997 10 41.0 3 2 0 1 6 4 172 1 1 33 4 30 16 3 3 0 16 14 3.07 .219 1.20
1998 14 38.0 2 3 0 0 6 8 172 0 0 41 1 27 20 2 3 0 19 19 4.50 .280 1.61
1999 3 9.0 0 1 0 0 1 2 43 0 0 11 1 9 5 2 2 0 7 7 7.00 .324 1.78
2001 2 4.0 0 1 0 0 0 2 18 0 0 4 0 4 2 0 1 0 2 2 4.50 .267 1.50
2002 7 35.2 2 4 0 0 7 0 156 0 0 38 3 26 13 1 3 0 20 18 4.54 .273 1.43
2003 23 38.0 1 3 0 1 2 21 162 0 0 36 4 27 11 3 2 0 17 15 3.55 .252 1.24
2004 30 38 1 2 0 1 0 30 162 0 0 36 5 41 14 0 3 0 18 13 3.08 .252 1.32
Totals 89 203.2 9 16 0 3 22 67 885 1 1 199 18 164 81 11 17 0 99 88 3.89 1.37
Biography: Older brother is former Yakult hurler Tsutomu Yamada and they have pitched against each other. Started playing baseball in third grade. Became his high school team's ace his junior year. Drafted on the second round (1995). Was suspended for a month in 1998 after being caught up in a player tax evasion scheme. Had surgery on his elbow in 1998 to remove some cartilage. Traded to Yokohma in April, 2001. Released after the 2005 season. Became a batting practice pitcher for Chunichi after retirement. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.37 K/9: 7.2 BB/9: 3.6 HR/9: 0.8
Debut: 8/19/1997 against Hiroshima at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium. First Win (8/22/1997 against Hanshin at Nagoya Dome), First Shutout (9/20/1997 against Hanshin at Nagoya Dome)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamada, Hisashi Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Noshiro High School
Born: 7/29/1948 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: Fujitetsu Kamaishi
Birthplace: Noshiro, Akita Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hankyu Braves (1969-1988 [25],
Height: 5'9" Weight: 170 pounds [17])
Bats: Right Throws: Right 
Year G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
1969 7 9.2 0 1 0 0 1 6 45 0 0 14 1 6 1 1 0 0 6 6 5.59 .326 1.55
1970 52 189.0 10 17 0 0 18 34 765 9 3 156 29 162 52 9 1 1 75 67 3.19 .226 1.10
1971 46 270.0 22 6 0 0 31 15 1064 16 6 195 37 189 64 6 0 0 80 71 2.37 .199 0.96
1972 43 231.0 20 8 0 0 27 16 928 15 3 186 29 142 52 8 3 1 85 79 3.08 .218 1.03
1973 36 207.1 15 10 0 0 26 10 845 12 1 194 32 99 47 3 1 1 89 82 3.56 .251 1.16
1974 41 130.0 11 6 11 0 7 34 534 4 0 103 18 78 36 3 0 1 46 44 3.05 .213 1.07
1975 31 198.0 12 10 2 0 25 6 827 16 2 202 36 114 42 9 1 0 97 95 4.32 .263 1.23
1976 39 259.2 26 7 5 0 27 12 1020 23 5 217 20 143 48 4 2 0 74 69 2.39 .229 1.02
1977 44 240.2 16 10 7 9 25 19 960 20 1 204 19 132 46 9 2 1 70 61 2.28 .232 1.04
1978 35 219.2 18 4 4 6 25 10 889 20 1 188 23 117 40 11 1 0 79 65 2.66 .228 1.04
1979 36 237.0 21 5 4 6 27 9 973 20 3 211 17 115 64 9 1 0 81 72 2.73 .239 1.16
1980 30 200.2 13 10 1 4 22 8 823 18 1 172 28 112 59 5 0 0 84 66 2.96 .233 1.15
1981 34 208.0 13 12 5 7 22 12 832 17 1 172 24 114 45 9 1 0 78 68 2.94 .226 1.04
1982 33 218.0 16 9 4 6 25 8 902 17 0 204 30 97 65 9 0 0 90 75 3.10 .253 1.23
1983 28 214.1 14 11 0 0 27 1 894 21 1 223 20 90 46 7 1 0 95 79 3.32 .275 1.26
1984 24 167.2 14 4 0 1 21 3 682 14 2 156 19 60 39 7 0 0 67 61 3.27 .253 1.16
1985 30 222.1 18 10 0 1 29 1 926 16 1 216 42 104 54 10 0 0 118 107 4.33 .259 1.21
1986 28 210.1 14 9 0 0 28 0 877 15 0 208 28 105 46 12 0 0 99 89 3.81 .262 1.21
1987 17 113.2 7 7 0 0 15 2 474 5 0 113 18 36 35 2 0 0 57 47 3.72 .270 1.30
1988 20 118.0 4 10 0 0 19 1 490 5 0 125 20 43 28 2 0 0 68 64 4.88 .281 1.30
Totals 654 3865.0 284 166 43 40 447 207 15750 283 31 3459 490 2058 909 135 14 5 1538 1367 3.18 .241 1.13
Biography: Submariner.  Father died of illness when he was six. Started playing baseball in elementary school. Played shortstop in junior high. Switched to third in high school before becoming a pitcher as a senior. Went from a sidearm delivery to submarine in the industrial leagues. Drafted on the first round by Nishitetsu in 1967 and turned them down. Drafted on the first round (1968). His third year as a pro, he was taken deep by Sadaharu Oh in the bottom of the ninth for a three run walkoff homer to lose 3-1. As he crouched on the mound consoling himself, manager Yukio Nishimoto walked out and told him "you need to focus more on control than throwing as hard as you can." Yamada says that moment taught him what kind of commitment he would need to be successful. Hurt his knee in 1972, taking some zip off of his fastball and he would flirt with the idea of retirment a couple of years later. So beginning in 1976, he began throwing a sinker that he learned from teammate Mitsuhiro Adachi. and would hit the prime of his career. Is the only player ever to win three straight MVPs other thsn Ichiro Suzuki. On April 29, 1982, he beat Lotte to become the first submariner ever to reach 200 career victories. Took a liner off his knee during the 1984 season, putting him on the shelf for a while. Was the starter in the Hankyu frachise's last ever game before they were sold to Orix and it would be the last appearance of his career, going the distance for the victory (10/23/1988 against Lotte at Nishinomiya Stadium) . Holds the record for most all star wins with seven. Holds a Japan Series record for most total losses with nine. His 42 walkless complete games is sixth all time. His 42 homers given up in 1985 is a Pacific League record. Started on Opening Day 12 years in a row, a pro yakyu record and ties Tom Seaver's MLB mark (1975-1986). Is the winningest submariner of all time. Selected to 13 all star teams  (1971-1972, 1974-1979, 1981-1982, 1985- 1987). Became a baseball commentator for NHK after retirement before coaching with Orix. Following another stint as a commentator, coached with Chunichi. Reference: Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.13 K/9: 4.8 BB/9: 2.1 HR/9: 1.1
Debut: 8/22/1969 against Nankai at Nishinomiya Stadium, coming on in the eighth to throw two scoreless innings. First Win (), First Shutout ()
Titles: Wins (1972, 1976, 1979), ERA (1971, 1977), CG (1981, 1986), SO (1976, 1979), HR (1973, 1975, 1985), ER (1975), MVP (1976-1978), Best Nine (1971-1972, 1976-1977, 1979), Gold Glove (1977-1979, 1981-1982)
Managerial Record: Chunichi (2002-2003) 128-127-5
Hall of Fame Induction: 1/10/2006


Yamada, Kazuhide Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Osaka Kashiwahara High School
Born: 12/5/1958 College: Osaka Sangyo University
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Osaka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hanshin (1983 [58])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 167 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 1 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 0- 0 5 1 1 1 0 0 0 4 4 36.00 .714 6.00
Totals 1 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 0 0 5 1 1 1 0 0 0 4 4 36.00 .714 6.00
Biography: Drafted on the fourht round (1980). 
Career WHIP: 6.00 K/9: 9.0 BB/9: 9.0 HR/9: 0.0
Debut: 4/24/1983 against Chunichi at Nagoya Stadium in a relief appearance. First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamada, Kikuo Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Higashikuni High School
Born: 7/17/1971 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Kaifu-gun, Aichi Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Chunichi (1990-1998 [32], [13]), 
Height: 5'8" Weight: 165 pounds Hiroshima (1999 [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
1990 17 15.1 0 1 0 0 0 17 68 0 0 12 1 8 14 1 0 0 7 6 3.52 .240 1.70
1991 32 27.0 0 0 0 0 0 32 129 0 0 30 2 17 18 1 1 0 15 12 4.00 .280 1.78
1992 44 91.0 3 3 0 0 7 37 381 0 0 75 6 71 43 3 6 0 29 27 2.67 .232 1.30
1993 46 50.2 1 2 0 1 1 45 217 0 0 39 4 36 25 1 0 0 19 19 3.38 .210 1.26
1994 24 24.2 2 0 0 2 1 23 101 0 0 19 2 22 13 0 0 0 10 9 3.28 .221 1.30
1995 35 33.1 0 2 0 0 0 35 151 0 0 35 3 21 22 0 0 0 28 25 6.75 .285 1.71
1997 19 18.0 0 0 0 0 0 19 77 0 0 16 2 7 8 1 0 0 10 9 4.50 .239 1.33
1999 5 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 5 16 0 0 2 0 2 6 0 0 0 3 3 9.00 .200 2.67
Totals 222 263.0 6 8 0 3 9 213 1140 0 0 228 20 184 149 7 7 0 121 110 3.76 .239 1.43
Biography: Started playing baseball in first grade. Was his team's pitching ace in high school. Played in three Koshien Tournaments, winning it all once in spring 1989. Drafted on the fifth round (1989). Became a batting practice pitcher for Yokohama and then Chunichi after retirement. 
Career WHIP: 1.43 K/9: 6.3 BB/9: 5.1 HR/9: 0.7
Debut: 7/30/1990 against Hiroshima at Nagoya Stadium. First Win (8/20/1992 against Taiyo at Nagoya Stadium), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamada, Kiyoshi Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Teikyo Shogyo High School
Born: 8/10/1935 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Tokyo Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hiroshima (1954-1958 [36])
Height: 5'8" Weight: 140 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 4.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 18 0 0 6 0 0 2 0 2 0 4 4 9.00 .375 2.00
1955 21 83.0 1 6 0 0 10 11 372 0 0 111 7 30 28 0 3 1 58 53 5.75 .333 1.67
1956 38 115.2 1 9 0 0 13 25 488 1 1 117 8 34 41 2 2 0 62 51 3.97 .270 1.37
1957 28 79.0 1 6 0 0 8 20 313 0 0 66 5 39 19 2 2 0 27 24 2.73 .232 1.08
1958 10 14.0 0 1 0 0 0 10 68 0 0 19 2 13 3 2 0 0 15 13 8.36 .317 1.57
Totals 99 295.2 3 12 0 0 31 68 1259 1 1 319 22 116 93 6 9 1 166 145 4.41 .283 1.39
Biography: Had one walkless complete game lifetime.
Career WHIP: 1.39 K/9: 3.5 BB/9: 2.8 HR/9:0.7
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout ()
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamada, Kozo Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Funakawa  Suisan
Born: 9/1/1934 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: Tohoku Hiryo
Birthplace: Akita Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yomiuri (1958 [55])
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
1958 5 9.1 0 0 0 0 1 4 37 0 0 8 0 8 1 0 1 0 3 3 2.89 .222 0.96
Totals 5 9.1 0 0 0 0 1 4 37 0 0 8 0 8 1 0 1 0 3 3 2.89 .222 0.96
Biography: Signed with Yomiuri before the 1954 season. 
Career WHIP: 0.96 K/9: 7.7 BB/9: 0.9 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


Yamada, Masami Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Takanoyama High School
Born: 9/8/1967 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Sennan-gun, Osaka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Kintetsu Buffaloes (1989-1993 [49], 
Height: 6'1" Weight: 191 pounds [31])
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
1989 10 16.0 0 0 0 0 0 10 67 0 0 18 2 6 4 1 0 0 7 6 3.38 .300 1.38
1990 3 5.1 0 0 0 0 0 3 27 0 0 10 1 4 2 0 1 0 5 3 5.06 .400 2.25
1991 1 2.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 11 0 0 3 1 1 1 1 0 0 3 3 13.50 .333 2.00
1992 2 6.1 0 0 0 0 0 2 28 0 0 7 0 7 1 0 0 0 4 4 5.68 .280 1.26
1993 1 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 4.50 .286 1.00
Totals 17 31.2 0 0 0 0 1 16 140 0 0 40 4 20 8 2 1 0 20 17 4.83 .317 1.52
Biography: Drafted on the second round (1985). Won a Western League ERA title (1991). Became a batting practice pitcher for Kintetsu after retiring at the end of the 1995 season. 
Career WHIP: 1.52 K/9: 5.7 BB/9: 2.3 HR/9: 1.1
Debut: 4/29/1989 against Orix at Nishinomiya Stadium in an eighth inning relief appearance. First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamada, Masao Positions Played: P, 1B, OF
Nicknames: High School: Meiji High School
Born: 9/6/1944 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Tokyo Team (Years and [uniform number]): Lotte Orions (1970-1971 [10])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 167 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 1 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 .500 9.00
1971 4 3.2 0 0 0 0 0 4 15 0 0 4 1 2 2 0 0 0 3 3 7.36 .308 1.64
Totals 5 4.0 0 0 0 0 0 5 19 0 0 5 1 2 4 0 0 0 3 3 6.75 .333 2.25
Biography: 
Career WHIP: 2.25 K/9: 4.5 BB/9: 9.0  HR/9: 2.3 
Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamada, Nobuyoshi Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Tsuruga Kehi High School
Born: 9/19/1991 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Fukui, Fukui Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Orix (2010 [57])
Height: 6'1" 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
2010 1 3.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 14 0 0 5 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 3.00 .500 2.00
Totals 1 3.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 14 0 0 5 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 3.00 .500 2.00
Biography: Played in two Koshien Tournaments (spring 2008, summer 2009). Struckout 20 in one game his senior year. Drafted on the third round (2009). In 2010,, became the first youngster fresh out of the high school ranks to start a top level game for Orix since Masafumi Hirai in 1994. Still an active player. Fastball, slider, curve. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 2.00 K/9: 0.0 BB/9: 3.0 HR/9: 0.0
Debut: 9/5/2010 against Softbank at Kobe Green Stadium in a start. First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamada, Takashi Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Higashikuni High School
Born: 5/11/1974 College: Tohoku Fukushi High School
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Gifu, Gifu Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Chunichi (1997-1998 [29])
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
1997 4 6.1 0 0 0 0 0 4 27 0 0 7 1 1 3 0 0 0 2 2 2.84 .292 1.58
1998 2 3.1 0 0 0 0 0 2 21 0 0 9 4 1 2 0 0 0 7 7 18.90 .474 3.30
Totals 6 9.2 0 0 0 0 0 6 48 0 0 16 5 2 5 0 0 0 9 9 8.38 .372 2.17
Biography: Started playing baseball in elementary school. Became his high school's ace his senior year. Played in one Koshien Tournament. Tossed a perfect game in college, Drafted on the fifth round (1996). Reference: Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 2.17 K/9: 1.9 BB/9: 4.7 HR/9: 4.7 
Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamada, Takeshi Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Kurume Shogyo High School
Born: 6/1/1965 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: Honda Giken Kumamoto
Birthplace: Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yomiuri (1987-1990 [22]), Daiei
Height: 5'10" Weight: 156 pounds Hawks (1990 [48])
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
1987 10 13.2 0 0 0 0 0 10 60 0 0 13 6 11 5 0 1 0 9 9 5.93 .250 1.32
1990 20 36.0 0 1 0 0 0 20 146 0 0 34 7 15 12 1 1 0 20 18 4.50 .264 1.28
Totals 30 49.2 0 1 0 0 0 30 206 0 0 47 13 26 17 1 2 0 29 27 4.89 .260 1.29
Biography: Started playing baseball in fourth grade. Was his high school team's ace. Played in two Koshien Tournaments (spring, summer 1983). Signed outside the draft (1986). Moved to Daiei in June, 1990 and retired at the end of the 1991 season. 
Career WHIP: 1.29 K/9: 4.7 BB/9: 3.1 HR/9: 2.4
Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamada, Tsutomu Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Ogaki Kogyo High School
Born: 2/9/1968 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yakult (1987-1997 [66]), 
Height: 6'2" Weight: 217 pounds Hiroshima (1998 [42]), Daiei Hawks (1999 [43])
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
1987 5 6.0 0 0 0 0 0 5 31 0 0 5 1 7 6 0 0 0 4 2 3.00 .208 1.83
1989 1 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 2 18.00 .250 3.00
1991 5 8.2 0 1 0 0 1 4 42 0 0 8 0 8 10 0 1 0 5 5 5.19 .258 2.08
1992 2 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 13 0 0 2 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 3.00 .200 1.33
1993 47 89.1 10 5 2 11 3 44 395 1 1 79 11 105 51 2 7 0 34 33 3.32 .235 1.46
1994 36 80.0 10 5 2 11 2 34 329 1 1 64 7 77 31 1 6 0 32 29 3.26 .225 1.19
1995 42 68.0 5 3 5 10 1 41 208 0 0 78 5 62 32 1 6 0 35 31 4.10 .293 1.62
1996 17 20.0 2 1 0 2 0 17 91 0 0 25 4 13 6 1 1 0 19 17 7.65 .316 1.55
1997 4 7.2 0 0 0 0 0 4 42 0 0 15 2 7 6 0 0 0 5 6 7.04 .417 2.74
1998 13 16.1 0 1 0 0 0 13 82 0 0 23 2 18 8 2 2 0 18 17 9.37 .338 1.90
1999 36 56.0 3 4 5 7 2 34 252 0 0 61 9 39 28 0 2 0 30 27 4.34 .285 1.59
Totals 208 356.0 30 20 14 41 9 199 1591 2 2 361 41 339 182 7 25 0 186 170 4.30 .267 1.53
Biography: Drafted on the fifth round (1985). Hurt his elbow his rookie year. Had hernia surgery in September, 1997. Tied a Central League reocrd with five walks in an inning (8/14/1991 against Hanshin). Tied a CL record with 16 strikeouts in a game (9/10/1993 against Hiroshima at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium in a complete game shutout). Released by Yakult after the 1997 season. Was worked out by the Cubs, but they decided to pass on him. Tried out for Hiroshima in June, 1998 and was signed. Pitched against his younger brother Hiroshi, who was with Chunichi, in a game (7/16/1998 at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium). Released by Hiroshima at the conclusion of the 1998 campaign and picked up by Daiei. Rewtired after the 2000 season. Ran a golf shop after retirement. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.53 K/9: 8.6 BB/9: 4.6 HR/9: 1.0
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout ()
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: 


Yamagishi, Minoru Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Fukui Shogyo High School
Born: 8/17/1982 College: Aoyama Gakuin University
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Sabae, Fukui Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Seibu (2005-2009 [36]),
Height: 5'9" Weight: 170 pounds Yakult (2010-2011 [51])
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 14 35.0 1 1 0 1 1 13 142 0 0 23 5 28 11 6 0 0 15 11 2.83 .184 0.97
2006 31 39.1 2 0 0 2 0 31 166 0 0 34 6 45 12 2 2 0 16 14 3.20 .236 1.17
2007 18 29.2 3 3 1 4 1 17 119 0 0 28 1 21 5 2 0 0 11 9 2.73 .262 1.11
2008 4 8.1 0 0 0 0 0 4 37 0 0 9 2 2 2 2 0 0 8 5 5.40 .290 1.32
2009 4 6.0 0 0 0 0 1 3 30 0 0 10 0 5 3 0 1 0 6 6 9.00 .385 2.17
2010 4 7.1 0 0 0 0 1 3 33 0 0 7 2 8 3 1 0 0 8 8 9.82 .250 1.36
2011 1 3.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 15 0 0 4 1 1 2 0 0 0 5 5 15.00 .333 2.00
Totals 76 128.2 6 4 1 7 5 71 542 0 0 115 17 110 38 13 3 0 69 58 4.06 1.19
Biography: Started playing baseball in third grade. Was his team's ace in high school. Played in two Koshien Tournaments. Became his college team's ace as a sophomore, going 32-21 in 72 games with a 1.97 ERA for his career there and taking home an MVP and being named to a Best Nine. Was named to Japan's national collegiate all star squad. Drafted on the fourth round (2004). During spring training  2007, was struck by a batted ball and suffered a fracture and spent a big chunk ot the first half on the shelf. Traded to Yakult in June, 2010. Fastball in the high 80's with a curve and changeup. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.19 K/9: 7.7 BB/9: 2.7 HR/9: 1.2
Debut: 5/19/2005 against Hanshin at Koshien Stadium in a seventh inning relief appearance. First Win (9/18/2005 against Lotte at Chiba Marine Stadium in a second inning relief appearance), First Shutout (N/A), First Save (9/8/2007 against Nippon Ham at Sapporo Dome). 
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamaguchi, Kazuo Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Sanyo High School
Born: 5/11/1974 College: Hiroshima Denki University
Died:  Industrial League: Mitsubishi Motors Okazak
Birthplace: Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Orix (2000-2008 [14], [18])
Height: 6'1" Weight: 205 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
2000 9 15.0 0 0 1 1 2 7 69 0 0 14 0 10 13 0 1 0 4 4 2.40 .259 1.80
2001 32 47.1 5 6 2 7 0 32 220 0 0 50 7 37 26 3 1 0 25 18 3.42 .266 1.61
2002 41 54.0 2 3 6 8 0 41 209 0 0 40 4 49 13 2 2 0 19 15 2.50 .214 0.98
2004 40 42.2 3 3 17 20 0 40 186 0 0 28 5 43 29 2 2 0 18 18 3.80 .185 1.34
2005 16 16.0 0 0 3 3 0 16 69 0 0 17 3 9 5 1 1 0 11 11 6.19 .274 1.38
2006 1 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0.00 .000 0.00
2008 34 43.1 4 3 0 4 0 34 183 0 0 43 6 44 13 1 3 0 17 17 3.53 .267 1.29
Totals 173 219.0 14 15 29 43 2 171 939 0 0 192 25 194 99 10 10 0 94 83 3.41 1.33
Biography: Played basketball in elementary school, so started playing organized baseball in junior high. Drafted on the first round (1999). Went 0-10 in the Western League in 2000. Clocked at a Japan record tying 98mph (7/30.2002 in the top of the ninth against Daiei at Kobe Green Stadium with Nobuhiko Matsunaka at the plate). Unfortunately, blew his shoulder out soon after and missed all of the next year after it was surgically repaird. Asked to be posted after the 2004 season, but that was rejected by team management. Got ejected out of his only appearance in 2006 when he beaned a batter. In a minor league game that season, threw a record 76 pitches in ONE INNING. Released at the end of the 2009 season and became a scout for the Buffaloes.  Selected to one all star team (2002). Fastball, slider, forkball. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.33 K/9: 8.0 BB/9: 4.1 HR/9: 1.0
Debut: 4/2/2000 against Kintetsu at Kobe Green Stadium in a ninth inning relief appearance. First Win (5/6/2001 against Lotte at Chiba Marine Stadium inn a fifth inning relief appearance, going five innings), First Shutout (N/A), First Save (10/8/2000 against Daiei at Kobe Green Stadium)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamaguchi, Kosuke Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Senshu High School
Born: 8/6/1977 College: Nara Sangyo University
Died: Industrial League: Riskin Hiroshima
Birthplace: Taito, Osaka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nippon Ham (2002-2003 [11])
Height: 5'9" 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
2002 2 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 8 0 0 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 4.50 .286 1.50
2003 14 10.2 0 1 0 0 0 14 56 0 0 18 3 8 5 0 0 0 12 11 9.28 .353 2.16
Totals 16 12.2 0 1 0 0 0 16 64 0 0 20 4 9 6 0 0 0 13 12 8.53 .345 2.05
Biography: Started playing baseball in fourth grade. Became a pitcher his junior year of high school. Drafted on the second round (2001). Released after the 2004 season and joined a club team upon retirement. 
Career WHIP: 2.05 K/9: 6.4 BB/9: 4.3 HR/9: 2.8
Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamaguchi, Mikio Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Nagasaki Kogyo High School
Born: 11/2/1930 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: Kawaminami Zosen
Birthplace: Nagasaki Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nishitetsu Lions (1950-1951 [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
1950 3 8.0 0 0 0 0 0 3 36 0 0 9 0 3 2 0 1 1 6 6 6.75 .265 1.38
1951 1 7.2 0 0 0 0 0 1 33 0 0 6 0 1 4 0 0 0 6 6 7.04 .207 1.30
Totals 4 15.2 0 0 0 0 0 4 69 0 0 15 0 4 6 0 1 1 12 12 6.89 .238 1.34
Biography: 
Career WHIP: 1.34 K/9: 2.3 BB/9: 3.4 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


Yamaguchi, Shun Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Yanagaura High School
Born: 7/11/1987 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yokohama (2006-2011 [11])
Height: 6'2" 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
2006 5 21.0 1 2 0 0 5 0 93 0 0 22 8 17 8 2 0 0 15 15 6.43 .282 1.43
2007 6 20.0 0 3 0 0 4 2 94 0 0 21 4 14 10 1 1 0 16 14 6.30 .266 1.55
2008 16 23.2 1 1 0 1 0 16 96 0 0 10 1 28 16 1 2 0 2 2 0.76 .132 1.10
2009 51 55.0 5 4 18 23 0 51 223 0 0 44 7 68 17 4 5 0 22 20 3.27 .222 1.11
2010 54 68.2 2 8 30 32 0 54 282 0 0 57 6 78 24 1 3 0 20 20 2.62 .230 1.18
2011 59 61.1 2 6 34 36 0 59 253 0 0 46 5 48 19 4 3 0 20 17 2.49 .204 1.06
Totals 191 249.2 11 24 82 92 9 182 1041 0 0 200 31 253 94 13 14 0 95 88 3.17 1.18
Biography: His father is former sumo wrestler Taniarashi and Shun also did sumo through junior high. His family also runs a chanko nabe restaurant. Played in two Koshien Tournaments. Clocked at 94mph in high school. Hurt his elbow his senioe year. Drafted on the first round (2005). Selected to two all star teams (2010-2011). Fastball clocked as high as 98mph with a slider, curve and forkball. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.18 K/9: 9.1 BB/9: 3.4 HR/9: 1.1
Debut: 6/29/2006 against Yomiuri at Yokohama Stadium in a start. First Win (6/29/2006 against Yomiuri at Yokohama Stadium in a start, going six innings of one run ball on two hits), First Shutout (N/A), First Save (5/5/2009 against Yomiuri at Tokyo Dome)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamaguchi, Tadayoshi Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Myojo High School
Born: 10/17/1958 College: Ritsumeikan University
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Minami Kawauchi-gun, Osaka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Taiyo Whales (1982-1985 [30])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 147 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
1982 17 21.2 0 0 0 0 0 17 92 0 0 17 2 17 11 0 0 0 7 5 2.08 .221 1.29
1983 14 20.2 1 0 0 1 0 14 96 0 0 18 0 13 17 2 0 0 9 7 3.05 .243 1.69
1985 3 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 3 13 0 0 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 3.00 .333 1.33
Totals 34 45.1 1 0 0 1 0 34 201 0 0 39 3 32 28 2 0 0 16 13 2.58 .239 1.48
Biography: Signed outside the draft (1980). Retired after the 1986 season. 
Career WHIP: 1.48 K/9: 6.4 BB/9: 5.6 HR/9: 0.6
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamaguchi, Takashi Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Shinko Municipal High School
Born: 5/15/1950 College: Kansai University
Died:  Industrial League: Matsushita Electric
Birthplace: Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hankyu Braves (1975-1982 [14])
Height: 5'7" Weight: 171 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
1975 32 203.0 12 13 1 0 22 10 840 18 4 169 14 149 75 3 3 0 79 66 2.93 .226 1.20
1976 35 197.2 12 10 9 0 19 16 821 15 2 156 18 152 91 6 4 0 68 62 2.82 .221 1.25
1977 42 179.2 10 12 11 15 13 29 745 10 2 141 16 151 85 5 4 1 64 61 3.06 .222 1.26
1978 42 122.2 13 4 14 26 2 40 519 1 0 90 11 95 60 7 6 0 43 38 2.79 .205 1.22
1979 16 32.0 1 0 6 7 0 16 136 0 0 19 4 26 23 3 0 0 7 7 1.97 .178 1.31
1980 17 28.0 1 3 3 4 1 16 136 0 0 27 5 12 31 0 1 0 16 16 5.14 .281 2.07
1981 3 9.0 0 0 0 0 0 3 42 0 0 13 2 4 3 2 1 0 11 11 11.00 .371 1.78
1982 8 15.0 1 1 0 1 1 7 75 0 0 24 2 11 15 0 0 0 20 17 10.20 .364 2.60
Totals 195 787.0 50 43 44 53 58 137 3324 44 8 639 72 600 383 26 19 1 308 278 3.18 .226 1.30
Biography: Started playing baseball in fourth grade. Suffered a problem with uneven bone growth in high school, causing a painful nerve condition in his ribs, and he couldn 't practice at all. So he started ditching school. A coach talked him back into attending school again and treatments also proved effective enough for him to begin playing again (in Japan, school is mandatory only through ninth grade). Played in two Koshien Tournaments (spring, summer 1968). Went 46-11 in 64 games in college with a 0.92 ERA, striking out 497. He also tossed a no hitter against Doshisha University in 1971. He holds Kansai Big University League records for career wins, most wins in a year with 18, 21 straight winning decisions, 19 shutouts, most shutouts in a season with six, strikeouts, most single season strikeouts with 1000, a 68 consecutive inning scoreless streak, and six straight games with a shutout. He was selected to Japan's national collegiate all star team, winning three of his squad's four games against an all star contingent from the U.S. and was named the tourney's MVP. He then announced that he wouldn't play pro ball because his short stature prevented him from having any confidence in himself at that time. Yakult drafted him on the fourt round anyway and he refused their offer and went to the industrial leagues. Drafted on the first round (1974). Was named Japan Series MVP as a rookie. Unfortunately, beginning in 1978, he would begin having back and Achilles tendon problems, stifling his velocity. Gave up Isao Harimoto's 3000th hit, a homer (1980). Is believed to have been the hardest throwing Japanese pitcher in NPB history, but he came along before the speed gun era and so how true that was is impossible to quantify. Fred Lynn, who was part of that American collegiate contingent, was quoted as saying at the time that he didn't expect to see anyone in MLB who could throw as hard as Yamaguchi. Hal Breeden said that there was nobody in MLB during his career that had that kind of velocity. Selected to four all star teams (1975-1978). Had one walkless complete game lifetime. Coached with Orix and Hanshin and has also scouted for the latter after retirement. Fastball, curveball with lackluster control. He used that fastball nearly all the time. Reference Wikipedia Japan   Video
Career WHIP: 1.30 K/9: 6.9 BB/9: 4.4 HR/9: 0.8
Debut: 4/11/1975 against Nippon Ham at Korakuen Stadium, going five innings of four run ball in a losing relief appearance. First Win (), First Shutou ()
Titels: Rookie of the Year (1975), Saves (1978), SP (1978), SO (1975), BB (1976-1977), Fireman of the Year (1978)
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame  Induction: N/A


Yamaguchi, Tetsuji Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Chiben Gakuen High School
Born: 4/17/1959 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Gojo, Nara Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Kintetsu Buffaloes (1979-1985 [29]), 
Height: 6'1" Weight: 187 pounds Nankai Hawks (1986-1988 [6]), [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
1979 36 148.1 7 7 4 8 10 26 597 4 0 139 17 57 32 2 1 0 47 41 2.49 .255 1.15
1980 17 31.0 2 1 1 3 1 16 143 0 0 47 8 14 6 1 3 0 22 22 6.39 .362 1.71
1981 29 99.2 4 2 3 3 6 23 430 3 1 116 8 40 22 6 0 0 47 38 3.43 .297 1.38
1982 27 56.2 3 3 4 7 1 26 243 0 0 53 7 26 22 3 0 0 34 29 4.61 .254 1.32
1983 5 5.0 0 0 0 0 0 5 25 0 0 9 1 2 3 0 0 0 5 5 9.00 .409 2.40
1984 7 11.1 0 0 0 0 0 7 46 0 0 13 2 4 2 0 0 0 8 8 6.35 .302 1.32
1985 3 9.1 0 0 0 0 0 3 44 0 0 13 4 2 3 1 0 0 9 7 6.75 .325 1.71
1986 6 11.1 0 0 0 0 0 6 56 0 0 17 3 3 5 1 1 0 8 4 3.18 .354 1.94
1988 6 7.0 0 0 0 0 0 6 30 0 0 10 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 4 5.14 .385 1.57
Totals 136 379.2 16 13 12 21 18 118 1614 7 1 417 50 148 96 14 5 0 184 158 3.75 .287 1.35
Biography: Started playing baseball in second grade.Played  in two Koshien Tournaments (spring, summer 1977). Drafted on the second round (1977). Had two walkless complete games lifetime. Became a batting practice pitcher for Kintetsu after retirement. 
Career WHIP: 1.35 K/9: 3.5 BB/9: 2.3 HR/9: 1.2
Debut: First Win (), First Shutout ()
Titles: ERA (1979)
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamaguchi, Tetsuya Positions Played: P
Nicknames: Gussan High School: Yokohama Shogyo High School
Born: 11/11/1983 College: N/A
Died: MLB Organization: Arizona
Birthplace: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yomiuri (2007-2011 [99], [47])
Height: 6'0" Weight: 162 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
2007 32 25.1 2 0 0 2 0 32 114 0 0 24 2 21 15 2 3 1 14 11 3.91 .253 1.54
2008 67 73.2 11 2 2 13 0 67 293 0 0 61 3 69 12 3 4 0 20 19 2.32 .224 0.99
2009 73 78.0 9 1 4 13 0 73 292 0 0 53 1 62 14 5 3 0 12 11 1.27 .198 0.86
2010 73 88.2 8 3 5 12 2 71 364 0 0 80 10 85 16 8 6 0 33 30 3.05 .242 1.08
2011 60 61.2 5 1 2 7 0 60 239 0 0 45 2 38 16 3 4 0 12 12 1.75 .212 0.99
Totals 305 327.1 35 7 13 47 2 303 1302 0 0 263 18 275 73 21 20 1 91 83 2.28 1.03
Biography: Started playing baseball in first grade with a local youth team. Played nanshiki ball in junior high. Became his high school team's ace as a senior. Signed by Arizona and played in A ball for them for four years and he went back to Japan, whereupon he was worked out by both Yokohama and Rakuten, who chose to pass. Yokohama turned him down even though Kazuhiro Sasaki recommend that the Bay Stars sign Yamaguchi. He subsequently tried out for Yomiuri, who drafted him on the first round of the taxi squad draft in 2005. Yamaguchi developed rapidly and was put on the regular roster in April, 2007. He became the first Giants taxi squaddewr to play in a regular season game for them and the first onetime taxi squad player under the current system to win Rookie of the Year. He was selected to Japan's 2009 WBC contingent and pitched effectively in four games to help them to the title. He is also the first former taxi squad player to be voted on to an all star team. Selected to one all star team (2009). Fastball clocked as high as 94mph with a slider, sinker, shuuto, curve and changeup. Married to wife Aki. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.03 K/9: 7.6 BB/9: 2.0 HR/9: 0.5
Debut: 4/29/2007 against Yakult at Meiji Jingu Stadium in an eighth inning relief appearance. First Win (5/9/23007 against Hanshin at Koshien Stadium in an eighth inning relief appearance), First Shutout (N/A), First Save (4/22/2008 against Yokohama at Utsunomiya Stadium)
Titles: Rookie of the Year (2008), Middle Reliever of the Year (2009)
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamahara, Kazutoshi Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Tamano Konan High School
Born: 12/28/1970 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: Kawatetsu Mizushima
Birthplace: Okayama, Okayama Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nippon Ham (1993-2001 [20])
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
1993 22 37.1 1 3 5 6 1 21 163 0 0 38 3 22 18 1 5 0 20 20 4.82 .273 1.50
1995 7 24.0 1 1 0 0 5 2 102 0 0 22 1 13 11 0 1 0 13 11 4.13 .256 1.38
1997 16 21.2 0 1 3 3 0 16 101 0 0 29 1 15 10 2 2 0 15 14 5.82 .341 1.80
1999 16 44.1 3 6 0 0 8 8 197 0 0 49 9 23 17 1 2 0 32 31 6.29 .287 1.49
2001 4 4.1 0 0 0 0 0 4 17 0 0 4 4 3 0 0 0 0 4 4 8.31 .235 0.92
Totals 65 132.2 5 11 8 9 14 51 580 0 0 142 18 76 56 4 10 0 84 80 5.47 .285 1.49
Biography: Started out playing softball in fourth grade. Began playing baseball in junior high. Drafted on the first round (1992). He was Nippon Ham's first 100 million yen bonus baby. Had elbow surgery and went four years between wins and was also dogged by other injuries. Played in Taiwan in 2002 for the Taipei Macoto Gida, tossing a no hitter, but left the team after that season. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.49 K/9: 5.2 BB/9: 3.8 HR/9: 1.2
Debut: 4/11/1993 against Kintetsu at Fujiidera Stadium. First Win (4/29/1993 against Kintetsu at Tokyo Dome), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamai, Daisuke Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Kobe Koryo High School
Born: 5/10/1978 College: Nara Sangyo University
Died: Industrial League: Kawai Gakki
Birthplace: Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Chunichi (2002-2011 [29])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 178 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right
Tear G IP W L Save SP GS RA BF PC CG SO H HR K BB HBP WP Balk R ER ERA OAVG WHIP
2002 31 84.2 6 3 0 2 15 16 372 0 0 92 7 68 34 7 8 0 40 37 3.93 .287 1.49
2003 4 5.2 0 0 0 0 0 4 27 0 0 11 0 3 1 0 0 0 5 3 4.76 .458 2.12
2004 8 27.0 2 1 0 0 4 4 117 1 1 29 4 31 16 0 1 0 10 10 3.33 .287 1.67
2005 27 106.2 3 5 1 2 15 12 440 0 0 102 14 90 31 5 3 1 53 49 4.13 .256 1.25
2007 14 83.0 6 4 0 0 13 1 353 1 0 75 6 56 32 1 1 0 36 31 3.36 .240 1.29
2008 2 9.0 0 1 0 0 1 1 30 0 0 5 1 10 0 0 0 0 1 1 1.00 .167 0.56
2009 17 36.2 0 4 2 2 6 11 170 0 0 42 6 29 20 2 6 0 29 26 6.38 .294 1.69
2010 19 110.1 7 4 0 0 18 1 464 1 1 105 10 84 39 5 5 0 49 46 3.75 .258 1.31
2011 10 45.2 3 3 0 0 8 2 203 0 0 51 3 35 18 1 1 0 24 22 4.34 .290 1.51
Totals 132 508.2 27 25 3 6 80 52 2176 3 2 512 51 406 191 21 25 1 247 225 3.98 1.38
Biography: Was a huge Hanshin fan growing up. Started out playing with a local youth team coached by his father. Played in Boys League. His industrial league team folded his first year with them after leading Kawai to a national industrial league championship. Drafted on the sixth round (2001). His first two years in pro ball, used bothy over the top and sidearm deliveries. In 2003, he stuck with coming from the side,  notched a Western League wins title that year. But in 2004, went to the over the top delivery during the second half. Had shoulder problems in 2006. Went eight perfect innings during a Game Five start in the 2007 Japan Series before he was pulled due to fatigue and it was finished off by closer Hitoki Iwase to clinch the Dragons first Japan championship in five decades. It was the first relay perfecto in Japanese history as well as the first perfect game in Japan Series annals and the first time in any bigtime pro league that a championship was won that way. He then had elbow and leg problems in 2008 to short circuit that campaign for him. Tossed the fifth of five straight shutous registered by the Dragons in 2010 to set a new pro yakyu record (7/16/2010 against Hiroshima). He also had a no hitter for eight innings, but it was borken up by a leadoff homer from Giants shortstop Hayato Sakamoto. He was immediately lifted in favor fo closer Hitoki Iwase (8/18/2010 against Yomiuri at Nagoya Dome). Had an elbow issue early in the 2011 season and then fractured his left ankle. Reportedly clocked as high as 94mph with a slurve, a shuuto and a forkball. However, he has also been dogged by injury and inconsistent command. His wife was the former equipment manager of his onetime youth league team and that is how they met. His younger sister is married to a pro golfer. Wears sunglasses due to a congenital condition that affects the way his eyes focus. And btw, he has never earned a victory against Hanshin. Reference:  Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.38 K/9: 7.2 BB/9: 3.4 HR/9: 0.9
Debut: 4/27/2002 against Hiroshima at Nagoya Dome in a fourth inning relief appearance. First Win (5/8/2002 against Yomiuri at Nagoya Dome in a start 2-0), First Shutout (9/12/2004 against Hiroshima at Nagoya Dome 2-0), First Save (8/9/2005 against Hanshin at Nagoya Dome)
Titles: WP (2002)
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamakawa, Shuichi Positions Played: P
Nicknames:  High School: Sutoku High School
Born: 5/10/1964 College: N/A
Died:  Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Takehara, Hiroshima Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nankai/Daiei  Hawks (1983-1990
Height: 5'10" Weight: 178 pounds [36])
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 7 11.0 0 1 0 0 2 5 53 0 0 10 3 6 10 2 0 0 8 8 6.55 .244 1.82
1984 9 24.2 0 1 1 1 1 8 107 0 0 22 5 12 14 3 0 0 15 14 5.11 .247 1.46
1985 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 3 3 infinity 1.000 infinity
1987 2 2.2 0 1 0 0 1 1 16 0 0 6 2 1 3 0 0 0 6 6 20.25 .462 3.37
1990 6 7.2 0 0 0 0 0 6 32 0 0 9 3 1 0 1 0 0 6 6 7.04 .290 1.17
Totals 25 46.0 0 3 1 1 4 21 211 0 0 48 14 20 29 6 0 0 38 37 7.24 .274 1.67
Biography: Drafted on the fourth round (1982). Became a batting practice pitcher and conditioning coach after retiring at the end of the 1992 season before coaching with Daiei. 
Career WHIP: 1.67 K/9: 3.9 BB/9: 5.7 HR/9: 2.7
Debut: First Win (N/A), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record: N/A
Hall of Fame Induction: N/A


Yamakita, Shigetoshi Positions Played: P
Nicknames: High School: Gifu Chukyo Shogyo High School
Born: 1/6/1978 College: N/A
Died: Industrial League: Toyota Motors
Birthplace: Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture Team (Years and [uniform number]): Chunichi (2000-2004 [59], [51]), 
Height: 6'3" Weight: 178 pounds Lotte (2005-2006 [15]), Yokohama (2006-2008 [27])
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
2000 5 3.1 0 0 0 0 0 5 25 0 0 3 0 5 10 2 2 0 9 9 24.30 .231 3.90
2002 57 61.0 1 4 0 1 0 57 260 0 0 65 5 47 18 5 3 0 31 28 4.13 .284 1.36
2003 57 55.1 3 0 0 3 0 57 238 0 0 52 5 41 20 4 2 0 25 20 3.25 .248 1.30
2004 7 5.1 0 0 0 0 0 7 25 0 0 9 0 1 1 0 0 0 5 5 8.44 .391 1.88
2005 7 7.1 0 0 0 0 0 7 35 0 0 7 2 8 5 1 0 1 6 6 7.36 .241 1.64
2006 29 28.0 1 1 0 1 0 29 123 0 0 33 3 25 9 1 2 0 14 13 4.18 .300 1.50
2007 14 11.1 0 0 0 0 0 14 51 0 0 12 0 9 8 0 1 0 6 6 4.76 .286 1.77
2008 32 21.2 0 1 0 0 0 32 106 0 0 34 5 17 6 4 2 0 26 21 8.72 .370 1.85
Totals 208 194.1 5 6 0 5 0 208 863 0 0 215 20 153 77 17 12 1 122 108 5.66 1.50
Biography: Drafted on the third round (1999). Had some injury problems in 2004. Traded to Lotte during the 2004 offseason. Traded to Yokohama in April, 2006. Released by Yokohama after the 2009 season. Worked at a sporting goods store after retirement. Three quarter delivery with a fastball around 90mph with a slider and shuuto with suspect command. Reference: Wikipedia Japan
Career WHIP: 1.50 K/9: 7.1 BB/9: 3.6 HR/9: 0.9
Debut: 3/31/2000 against Yakult at Nagoya Dome in a ninth inning relief appearance. First Win (), First Shutout (N/A)
Titles: N/A
Managerial Record:
Hall of Fame Induction: