WBCprogram

Extra Stats are for Japan Series

Oh, Sadaharu (89)	Positions Played: 1B
Nicknames: Wan-chan, Sekai no Oh (World Famous Oh)	High School: Waseda Jitsugyo High School
Born: 5/20/1940	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Sumida Ward, Tokyo	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yomiuri (1959-1980 [1])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 173 pounds
Bats: Left Throws: Left

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1959	94	222	193	18	31	7	1	7	25	61	1	1	72	24	1	3	3	1	2		.161	.253	.316
1960	130	502	426	49	115	19	3	17	71	191	3	1	101	67	5	5	5	4	7		.270	.369	.448
1961	127	471	396	50	100	25	6	13	53	176	4	4	72	64	3	3	10	5	7		.253	.357	.444
1962	134	586	497	79	135	28	2	38	85	281	3	2	99	72	9	12	6	4	6		.272	.364	.565
1963	140	609	478	111	146	30	5	40	106	306	0	2	64	123	12	6	9	5	7		.305	.448	.640
1964	140	599	472	110	151	24	0	55	119	340	0	5	81	119	20	3	6	4	8		.320	.457	.720
1965	135	575	428	104	138	19	1	42	104	285	0	3	58	138	29	6	2	4	7		.322	.488	.666
1966	129	549	396	111	123	14	1	48	116	283	0	4	51	142	41	7	9	4	5		.311	.493	.715
1967	133	566	426	94	139	22	3	47	108	308	0	3	65	130	30	7	3	5	7		.326	.484	.723
1968	131	580	442	107	144	28	0	49	119	319	1	6	72	121	18	10	5	1	5		.326	.471	.722
1969	130	576	452	112	156	24	0	44	103	312	0	8	61	111	12	5	5	2	7		.345	.474	.690
1970	129	553	425	97	138	24	0	47	93	303	0	3	48	119	24	6	1	4	8		.325	.472	.713
1971	130	565	434	92	120	18	2	39	101	259	0	5	65	121	17	5	8	2	8		.276	.434	.597
1972	130	572	456	104	135	19	0	48	120	298	0	2	43	108	18	6	2	0	8		.296	.431	.654
1973	130	560	428	111	152	18	0	51	114	323	0	4	41	124	38	4	2	1	7		.355	.500	.755
1974	130	553	385	105	128	18	0	49	107	293	0	2	44	158	45	8	1	5	4		.332	.527	.761
1975	128	553	393	77	112	14	0	33	96	225	0	6	62	123	27	1	1	0	9		.285	.455	.573
1976	122	523	400	99	130	11	1	49	123	290	0	9	45	125	27	2	3	1	8		.325	.486	.725
1977	130	536	432	114	140	15	0	50	124	305	0	6	37	126	16	6	1	3	14		.324	.477	.706
1978	130	570	440	91	132	20	0	39	118	269	0	11	43	114	17	1	1	2	7		.300	.444	.611
1979	120	566	407	73	116	15	0	33	81	230	0	5	48	89	10	5	1	1	9		.285	.413	.565
1980	129	506	444	59	105	10	0	30	84	205	0	8	47	72	8	3	0	1	9		.236	.343	.462
Totals	2831	11866	9250	1967	2786	422	25	868	2170	5862	12	100	1319	2390	427	114	84	59	159		.301	.446	.634

Biography: Born to parents who owned a Chinese restaurant. Chinese name is Wang Chen-chih. Father is from Taiwan. Started playing baseball at age ten. When he entered junior high, his school did away with its baseball program, so he ran track instead. It was during this time when he began hitting from the left side whereas he originally batted from the right side. He still plays golf righthanded. Played in four Koshien Tournaments, winning it in 1957 while pitching and batting cleanup. Threw an 11 inning no hitter against Neyagawa High School during one Koshien Tournament (summer, 1957). Went zero for his first 26 at bats with Yomiuri before homering off of Kokutetsu hurler Genichi Murata in the second game of a doubleheader. (4/26/1959) Known for "flamingo batting style that was devised to compensate for a hitch in his swing." Slugged four homers in a game (5/3/1964 against Hanshin) to tie a record. Two Triple Crowns (1973-1974). Reached 2000 hits (8/4/1974). 100th homer (7/28/1963 off of Hiroshi Gondo of Chunichi at Chunichi Stadium). 200th homer (9/19/1965 of of Kuniyasu Mine of Taiyo at Kawasaki Stadium). 300th homer (8/31/1967 off of Genichi Murata of Sankei at Korakuen Stadium). 400th homer (10/18/1969 off of Sotoyama of Chunichi at Chunichi Stadium). 500th homer (6/6/1972 off of Katsuhiro Nishikawa of Hiroshima at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium). 600th homer (5/30/1974 off of Tomohiro Tanimura of Hanshin at Koshien Stadium). 700th homer (7/23/1976 off of Tatsuo Uzawa of Taiyo at Kawasaki Stadium). 755th homer (8/31/1977 off of Michio Miura of Taiyo at Korakuen Stadium). 756th homer (9/3/1977 off of Yasujiro Suzuki of Yakult to right at Korakuen Stadium on a 2-2 count in his second at bat on a shuuto out over the plate and belt high). 800th homer (8/30/1978 off of Hiroshi Okawa of Taiyo at Korakeun Stadium). Final homer (10/12/1980 off of Toshio Kanbe of Yakult at Korakuen Stadium). Selected to 20 all star teams (1960-1964, 1966-1980). Won two Triple Crowns (1973-1974). Played two games in the outfield in 1977. Number has been retired. His 15 hoimer titles, 13 RBI titles, nine MVPs, 18 Best Nines as a first baseman, .634 lifetime slugging percentage (4000 or more at bats), 1967 runs scored, seven games in a row with a homer in 1972, 15 grand slams, 5862 total bases, 1315 extra base hits, 2170 RBIs, 2390 walks, 427 intentional walks, his 158 walks in 1974, 18 games in a row with at least one walk, and his 45 intentional walks in 1974 are all Japan records. His 991 consecutive chances without an error is a Central League record (4/25/1980-10/20/1980). In addition, his 55 homers in 1964 was the all time Asian record until it was broken by the Samsung Lions Seung-yeop Lee in 2003. His 868 homers is a world record. Blasted 29 homers against major league compeltition, including a shot off of the Mets Jon Matlack that went completely out of Korakun Stadium. He also homered off of Tom Seaver. Married to wife Kyoko (now deceased) and has three daughters.

Career OPS: 1.080 HR:AB 1:10.7 Cycle (4/25/1963). Lifetime Grand Slams: 15 (Japan record).

Debut: 4/11/1959 against Masaichi Kaneda and Kokutetsu at Korakuen Stadium, striking out in his first pro at bat. First Hit and First Homer (4/26/1959 off of Genichi Murata of Kokutetsu at Korakuen Stadium in his 11th career game and 27th lifetime at bat in the seventh inning of a scoreless second game of a doubleheader on a 1-2 count, a two run jack. Yomiuri won 2-0).

Titles: Batting (1968-1970, 1973-1974), PA (1962-1965, 1967-1969, 1971, 1974), R (1962-1974, 1976-1977), H (1969-1970, 1973), 2B (1963), HR (1962-1974, 1976-1977), RBI (1962, 1964-1967, 1971-1978), TB (1962, 1964-1970, 1972-1974, 1977), BB (1962-1979), IBB (1962, 1964-1979), HBP (1962, 1965), SLG (1962, 1964-1974, 1976-1977), MVP (1964-1965, 1967, 1969-1970, 1973-1974, 1976-1977), Best Nine (1962-1979), Gold Glove (1972-1980)

Managerial Record: Yomiuri (1984-1988), Daiei/Softbank (1995-present)

Hall of Fame Induction: 1994

Fujikawa, Kyuji (24)	Positions Played: P
Nicknames:	High School: Kochi Shogyo High School
Born: 7/21/1980	College:
Died:	Industrial League:
Birthplace: Kochi, Kochi Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hanshin (2000-2006 [30], [92], [22])
Height: 6'1" Weight: 160 pounds
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	WHIP	OBA
2000	19	22.2	0	0	0	0	0	19	113		0	0	25	1	25	18	4	4	0	15	12	4.76	1.90	.278
2002	12	68.0	1	5	0	0			285		0	0	56	6	64	30	2	4	0	33	28	3.71	1.26	.224
2003	17	29.1	1	1	0	0	2	15	126		0	0	28	4	19	12	1	2	0	12	11	3.38	1.36	.255
2004	26	31.0	2	0	0	2	0	26	129		0	0	26	3	35	11	2	0	0	10	9	2.61	1.19	.234
2005	80	92.1	7	1	1	8	0	80	349		0	0	57	5	139	20	1	5	0	20	14	1.36	0.93	.175
Totals	154	243.1	11	7	1	10			1002		0	0	192	19	282	91	10	15	0	90	74	2.74	1.16

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2000	19	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2002	12	24	23	0	2	0	0	0	0	2	1	0	10	0	0	0	0	0	1		.087	.087	.087
2003	17	6	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	2	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	1.000	.250	.250	.250
2004	26	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2005	80	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	154	33	30	0	3	0	0	0	0	3	3	0	15	0	0	0	0	0	1		.100	.100	.100

Year	G	IP	W	L	Save	SP	BF	PC	CG	SO	H	HR	K	BB	HBP	WP	Balk	R	ER	ERA	WHIP	OAVG
2005	2	3.0	0	0	0	0	13		0	0	2	0	4	1	0	0	0	4	3	9.00	1.00	.167
Totals	2	3.0	0	0	0	0	13		0	0	2	0	4	1	0	0	0	4	3	9.00	1.00	.167

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2005	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000

Biography: Father played high school. The day before Kyuji was born, dad threw a no hitter in a local adult league. That event inpsired him to give Kyuji the kanji characters that mean something like, "baseball child." Started playing baseball in third grade as a pitcher. He and future singer Ryoko Hirosue were at Kochijo Kita Junior High School together. . Saved a man from drowning while at junior high and was given a commendation for it. Was a reliever in high school and his brother Junichi was the catcher, playing in one Koshien Tournament, striking out 18 in 14 innings over the course of two appearances. He started the second game that his team played in that tourney and got beat 5-0 (summer 1997). Both the pitchers in front of Fujikawa went on to play in the pros. He was subsequently named his team's ace and he also batted cleanup. Drafted on the first round (1998). After news of his being drafted, Hirosue sent him a congratulatory letter. Was injured during the 2001 season and reportedly considered retirement. . First pro start was on his birthday in 2002. In his first pro win, the first batter of the game took him deep, but he was perfect after walking a man in the second through the eighth, permitting just the one hit. He then gave way to the closer for the ninth because he had thrown 109 pitches. He cried during his post game interview. His 80 appearances in 2005 is a Japan record, that record 80th outing coming on 10/2/2005 to eclipse hall of famer Kazuhisa Inao (Nishitetsu Lions) record. Yomiuri was unscored upon him in 15 innings in 2005. Had his manhood challeneged by Yomiuri slugger Kazuhiro Kiyohara, who complained about Fujikawa striking him out on a 3-2 forkball with the bases loaded and with an eight run lead. Kiyohara, who was sitting on 499 career homers at the time, thought Fujikawa, if he was a real man, should have thrown a fastball in that situation (4/21/2005). The next time Fujikawa faced Kiyohara, he sturk himout on a mid-90's heater. His 2006 left/righy split was .189/.168. Has a fastball 91-94 with one of the best forkballs you are going to see ever. Supplementing that is a slider (more like a slurve) and changeup, both of which are above average, and he has just added a cutter. Selected to one all star team, throwing two scoreless innings in two appearances (2005). Fujikawa's first pro strikeout was against Motonobu Tanishige, also a member of Japan's WBC team. Due to new pitching rules in Japan, had to change his delivery. He used to hesitate after bringing his leg up. Has been clocked as high as 96mph. Has the words "no homers allowed" in Japanese sewn into his glove. Is married and has a son and daughter. Pics of his delivery

Career WHIP: 1.16 K/9: 10.4 BB/9: 3.4 HR/9:0.7

Debut: 2000 against Yokohama at Yokohama Stadium in an Opening Day relief appearance, coming on in the third inning and throwing two scoreless innings. First Win (9/11/2002 against Yakult at Meiji Jingu Stadium in his ninth pro start), First Shutout (N/A)

Titles: Appearances (2005), Middle Reliever of the Year (2005)

Fujita, Soichi (12)	Positions Played: P
Nicknames:	High School: Shimabara Chuo High School
Born: 10/17/1972	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: Seino Unyu
Birthplace: Yawata, Kyoto Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Lotte (1998-2006 [])
Height: 5'9" 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	WHIP	OAVG
1998	56	66.1	6	4	7	13			270		0	0	62	3	54	19	1	4	1	18	16	2.17	1.22	.256
1999	65	61.1	3	1	0	3			249		0	0	57	5	57	13	1	0	1	23	22	3.23	1.14	.252
2000	70	59.0	2	1	0	2			261		0	0	64	9	46	20	1	2	0	31	28	4.27	1.42	.275
2001	60	30.2	0	1	0	0			132		0	0	36	3	24	6	0	0	0	17	16	4.70	1.37	.300
2002	50	23.1	0	2	0	0			98		0	0	27	3	16	3	0	0	0	11	10	3.86	1.29	.297
2003	28	18.2	0	1	0	0	0	28	84		0	0	23	3	17	7	2	0	0	11	9	4.34	1.61	.324
2004	62	44.0	1	1	0	1	0	62	200		0	0	52	4	35	20	2	1	0	25	22	4.50	1.64	.304
2005	45	38.2	1	4	0	1	0	45	154		0	0	27	2	31	13	1	1	0	12	11	2.56	1.03	.203
Totals		342.0	13	15	7	20			1448		0	0	348	32	280	101	8	8	2	148	134	3.53	1.31

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1998	56	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
1999	65	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2000	70	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2001	60	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2002	50	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2003	28	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2004	62	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2005	45	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	436	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000

Year	G	IP	W	L	Save	SP	BF	PC	CG	SO	H	HR	K	BB	HBP	WP	Balk	R	ER	ERA	WHIP	OAVG
2005	2	2.0	0	0	0	0	7		0	0	1	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00	0.50	.143
Totals	2	2.0	0	0	0	0	7		0	0	1	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00	0.50	.143

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2005	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000

Biography: Started playing baseball in fourth grade. Played Senior Lleague ball in junior high, with his catcher being Masaki Matsuoka, a future Yomiuri Giant. Became his high school's ace his junior year. Had some shoulder problems in the industrial leagues. Drafted on the third round (1997). His five straight years with 50 or more appearances was second all time (it is currently third, behind Chunichi Dragons closer Hitoki Iwase, who has now gone seven; the record is nine, by Taiyo Whales hall of famer Noboru Akiyama). Selected to one all star team (2001). His theme when he enters a game is Quessn's "We Will Rock You," perhaps not the best choice for a reliever. It's a little bit of a suprise that he was selected tgiven the totality of his career numbers that saw him have easily his best showing in 2005 and that there are better relievers elsewhere. So Japan will have to hope that Fujita, who will probaby be used as a specialist against lefthanded hitters, can continue his success of the past campaign. His left/right split was .217/.188 in 2005.

Career WHIP: 1.31 K/9: 7.4 BB/9: 2.7 HR/9: 0.8

Debut: Opening Day, 4/4/1998 against Kintetsu at Osaka Dome in a relief appearance. First Win (5/4/1998 against Seibu at Seibu Dome in a relief appearance), First Shutout (N/A, First Save (4/11/1998 against Seibu at Chiba Marine Stadium)

Titles: Appearances (1999-2000), Holds (2000), Middle Reliever of the Year (2000)

Ishii, Hirotoshi (61)	Positions Played: P
Nicknames: Gori	High School: Tokyo Gakukan High School
Born: 9/14/1977	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yakult (1996-2006 [61])
Height: 5'11" 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	WHIP	OBA
1996	13	8.0	1	0	0	1			41		0	0	6	0	9	13	0	1	0	3	3	3.38	2.38	.222
1997	1	2.0	0	0	0	0			13		0	0	2	1	2	6	0	0	0	2	2	9.00	4.00	.286
1999	25	28.2	0	1	0	0			141		0	0	32	6	21	27	0	2	0	21	20	6.28	2.06	.296
2000	45	76.1	4	3	0	3			318		0	0	66	7	68	36	0	5	0	29	28	3.30	1.34	.244
2001	39	39.2	2	3	1	3			175		0	0	31	6	40	23	2	4	0	23	15	3.40	1.36	.214
2002	69	89.2	6	2	5	11			341		0	0	63	7	109	12	1	3	0	15	15	1.51	0.84	.197
2003	36	45.1	6	1	1	7	0	36	182		0	0	37	4	61	10	2	2	0	10	10	1.99	1.04	.223
2004	38	52.2	4	2	5	9	0	38	201		0	0	38	5	69	10	0	2	0	12	12	2.05	0.91	.202
2005	61	73.2	4	3	37	41	0	61	286		0	0	51	6	90	15	2	0	0	16	16	1.95	0.90	.194
Totals	327	396.0	27	15	49	75			1698		0	0	336	42	469	152	7	19	0	131	121	2.75	1.23

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1996	13	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
1997	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
1999	25	4	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2000	45	8	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.143	.000
2001	39	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2002	69	5	5	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0		.200	.200	.200
2003	36	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2004	38	3	3	1	1	0	0	1	1	4	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.333	.333	1.333
2005	61	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	327	23	20	1	2	0	0	1	1	5	2	0	5	1	0	0	0	0	0		.100	.143	.250

Year	G	IP	W	L	Save	SP	BF	PC	CG	SO	H	HR	K	BB	HBP	WP	Balk	R	ER	ERA	WHIP	OAVG
2001	1	1.0	0	0	0	0	3		0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.00	1.00	.000
Totals	1	1.0	0	0	0	0	3		0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.00	1.00	.000

Yea	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2001	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000

Biography: Father was an amateur ballplayer. Started playing baseball in fifth grade. Played Pony League ball in juior high. Struckout 16 in six innings of a game in high school. Drafted on the fourth round (1995). Missed a good chunk of the 1998 season with elbow problems. After displaying control difficulties in 1999, Yakult management considered making him a position player. His 69 appearances in 2002 is a team record, exceeding the previous high held by hall of fame southpaw Masaichi Kaneda. Has been clocked as high as 98mph, but has had command problems most of his career before seeming to lock in during the 2005 season, when he was basically unhittable. Was usually working in a setup role, but when closer Ryota Igarashi got injured and then had some bad performances, Ishii was handed the closer's job fulltime. The Igarshi-Ishii duo is called "The Rocket Boys" becuase both men throw in the mid-90's. Is basically a two pitch pitcher, fastball (92-96mph) and slider. Also has a forkball, but it isn't all that great. He was mostly awful at Athens, which is why his showing this past year was such a suprise. 2005 left/right split is .229/.181. Is currently in themidst of an acrimonious conflict with Yakult over the club's refusal to post him. His hobby is watchig movies.

Career WHIP: K/9: BB/9: HR/9: OBA:

Debut: 7/16/1996 against Hiroshima at Meiji Jingu Stadium. First Win (8/10/1996 against Hiroshima at Meiji Jingu Stadium), First Shutout ()

Titles: Appearances (2002), Middle Reliever of the Year (2002)

Kobayashi, Hiroyuki (41)	Positions Played: P
Nicknames:	High School: Kusagabe Kyoei High School
Born: 6/4/1978	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Kusaka, Saitama Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Lotte (1997-2006 [41])
Height: 6'0" 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	WHIP	OBA
1998	2	2.1	0	0	0	0			11		0	0	3	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.00	1.71	.300
2001	22	56.0	1	4	0	1			238		0	0	49	11	45	23	1	3	0	24	23	3.70	1.29	.232
2002	58	81.2	7	4	0	7			333		0	0	67	12	84	27	1	9	1	25	23	2.53	1.15	.224
2003	50	145.1	10	10	0	2	14	36	592		3	0	135	17	117	36	3	7	1	66	62	3.84	1.18	.250
2004	24	154.1	9	7	0	0	24	0	666		2	0	162	22	137	57	4	7	0	77	73	4.26	1.42	.273
2005	23	160.2	12	6	0	0	23	0	666		4	1	157	14	129	28	6	6	0	60	59	3.30	1.15	.253
Totals	179	600.1	39	31	0	10			2506		9	1	573	76	512	172	15	32	2	252	240	3.60	1.24

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1998	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2001	22	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2002	58	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2003	50	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2004	24	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2005	23	12	10	1	3	3	0	0	3	6	1	0	5	1	0	0	0	0	0	.250	.300	.333	.600
Totals	179	12	10	1	3	3	0	0	3	6	1	0	5	1	0	0	0	0	0	.250	.300	.333	.600

Year	G	IP	W	L	Save	SP	BF	PC	CG	SO	H	HR	K	BB	HBP	WP	Balk	R	ER	ERA	WHIP	OAVG
2005	1	6.0	1	0	0	0	22		0	0	3	0	5	1	0	1	0	1	1	1.50	0.67	.143
Totals	1	6.0	1	0	0	0	22		0	0	3	0	5	1	0	1	0	1	1	1.50	0.67	.143

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2005	1	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	1	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000

Biography: Started palying baseball in first grade. Became a pitcher in junior high. Drafted on the fourth round (1996). Spent the lions share of his career as a middle reliever. Known for attempting kick saves on grounders that appear as if they are headed for centerfield. lugged three doubles in ten at bats during the interleague phase of the 2005 schedule to finish it at .300 (3-10). Went 5-0 in six interleague starts. Limited Hanshin to one run in six innings during the Japan Series. A fashion conscius guy, he was inspired by a Red Sox player to try cornrows. He has recently asked fans to recommend a hairstyle that might look good on him. Many of Lotte's fans think of him as eye candy. Selected to three all star teams (2002, 2004-2005). His hobby is golf. Fastball is 89-91mph (clocked as high as 94mph) with a slider, cutter, forkball and changeup. His 2005 left/right split was .279/.225. Married to wife Kayo and has a son.

Career WHIP: 1.24 K/9: 7.7 BB/9: 2.6 HR/9: 1.1

Debut: 7/4/1998 against Daiei at Chiba Marine Stadium in a relief appearance. First Win (7/9/2001 against Daiei at Chiba Marine Stadium ina relief appearance), First Shutout (8/26/2005 against Orix at Chiba Marine Stadium)

Titles:

Kuroda, Hiroki (15)	Positions Played: P
Nicknames: Mr. Complete Game	High School: Uenomiya High School
Born: 2/10/1975	College: Senshu University
Died:	Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Osaka, Osaka Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]):Hiroshima (1997-2006 [15])
Height: 6'1" Weight: 173 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right

Year	G	IP	W	L	Save	SP	GS	RA	BF	PC	CG	SO	H	HR	K	BB	HBP	WP	Balk	R	ER	ERA	WHIP	OBA
1997	23	135.0	6	9	0	0			601		4	1	147	17	64	63	4	8	1	72	66	4.40	1.56	.288
1998	18	45.0	1	4	0	0			199		0	0	53	5	25	24	1	1	0	34	33	6.60	1.71	.325
1999	21	87.2	5	8	0	0			406		2	1	106	20	55	39	3	4	0	70	66	6.78	1.65	.299
2000	29	144.0	9	6	0	0			623		7	1	147	21	116	61	1	3	0	73	69	4.31	1.44	.268
2001	27	190.0	12	8	0	0			786		13	3	175	19	146	45	8	7	0	72	64	3.03	1.18	.244
2002	23	164.1	10	10	0	0			671		8	2	166	16	144	34	1	1	0	69	67	3.67	1.22	.269
2003	28	205.2	13	9	0	0	28	0	827		8	1	197	18	137	45	3	5	1	77	71	3.11	1.18	.261
2004	21	147.0	7	9	0	0	21	0	639		7	1	187	17	138	29	2	1	0	81	76	4.65	1.47	.314
2005	29	212.2	15	12	0	1	28	1	852		11	1	183	17	165	42	7	7	0	76	75	3.17	1.06	.233
Totals	219	1331.1	78	75	0	1			6431		60	11	1361	150	990	382	30	37	2	624	587	3.97	1.31

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1997	27	48	40	1	1	0	0	0	1	1	4	0	25	4	0	0	0	0	0		.025	.114	.025
1998	18	10	9	0	1	0	0	0	2	1	1	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0		.111	.100	.111
1999	25	28	24	1	2	0	0	0	1	2	4	0	10	0	0	0	0	0	0		.083	.083	.083
2000	38	56	49	2	4	0	0	0	2	4	6	0	22	1	0	0	0	0	2		.082	.100	.082
2001	27	71	57	5	4	0	0	0	1	4	10	0	28	4	0	0	0	0	1		.070	.131	.070
2002	23	57	51	3	5	1	0	0	0	6	5	0	30	1	0	0	0	0	0		.098	.115	.118
2003	28	74	61	2	1	0	0	0	1	1	9	0	36	2	0	2	0	0	0		.016	.077	.016
2004	21	55	46	0	6	0	0	0	3	6	8	0	25	1	0	0	0	0	4	.364	.130	.149	.130
2005	29	67	61	3	4	0	1	0	2	6	4	0	31	2	0	0	1	0	0	.000	.066	.095	.098
Totals	236	466	398	17	28	1	1	0	13	31	51	0	210	15	0	2	1	0	7		.070	.108	.078

Biography: Father played for the Nankai Hawks for eight years as an outfielder. He currently owns a sporting goods store. Will be a free agent after the 2006 season. Mother competed in the shotput at the Tokyo olympics (1964). Started playing baseball in first grade. Later played in a Boys League team his father started for the boys in their immediate area. Was a reliever in high school. Finished 6-4 for his career in the Tokyo Metropolitan University League. Drafted on the second round (1996). First strikeout was off of Hideki Matsui. Hurt his shoulder in 1998. Halted his team's 13 game losing streak (7/14/1999 against Chunichi). Gave up four homers in an inning (7/31/1999). Threw four complete games in a row (2000). Struckout the side on ten pitches in his first all star appearance (7/24/2001 at Sapporo Dome). Threw a one hitter (8/22/2001 against Chunichi at Hiroshima Municipal Stadiu; the lone knock was an infield hit by shortstop Hirokazu Ibata). Had a five complete game streak (2001). Kuroda features a fastball that will get up to 96mph along with a slider and a forkball, both of which are filthy, the forkball running up there in the mid-80's. Added a shuuto this past season. Played in the Intercontinental Cup, winning two games (1999).. Dominated at Athens. Fiercely competitive and hides the ball well. The hitter won't see it until he gets his arm up. However, he has been inconsistent (which is exacerbated by his team's second rate defense and the fact that he pitches in the smallest ballpark in Japan) and he tends to overuse his fastball. Pics Married to wife Masayo. Mother died of lung cancer in 2002. Is the first 200 million yen pitcher in team history. Selected to two all star teams (2001, 2006) His 2005 left/right split was .286/.185. 1000th strikeout (4/6/2006 against Hanshin at Kurashiki Muskat Stadium in the fifth inning off of Norihiro Akahoshi). 1500th inning (8/18/2006 against Yokohama at Yokohama Stadium).

Career WHIP: K/9: 6.7 BB/9: 2.6 HR/9: 1.0

Debut: 4/25/1997 against Yomiuri at Tokyo Dome in a start. First Win ( 4/25/1997 against Yomiuri at Tokyo Dome in a complete game effort.6-1 ), First Shutout (6/3/1997 at Nishi Kyogoku Stadium in his sixth pro peearance)

Titles: Wins (2005), Hits (2001), CG (2000-2002, 2004-2005), Pitcher of the Year (2005), Best Nine (2005), Gold Glove (2005)

Matsuzaka, Daisuke (18)	Positions Played: P
Nicknames: Kaibutsu (The Monster)	High School: Yokohama High School
Born: 9/13/1980	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Higashi Tsugaru-gun, Aomori Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Seibu (1999-2006 [18])
Height: 6''0" Weight: 187 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right

Year	G	IP	W	L	Save	SP	BF	PC	CG	SO	H	HR	K	BB	HBP	WP	Balk	R	ER	ERA	WHIP	OAVG
1999	25	180.0	16	5	0	1	743		6	2	124	14	151	87	8	5	2	55	52	2.60	1.17	.197
2000	27	167.2	14	7	1	2	727		6	2	132	12	144	95	4	2	0	85	74	3.97	1.35	.219
2001	33	240.1	15	15	0	1	1004		12	2	184	27	214	117	8	9	1	104	96	3.60	1.29	.214
2002	14	73.1	6	2	0	0	302		2	0	60	13	78	15	7	2	1	30	30	3.68	1.02	.221
2003	29	194.0	16	7	0	0	801		8	2	165	13	215	63	9	4	0	71	61	2.83	1.18	.230
2004	23	146.0	10	6	0	0	601		10	5	127	7	127	42	6	5	0	50	47	2.90	1.16	.236
2005	28	215.0	14	13	0	0	868		15	3	172	13	226	49	10	9	0	63	55	2.30	1.03	.216
Totals	179	1216.1	91	55	1	4	5046		59	16	964	99	1155	468	52	36	4	458	415	3.07	1.18

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1999	25	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2000	28	1	1	0	1	0	0	0	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1.000	1.000	1.000	1.000
2001	33	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2002	14	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2003	29	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2004	23	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2005	28	10	10	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.500	.100	.100	.100.
Totals	180	11	11	0	2	0	0	0	2	2	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.667	.182	.182	.182

Year	G	IP	W	L	Save	SP	BF	PC	CG	SO	H	HR	K	BB	HBP	WP	Balk	R	ER	ERA	WHIP	OAVG
2002	2	5.0	0	2	0	0	28		0	0	7	2	6	2	3	0	0	8	7	12.60	1.80	.318
2004	3	15.1	1	1	0	0	71		0	0	16	1	15	7	3	0	0	10	10	5.87	1.50	.271
Totals		20.1	1	3	0	0	99		0	0	23	3	21	9	6	0	0	18	17	7.52	1.57

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2002	2	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2004	3	6	6	0	2	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.333	.333	.333
Totals	5	7	7	0	2	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.286	.286	.286

Biography:Father is from Hokkaido, mother from Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. Was named after former Yakult and Yokohama pitcher Daisuke Araki. Started playing baseball in third grade in the Edogawa, Tokyo Little League. Played Senior League baseball in junior high. Traveled to Brazil as part of an all star team, where he was unscored upon (7/1995). Was clocked at 93mph in high school, leading his team to a Koshien Tournament title in spring, 1998. He then battled PL Gakuen in the next Koshein Tournament and went all the way in a 17 inning, 250 pitch 9-7 quarterfinal victory. He then appeared in relief the following day and won it when his club rallied from six runs behind to take it. He then capped it all off with a no hitter against Kyoto Seisho High School to win it all. He finished undefeated for the calendar year, including some all star games, the first schoolboy to ever do that. Played in a world amateur championship tounrnament and was chosen MVP in leading Japan to the tourney title. Three teams bid for his services, but Seibu came up with what he wanted and he was drafted on the first round (1998). He pocketed a 50 million yen signing bonus and a 13 milion yen salary. Became the first rookie fresh out of high school ever to strikeout ten or more in an exhibition game, when he fanned 11 in a six inning stint at Seibu Dome against Yokohama (3/28/1999). When he faced Ichiro Suzuki for the first time, he struck the eventual seven time batting champ out three times in consecutive at bats and he has owned Ichiro since (5/16/1999 against Orix at Seibu Dome). However, he also surrendered Ichiro's 100th career homer (7/6/1999). First rookie right out of high school to get the most all star fan votes in 29 years.He responded by striking out five in an all star game, the most ever by a rookie fresh out of high school. Struckout 15 in a game to match an all time rookie record set by hall of famer Keishi Suzuki in 1966 (9/2/1999 against Nippon Ham at Seibu Dome, fanning at least one man in every inning, 2-1). Moreover, he was only the second rookie out of high school all time to rack up a K in every inning of a game ever. As a result of a sterling debut campaign, Matsuzaka's salary was raised 438%, more than, 57 million yen, to 70 million yen, the biggest pay boost for a first year player in history. He also became the first rookie out of high school ever to be accorded a Best Nine nomination. Became the first teenager to start on Opening Day in 15 years (2000). Under manager Osamu Higashio, there was concern that Higashio, who was an iron armed pitcher with the Lions in the 1970's and 1980's, was abusing his prize youngster, as Daisuke's pitch count ran up to the 160 range on a couple of occasions and surpapssed 150 ina number of others. Higashio was canned after the 2001 season and new manager Haruki Ihara showed a marked change in pitching philosophy, putting Matsuzaka on a pitch count and urging Daisuke to focus on economizing his pitches. Even so, the stress of the Higashio years took their toll and Matsuzaka came down with a bad elbow in 2002. Matsuzaka resumed his habit of often throwing as many as 200 pitches in his bullpen workouts in spring training and continues to do that today, but during the regular season, he does look to economize his pitches and his pitch counts now, even for complete games, are well within a range any MLB skipper would be comfortable with. He even became the first man ever in Japanese history to be clocked at 100mph on the radar gun when he did it in a game against Australia during the Athens Olympic Games in a 1-0 defeat (2004). However, that was after he had shut Cuba out for eight dominant innings before he tired in the ninth in a victory. He has also pitched in the Sydney olympic games, impressing MLB scouts, but also being victimized by Korean slugger Seung-yeop Lee, who blasted a two run homer off of him to end Japan's medal hopes. This traumatized Matsuzaka and is perhaps a big factor in how much more seriously he takes his job. Selected to six all star teams (1999-2001, 2004-2006).First career hit was a two run single to center. He became the first pitcher ever since the DH was introduced into the Pacific League to drive in a pair with a pinch hit knock and he was only the third different pitcher to go up in a pinch hit role in post DH circuit annals. Repetoire is a 91-96mph fastball, a slider, cutter, changeup and forkball. He will add and subtract off of his fastball. Will use forkball generally only when his command of his slider is off. Made such an impact when he was drafted that all the pitchers who came out the same year are referred to as "The Matsuzaka Generation." Asked to be posted during the 2005 postseason, but Seibu refused. That was exacerbated when they released veteran outfielder Tatsuya Ozeki and posted reliever Shinji Mori. Reportedly wants to pitch for the Yankees. 2005 left/right split was .208/.226 100th win (6/16/2006 against Yokohama at Seibu Dome in his 191st appearance, the fastest ever since the player draft started to that mark). Married to wife Tomoyo Shibata, a tv announcer with a degree from Keio University in political science and they have a daughter together. . Matsuzaka's Koshien Performances can be fourd in detail at that website (Japanese only).

Career WHIP:1.18 K/9: 8.5 BB/9: 3.5 HR/9: 0.7

Debut: 4/7/1999 against Nippon Ham at Tokyo Dome in a start. First Win (4/7/1999 against Nippon Ham at Tokyo Dome, going eight innings and striking out nine while allowing two runs on five hits; he was clocked at 95mph and had a perfect game until one out in the sixth, 5-2), First Shutout (4/27/1999 against Lotte at Seibu Dome, becoming only the second rookie fresh out of high school to deliver nine goose eggs in April since 1966 and only the second to do it in the post war period 1-0)

Titles: Rookie of the Year (1999), IP (2001, 2005), Wins (1999-2001), Losses (2001), BF (2001), CG (2001, 2004-2005), SO (2000, 2003-2005), HR (2001), K (2000-2001, 2003, 2005), BB (2001), HBP (2005), ERA (2003-2004), Sawamura Award (2001), Gold Glove (2005)

Otsuka, Akinori (40)	Positions Played: P
Nicknames:	High School: Yokoshiba Keiai High School
Born: 1/13/1972	College: Tokai University
Died:	Industrial League: Nihon Tsuun
Birthplace: Chiba, Chiba Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Kintetsu Buffaloes (1997-2003 [11]),
Height: 6'1" Weight: 198 pounds	Chunichi (2003 [64])
Bats: Right Throws: Right

Year	G	IP	W	L	Save	SP	BF	PC	CG	SO	H	HR	K	BB	HBP	WP	Balk	R	ER	ERA	WHIP	OBA
1997	52	82.2	4	5	7	11	333		0	0	44	2	127	46	1	5	1	22	19	2.07	1.09	.159
1998	49	55.1	3	2	35	38	235		0	0	43	5	84	25	3	5	2	19	13	2.11	1.23	.213
1999	25	29.2	1	4	6	7	125		0	0	24	1	32	10	2	0	0	12	9	2.73	1.15	.218
2000	39	41.2	1	3	24	25	166		0	0	31	3	49	13	0	4	0	11	11	2.38	1.06	.208
2001	48	56.0	2	5	26	28	228		0	0	42	7	82	15	0	5	1	25	25	4.02	1.02	.204
2002	41	42.1	2	1	22	24	153		0	0	22	4	54	3	0	1	0	7	6	1.28	0.59	.150
2003	51	43.0	1	3	17	18	164		0	0	31	4	56	5	1	0	1	10	10	2.09	0.84	.199
Totals	305	350.2	14	23	137	151	1404		0	0	237	26	418	117	7	20	5	106	93	2.39	1.01

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1997	52	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
1998	49	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
1999	25	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2000	39	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2001	48	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2002	41	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2003	51	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	305	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000

Year	G	IP	W	L	Save	SP	BF	PC	CG	SO	H	HR	K	BB	HBP	WP	Balk	R	ER	ERA	WHIP	OAVG
2001	2	2.1	0	0	1	1	8		0	0	1	0	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00	0.43	.125
Totals	2	2.1	0	0	1	1	8		0	0	1	0	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00	0.43	.125

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2001	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000

Biography: Parents split when he was in ninth grade. Mother then died of intestinal cancer. Drafted on the second round (1996). Had shoulder problems in 1999. Selected to one all star team (1998). Posted after the end of the 2002 season, but there were no bids. Otsuka suspected that Kintetsu's front office had sabotaged the process and held out unitl he was traded after the regular season began in 2003. Chunichi then posted him after the season ended and San Diego got him for $300,000. Diod not get along with Kintetsu third baseman Norihiro Nakamura, who called Otsuka's wanting to be posted "selfish." Nakamura would then go to the Dodgers by, uh, being posted. Otsuka's slider has such good downward action that Kintetsu 300 game winner and hall of famer Keishi Suzuki once complimented Otsuka on his forkball when, in fact, it was the slider. Official Blog MLB Stats

Career WHIP: 1.01 K/9: 10.7 BB/9: 3.0 HR/9: 0.7

Debut: First Win (5/21/1997 against Lotte at Chiba Marine Stadium), First Shutout (N/A)

Titles: Save (1998), SP (1998), Fireman of the Year (1998).

Shimizu, Naoyuki (11)	Positions Played: P
Nicknames:	High School: Hotoku Gakuen High School
Born: 11/24/1975	College: Nihon University
Died:	Industrial League: Toshiba
Birthplace: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Lotte (2000-2006 [18])
Height: 5'11" 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	WHIP	OAVG
2000	27	100.0	3	6	0	0			475		1	0	110	9	69	66	2	13	0	77	68	6.12	1.76	.278
2001	31	43.1	6	2	0	6			191		0	0	43	6	30	20	2	0	0	20	18	3.74	1.45	.259
2002	31	177.2	14	11	0	0			768		2	1	197	28	124	57	3	4	1	91	90	4.56	1.43	.285
2003	28	204.1	15	10	0	0	28	0	850		5	1	200	14	147	53	6	9	0	86	71	3.13	1.24	.258
2004	23	169.1	10	11	0	0	23	0	699		5	2	160	21	126	42	4	2	0	73	64	3.40	1.19	.252
2005	23	164.1	10	11	0	0	23	0	687		7	1	170	27	99	37	5	4	0	77	70	3.83	1.26	.268
Totals	163	859.0	58	51	0	6			3670				880	105	595	275	22	32	1	424	381	3.99	1.34

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2000	27	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2001	31	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2002	31	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2003	28	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2004	23	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2005	23	11	9	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	23	11	9	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000

Year	G	IP	W	L	Save	SP	BF	PC	CG	SO	H	HR	K	BB	HBP	WP	Balk	R	ER	ERA	WHIP	OAVG
2005	1	7.0	1	0	0	0	26		1*	0	5	0	6	1	0	0	0	1	1	1.29	0.86	.208
Totals	1	7.0	1	0	0	0	26		1	0	5	0	6	1	0	0	0	1	1	1.29	0.86	.208

*Game called on account of heavy fog

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2005	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000

Biography: Started playing baseball in elementary school. Hurt his shoulder in college and won just one game during his career there. He then won just twice with Toshiba. Drafted on the second round (1998). Stopped an 11 game losing streak (4/14/2002 against Orix). Started on Opening Day, 2004 and bested Daisuke Matsuzaka. Part of the Japanese olympic baseball team at Athens, being the winning pitcher in a faceoff with Greece (2004). Started on Opening Day, 2005, but lost to Rakuten for the Golden Eagles first ever win as a team. Won game one of the 2005 Japan Series against Hanshin, allowing one run. Selected to two all star teams (2003, 2005). Wants to be posted after the 2006 season. Official Homepage Hobby is watching movies. See clip of his delivery Here Has been clocked as high as 94mph, but is more usualy 90-91mph with a cutter, slider and a forkball. 2005 left/right split was .260/.275. 1000th inning (9/2/2006 against Orix at Osaka Dome).

Career WHIP: K/9: BB/9: HR/9: OBA:

Debut: 4/1/2000 against Daiei at Fukuoka Dome in a relief appearance. First Win (5/4/2000 against Kintetsu at Chiba Marine Stadium in his first career start), First Shutout (4/13/2002 against Nippon Ham at Chiba Marine Stadium)

Titles: IP (2003), Losses (2004), HR (2002, 2005), WP (2000)

Sugiuchi, Toshiya (47)	Positions Played: P
Nicknames: Sugi	High School: Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School
Born: 10/30/1980	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Nagasaki
Birthplace: Onojo, Fukuoka Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Daiei Hawks/Softbank (2002-2006 [47])
Height: 5'9" Weight: 180 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	WHIP	OAVG
2002	11	44.0	2	2	0	0			204		0	0	48	5	46	23	4	1	0	29	29	5.93	1.61	.277
2003	27	162.2	10	8	0	0	24	3	675		3	2	148	13	169	55	3	4	0	64	61	3.38	1.25	.247
2004	10	45.2	2	3	0	0	9	1	216		0	0	56	8	51	27	2	2	0	36	35	6.90	1.82	.308
2005	26	196.2	18	4	0	0	26	0	765		8	2	150	14	218	43	0	0	0	51	46	2.11	0.98	.211
Totals	74	449.0	32	17	0	0			1872		11	4	402	40	484	148	9	7	0	180	171	3.43	1.22

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2002	11	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2003	27	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2004	10	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2005	26	10	10	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	.333	.100	.100	.100
Totals	74	10	10	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	.333	.100	.100	.100

Year	G	IP	W	L	Save	SP	BF	PC	CG	SO	H	HR	K	BB	HBP	WP	Balk	R	ER	ERA	WHIP	OAVG
2003	2	15.0	2	0	0	0	52		0	0	9	1	9	0	0	0	0	1	1	0.60	0.60	.160
Totals	2	15.0	2	0	0	0	52		0	0	9	1	9	0	0	0	0	1	1	0.60	0.60	.160

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2003	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000

Biography: His parents divorced just before he was born and he lived with his mother exclusively since then. Started playing baseball in third grade. Played in a local youth league in junior high as his team's ace. Took his high school team to three Koshien Tournament berths. His senior year, he threw a no hitter against Hachinohe Kodai Number One High School on his mom's birthday in that tourney striking out 16 (8/11/1998 4-0) but was beaten in the next match by Daisuke Matsuzaka and Yokohama High. Hurt his shoulder in the industrial leagues, but rehabbed it back to health. Played in the Sydney Olympics,, holding Cuba scoreless for five innings in a start. But against the U.S. came on in relief in extra innings and spun two sclreless frams before a two run homer beat him in his third ining of work, the 13th (2000). His final season in the industrial leagues, lead his squad to a national title. Drafted on the third round (2001). Named MVP of the Japan Series after winning two games (2003). Kind of got lost in the shuffle publicitywise due to all the hubub over number one draft choice Hayato Terahara, a guy the Dodgers put a full court press on trying to sign, but while Terahara has floundered, Sugiuchi, who couldn't do much right at all his debut season, but has really blossomed since. However, in 2004, in one of the more examples of ballplayer stupidity, after being shelled in a game against Lotte at Chiba Marine Stadium for seven runs and was taken out, he pounded both hands on the dugout bench and broke the pinky fingers of each hand, putting him out of commission for months (6/1/2004). First Hawks pitcher since hall of famer Tadashi Sugiura to strikeout more than 200 hitters in a season. Is the first lefty in Pacific League history to win the Sawamura Award. Pairs a low 90's fastball with a killer changeup. Also has a big overhand curveball. 2005 left/right split was .195/.214. Married to wife Erika, a former Hawks tv program announcer, and has an infant son.
Hobbies are fishing and golf.

Career WHIP: 1.22 K/9: 9.7 BB/9: 3.0 HR/9: 0.8

Debut: 4/1/2002 against Lotte at Fukuoka Dome in a start. First Win (4/1/2002 against Lotte at Fukuoka Dome in a start, going six innings and allowing one run), First Shutout ()

Titles: Wins (2005), SO (2003), ERA (2005), MVP (2005), Sawamaura Award (2005), Best Nine (2005).

Uehara, Koji (19)	Positions Played: P
Nicknames:	High School: Tokaidai Gyosei High School
Born: 4/3/1975	College: Osaka Taiiku University
Died:	Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Neyagawa, Osaka Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yomiuri (1999- 2006 [19])
Height: 6'1" 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	WHIP	OAVG
1999	25	197.2	20	4	0	0			769	3021	12	1	153	12	179	24	4	3	0	49	46	2.09	0.90	.212
2000	20	131.0	9	7	0	0			519	1952	6	1	112	20	126	22	1	1	0	53	52	3.57	1.02	.231
2001	24	138.2	10	7	0	0			573	2182	4	1	133	18	108	28	5	2	0	66	62	4.02	1.16	.255
2002	26	204.0	17	5	0	0			808	3206	8	3	173	18	182	23	6	2	0	65	59	2.60	0.96	.227
2003	27	207.1	16	5	0	0	27	0	821	3216	11	1	190	28	194	23	5	0	0	76	73	3.17	1.03	.245
2004	22	163.0	13	5	0	0	22	0	637		2	0	135	24	153	23	5	1	0	54	47	2.60	0.96	.225
2005	27	187.1	9	12	0	0	27	0	747		6	2	164	24	145	22	0	0	1	73	69	3.31	0.00	.233
Totals	171	1229.0	94	45	0	0			4874		40	9	1060	144	1087	165	26	9	1	436	408	2.99	1.00

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1999	25	80	73	2	6	0	0	0	1	6	4	0	33	3	0	0	0	0	0		.082	.118	.082
2000	21	49	43	2	7	0	0	0	1	7	4	0	19	2	0	0	0	0	0		.163	.200	.163
2001	25	56	46	3	7	1	0	0	3	8	7	0	20	3	0	0	0	0	0		.152	.204	.174
2002	26	80	69	2	13	6	0	0	8	19	9	1	19	1	0	0	0	0	2		.188	.197	.275
2003	28	81	73	3	12	2	0	1	4	17	7	0	20	1	0	0	0	0	2		.164	.176	.233
2004	22	68	58	3	14	1	0	0	5	15	8	0	22	2	0	0	0	0	3	.208	.241	.267	.259
2005	27	60	52	1	4	0	0	0	0	4	8	0	12	0	0	0	0	0	1	.083	.077	.077	.077
Totals	174	474	414	16	63	10	0	1	22	76	47	1	145	12	0	0	0	0	8		.152	.176	.184

Year	G	IP	W	L	Save	SP	BF	PC	CG	SO	H	HR	K	BB	HBP	WP	Balk	R	ER	ERA	WHIP	OAVG
2000	1	8.0	1	0	0	0	31		0	0	8	1	9	0	0	0	0	3	3	3.38	1.00	.258
2002	1	9.0	1	0	0	0	34		1	0	6	1	12	2	0	0	0	1	1	1.00	0.89	.188
Totals	2	17.0	2	0	0	0	65		1	0	14	2	21	2	0	0	0	4	4	.235	0.94

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2000	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2002	1	3	3	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0		.333	.333	.333
Totals	2	3	3	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0		.333	.333	.333

Biography: Wanted to be a pro baseball player since he was in elementary school. Ran track in junior high because his school didn't have a baseball team. Was a reliever in high school because Yoshinori Tateyama (later of Nippon Ham) was its ace. He also played theoutfield. Lead his college to five Hanshin University League titles, finishing with a 36-4 record during his career there and was named best pitcher four times. Ended Cuba's 151 game winning streak in the Intercontinental Cup, with future Yomiuri teammate Yoshinobu Takahashi blasting a big homer (1997). Struckout 14 in a game against an American collegiate all star team (1997). He then struckout 21 in a game against Osaka Keiho University to set a new league record (1997). Later threw a no hitter before graduation. Turned down an offer from the Angels to play for Yomiuri. Won 15 straight games his rookie year (5/30-9/21/1991). First rookie since Isamu Kida of Nippon Ham in 1980 to win 20 in a season. Had more first place votes than anyone else forr MVP that year, but Chunichi lefty Shigeki Noguchi won it on total votes. Was part of Japan's olympic baseball squad at Athens (2004). Absolutely owns Yakult. Selected to six all star teams (1999, 2001-2005). Once had whale meat served to him as part of a meal at elementary school. Favorite class in school was math. Says his favorite animals are birds because he himself kind of resembles a bird.If he was a plant, he would be a carrot. Loves eating at McDonald's and Yoshinoya and his favorite beer is Asahi Dry. Hobby is golf. Favorite movie is the one about Jim Morris (called "Old Rookie" in Japan). Favorite tv programs are comedies. Ideal woman is one who can speak english and cook well. Has lately been playing a lot of mah jong somputer games. Says he would choose baseball over love anytime Also said that the most traumatic thing that happened to him in his life to date was flunking his college entrance exam and he had spend a year studying to take it again. Was involved iun a bad auto accident where he hit a motorcyclist while making an illegal u-turn. Uehara wasn't injured. 100th win (8/25/2006 against Hanshin at Koshien Stadium, tying Daisuke Matsuzaka's post draft record for fastest to that mark at 191 appearances. He was the 121st man to the ceuntry mark in history). Reportedly wants to be posted and and hopes to pitch for the Yankees. Official Homepage Mrried to wife Miho. Fastball around 90mph with a cutter, forkball and a slider. 2005 left/right splits were .227/.239

Career WHIP: 1.00 K/9: 8.0 BB/9: 1.2 HR/9: 1.1

Debut: 4/4/1999 against Hanshin at Tokyo Dome in a losing start. First Win (4/13/1999 against Hiroshima at Tokyo Dome, throwing seven shutout innings), First Shutout ()

Titles: Titles: Rookie oif the Year (1999), IP (2003), Wins (1999, 2002), CG (2002-2003), K (1999, 2003), ERA (1999, 2004), Pitcher of the Year (1999), Sawamura Award (1999, 2002), Best Nine (1999, 2002), Gold Glove 1999, (2003)

Wada, Tsuyoshi (21)	Positions Played: P
Nicknames:	High School: Hamada High School
Born: 2/21/1981	College: Waseda University
Died:	Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Konan, Aichi Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Daiei Hawks/Softbank (2003-2006 [])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 173 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	WHIP	OAVG
2003	26	189.0	14	5	0	0	26	0	781		8	2	165	26	195	61	1	1	0	77	71	3.38	1.20	.234
2004	19	128.1	10	6	0	0	18	1	534		7	0	110	23	115	38	3	2	0	67	62	4.35	1.15	.228
2005	25	181.2	12	8	0	0	25	0	741		4	0	154	17	167	57	2	4	0	69	66	3.27	1.16	.232
Totals	70	499.0	36	19	0	0	69	1	2056		19	2	429	66	473	156	6	7	0	213	199	3.59	1.17

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2003	26	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2004	19	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2005	25	11	7	1	2	0	0	0	0	2	3	0	4	1	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.286	.375	.286
Totals	70	11	7	1	2	0	0	0	0	2	3	0	4	1	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.286	.375	.286

Year	G	IP	W	L	Save	SP	BF	PC	CG	SO	H	HR	K	BB	HBP	WP	Balk	R	ER	ERA	WHIP	OAVG
2003	2	15.0	1	0	0	0	55		1	0	10	3	5	1	0	0	0	3	3	1.80	0.73	.189
Totals	2	15.0	1	0	0	0	55		1	0	10	3	5	1	0	0	0	3	3	1.80	0.73	.189

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2003	2	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	2	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000

Biography: Introduced to baseball by his father and began playing it in the first grade. Moved to Shimane Prefecture at age ten. Was a Chunichi Dtragons fan growing up. Pitched and played outfield in junior high. Played in two Koshien Tournaments (summer, 1997-1998). Became his college's ace as a sophomore. Set the Tokyo Big Six University League record for career strikeouts with 476, shattering Hosei University and future Yomiuri ace Suguru Egawa's old standard. In fact, the ball Wada used on the record setting strikeout is now in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. His high in whiffs in college in a single game was 18, against Tokyo University, the league doormat. Had a 52.1 inning scoreless string at Waseda, too. Finished his collegiate career with a 24-11 record and an ERA well under 2.00. However, Wada isn't a strikeout focused hurler. Rather, he was a man among boys in college who wants to get the hitter off balance and have his fielders take care of things in the pros. Played in a Japan-U.S. collegiate all star series, tossing three shutout innings (2000). Took his team to Japan's equaivalent of the College World Series, where he lost in the final to Hiroshi Kisanuki (currently of the Yomiuri Giants) and Asia University (2002). Threw a complete game in game seven of the 2003 Japan Series to win it all for the Hawks (10/27/2003 against Hanshin), Pitched very well at Athens in two games against Canada, winning the bronze medal game. Has been compared to Seibu, Daiei and Yomiuri great and probable future hall of famer Kimiyasu Kudoh. Like Kudoh, he will move his 90-91mph fastball. around the strike zone and mix in a good overhand curveball and slider. Wada also has an excellent changeup, though he will fall in love with it at times and overuse it. Has a hestitation at the top of his windup a little like Akinori Otsuka. Hides the ball extremely well. Carries around a laptop all the time with scouting reports and his own journal that he uses for his website. A real smart kid who knows how to pitch and who will have some kind of future after baseball, whether it is manatging, coaching or merely working as a commentator. Selected to three all star teams (2003-2005) Official Homepage His favorite drink if potato shochu and his favorite food is sushi. Among his hobbies are shopping and going to concerts. Says he is also good at badminton and basketball. His most memorable baseball moment was during game one of the 2003 Japan Series, when he got Hanshin rightfielder Shinjiro Hiyama to ground into a double play with one out and men on first and third in the first inning. His 2005 left/right split was .203/.242

Career WHIP: 1.17 K/9: 8.5 BB/9: 2.8 HR/9: 1.2

Debut: 4/1/2003 in a losing start to Kintetsu at Osaka Dome. First Win (4/8/2003 with six shutout innings against Seibu at Kita Kyushu Stadium), First Shutout (4/16/2003 against Lotte at Chiba Marine Stadium; it was also his first complete game in the pros)

Titles: Rookie of the Year (2003), SO (2003)

Watanabe, Shunsuke (31)	Positions Played: P
Nicknames: Shun-chan, Pokki, Hone (bone)	High School: Kokugakuin Tochigi High School
Born: 8/27/1976	College: Kokugakuin University
Died:	Industrial League: Shin Nittetsu Kimitsu
Birthplace:Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Lotte (2001-2006 [])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 154 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right

Year	G	IP	W	L	Save	SP	GS	RA	BF	PC	CG	SO	H	HR	K	BB	HBP	WP	Balk	R	ER	ERA	WHIP	OBA
2001	13	50.2	2	2	0	0			211		1	1	41	5	31	23	3	0	0	18	15	2.66	1.26	.229
2002	8	34.0	0	3	0	0			155		0	0	41	6	26	12	6	1	0	26	24	6.35	1.56	.301
2003	20	140.0	9	4	0	0	19	1	566		6	0	114	19	74	31	9	0	0	60	57	3.66	1.04	.219
2004	23	150.1	12	6	0	0	23	0	637		4	0	145	12	101	42	12	0	0	66	60	3.59	1.24	.256
2005	23	187.0	15	4	0	0	23	0	722		8	3	152	14	101	27	4	0	0	48	45	2.17	0.96	.227
Totals	87	562.0	38	19	0	0			2291		19	4	493	56	333	135	34	1	0	218	201	3.22	1.12

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2001	13	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2002	8	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2003	20	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.00010 .
2004	23	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2005	23	13	13	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	8	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	87	13	13	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	8	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000

Year	G	IP	W	L	Save	SP	BF	PC	CG	SO	H	HR	K	BB	HBP	WP	Balk	R	ER	ERA	WHIP	OAVG
2005	1	9.0	1	0	0	0	30		1	1	4	0	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00	0.44	.133
Totals	1	9.0	1	0	0	0	30		1	1	4	0	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00	0.44	.133

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2005	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000

Biography: Started playing baseball in first grade. Went to a submarine delivery in junior high at his father's recommendation. Was a relief pitcher in high school. Played in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, winning a game against Italy in relief, but than was tagged for a three run homer against Cuba and absorbed the loss. Drafted on the fourth round (2000). Tried to throw harder in 2003 and got killed. After getting some advice from Yomiuri great Kimiyasu Kudoh and onetime Lotte ace Tomohiro Kuroki, he modified his delivery and focused more on giving hitters a tough time rather than trying to reach 140km/h (87mph). Selected to two all star teams (2004-2005). Pitched against an MLB all star team in November 2004, giving up three runs on six hits and a pair of homers in five innings (11/6/2005 at Tokyo Dome). Threw a one hitter against Rakuten, facing the minimum of 27 batters (3/27/2005). Struckout five times in a game to tie a Japan record (2005). Threw a walkless complete game shutout against Hanshin in game two of the 2005 Japan Series in his first ever appearance in that classic, becoming just the third man ever to do so. His fastball barely breaks 80mph, so hitters see mostly sinkers, slow curves and sliders. His release point is about two inches off the ground. His favorite things are expensive cars, sweets, coffee and just about any kind of muskc except female idol singers and enka (a kind of japanese pop blues song). Hobbies are tropical fish, driving and watching movies. His favorite beer is Kirin. Is married to wifr Akiko and has a son. Has made statements in the past that he isn't interested in playing in MLB.

Career WHIP: 1.12 K/9: 5.3 BB/9: 2.2 HR/9: 0.9

Debut: 4/25/2001 against Orix at Kobe Green Stadium in a start. First Win (9/3/2001 against Daiei at Fukuoka Dome), First Shutout (9/3/2001 against Daiei at Fukuoka Dome)

Titles: SO (2005)

Yabuta, Yasuhiko (20)	Positions Played: P
Nicknames: Yabu	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 (1996-2006 [20])
Height: 6'0" 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	WHIP	OBA
1996	18	92.0	4	6	0	1			376		1	1	79	8	58	29	3	5	0	39	37	3.62	1.17	.237
1997	25	146.1	5	9	0	0			621		4	0	144	16	74	48	2	7	2	69	64	3.94	1.31	.261
1998	17	100.1	2	9	0	0			448		2	0	123	15	45	40	1	8	6	61	54	4.84	1.62	.309
1999	12	57.0	5	4	0	0			260		0	0	68	9	33	30	2	3	1	33	31	4.89	1.72	.302
2000	2	6.2	0	1	0	0			31		0	0	9	3	3	2	0	0	0	10	10	13.50	1.65	.333
2001	27	97.1	4	6	0	1			414		0	0	94	15	70	40	3	4	0	46	42	3.88	1.38	.260
2002	3	11.1	1	2	0	0			52		0	0	16	4	8	4	0	0	0	11	11	8.74	1.76	.356
2003	17	68.2	5	6	0	0	13	4	304		0	0	74	12	44	27	2	3	0	45	45	5.90	1.47	.272
2004	66	77.1	3	4	2	5	1	65	328		0	0	62	4	71	34	3	2	1	26	24	2.79	1.24	.218
2005	51	55.2	7	4	2	9	0	51	220		0	0	42	7	54	13	2	1	0	20	19	3.07	0.99	.209
Totals	238	712.2	36	51	4	16			3054		7	1	711	93	460	267	18	33	10	360	337	4.26	1.37

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1996	18	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
1997	25	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
1998	17	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
1999	12	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2000	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2001	27	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2002	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2003	17	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2004	66	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
2005	51	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	238	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000

Year	G	IP	W	L	Save	SP	BF	PC	CG	SO	H	HR	K	BB	HBP	WP	Balk	R	ER	ERA	WHIP	OAVG
2005	2	2.0	0	0	0	0	7		0	0	0	0	4	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.00	0.50	.000
Totals	2	2.0	0	0	0	0	7		0	0	0	0	4	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.00	0.50	.000

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2005	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
Totals	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000

Biography: Started playing baseball in first grade in Boys League. Also played Boys League in junior high. Played in one Koshien Tournament as a relief pitcher. Drafted on the second round (1995). Selected to one all star team (2005). 2005 left/right splits were .196/.220 If there are two things that Bobby Valentine can be grateful for from previous manager Koji Yamamoto was that Yamamoto kept pitching both Shunsuke Watanabe and Yabuta even though Watanabe was getting repeatedly shelled when he was originally put in Lotte's rotation and that Yabuta , who has historically had control problems, wasn't dong much better. But Yamamoto saw something in both men and didn't release them, which helped set the stage for Lotte's 2005 Japan Series title. Hobbies are golf and watching DVDs. Fastball and slider.

Career WHIP: 1.37 K/9: 5.8 BB/9: 3.4 HR/9: 1.2

Debut: 5/31/1996 against Orix at Kobe Green Stadium in a relief appearance. First Win (7/16/1996 against Orix at Chiba Marine Stadium in a start), First Shutout (7/30/1996 against Kintetsu at Fujiidera Stadium)

Titles: Appearances (2004)

Aikawa, Ryoji (59)	Positions Played: C
Nicknames:	High School: Tokyo Gakukan High School
Born: 7/11/1976	College: N /A
Died:	Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yokohama (1995-2006 [59], [8])
Height: 6'0" Weight: 180 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1999	8	8	8	1	2	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0		.250	.250	.250
2000	39	82	73	6	16	2	0	0	7	18	3	1	11	3	0	2	0	0	2		.219	.266	.247
2001	59	70	64	7	15	2	0	2	12	23	2	3	12	1	0	0	0	0	1		.234	.235	.359
2002	73	184	174	16	39	6	0	1	12	48	1	1	34	6	3	2	0	1	5		.224	.257	.276
2003	70	182	165	16	41	8	1	5	14	66	5	1	50	10	5	1	1	1	1	.250	.248	.294	.400
2004	102	323	304	31	80	16	1	8	46	122	5	1	77	13	2	0	3	0	8	.322	.263	.292	.401
2005	144	559	498	38	129	20	0	8	46	173	9	7	90	39		6	0		13	.282	.259	.316	.347
Totals	495	1408	1286	115	322	54	2	24	137	452	25	14	275	72		11	4		30		.250	.293	.351

Biography: Started playing baseball at age five on a nanshiki team. Entered Little League in second grade. Was a pitcher in junior high. Went from the outfield to catching as a high school senior. Was a teammate of Hirotoshi Ishii in high school and batted .390 for his career there. Aikawa also it his first career pro homer off of Ishii. Drafted on the fifth round (1994). Played on the Japanese olympic baseball team at Athens. Played a little outfield in the minors. Left/right splits were .259/.259. Hand swelled up form catching closer Mark Kroon's 100mph heaters. Is Yokohama's players union rep. His brother Juri is a fashion model. Hobbies are weight training, going to conecerts and fishing.

Career OPS: .644 HR:AB: 1:53.6

Debut: 8/21/1999 against Yakult. First Hit (9/3/1999 against Hanshin off of Yuichi Kiyohara in a pinch hit appearance), First Homer (5/3/2001against Yakult off of Hirotoshi Ishii)

Titles: N/A

Satozaki, Tomoya (22)	Positions Played: C, DH
Nicknames: Sato	High School: Naruto Kogyo High School
Born: 5/20/1976	College: Teikyo University
Died:	Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Lotte (2000-2006 [22])
Height: 5''9" Weight: 176 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2000	4	7	7	2	3	2	0	0	1	5	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	1		.429	.429	.714
2001	9	19	18	0	5	0	1	0	5	7	0	0	6	1	0	0	0	0	0		.278	.316	.389
2002	12	25	23	1	1	0	0	1	1	4	0	0	9	2	0	0	0	0	0		.043	.120	.174
2003	78	253	213	28	68	13	2	8	39	109	6	5	45	22	2	7	0	1	4	.288	.319	.393	.512
2004	61	195	174	20	37	7	0	6	19	62	3	1	41	17	1	0	0	0	3	.164	.213	.281	.356
2005	94	333	297	40	90	19	2	10	52	143	6	2	74	25		3	1		7	.346	.303	.361	.481
Totals	258	832	732	91	204	41	5	25	117	330	15	8	177	67		10	1		15		.279	.344	.451

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2005	4	14	14	3	2	0	0	1	4	5	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0		.143	.357	.143
Totals	4	14	14	3	2	0	0	1	4	5	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0		.143	.357	.143

Biography: Started playing baseball in second grade. Hit third and played a little third base in college in addition to catcher. Slugged a homer in four straight games in college, tying a league record. Finished his collegiate career with 12 homers and three Best Nine nominations. Drafted on the second round (1998). Played against an MLB all star team (11/2004). Was named MVP of minor league all star game (2001). Selected to one all star team (2005). 2005 left/right split was .309/.299.

Career OPS: .795 HR:AB: 1:29.3

Debut: 4/6/2000 against Seibu at Chiba Marine Stadium in a start at catcher. First Hit (4/6/2000 against Seibu at Chiba Marine Stadium off of Takashi Ishii), First Homer (4/3/2002 against Daiei at Fukuoka Dome in the third inning off of Akichika Yamada)

Titles: N/A

Tanishige, Motonobu (27)	Positions Played: C
Nicknames:	High School: Gonokawa High School
Born: 12/21/1970	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Hiba-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Taiyo Whales/Yokohama (1989-2001
Height: 5'9" Weight: 171 pounds	[1], [8]), Chunichi (2002-2006 [7], [27])
Bats: Right Throws: Right

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1989	80	171	154	9	27	2	2	3	10	42	1	1	43	13	3	2	0	0	4		.175	.247	.273
1990	75	182	154	8	27	7	0	3	16	43	8	1	36	17	3	2	2	0	4		.175	.264	.279
1991	82	221	186	24	44	9	3	5	24	74	8	2	39	20	2	5	5	1	8		.237	.324	.398
1992	74	186	162	16	31	9	0	2	9	46	4	0	34	18	5	2	0	0	2		.191	.280	.284
1993	114	343	290	22	68	10	2	4	26	94	7	0	74	40	8	6	3	0	6		.234	.339	.324
1994	129	415	359	29	82	19	2	5	36	120	8	1	94	42	5	5	0	1	8		.228	.317	.334
1995	93	203	181	16	45	7	1	6	21	72	5	0	39	17	2	0	1	0	2		.249	.313	.398
1996	127	456	380	36	114	25	3	8	54	169	14	3	70	53	7	6	2	3	10		.300	.391	.445
1997	128	489	397	42	92	19	2	13	46	154	25	3	71	61	9	3	2	1	14		.232	.336	.388
1998	134	538	461	50	117	23	1	14	55	184	6	4	83	62	7	5	1	2	13		.254	.346	.399
1999	122	491	427	55	126	23	0	11	51	182	7	5	45	46	13	6	0	1	16		.295	.368	.426
2000	122	493	446	35	112	21	0	9	44	160	3	1	91	41	6	2	0	0	20	.235	.251	.316	.359
2001	137	532	447	54	117	19	2	20	70	200	9	1	107	65	8	10	4	2	6	.242	.262	.367	.447
2002	130	515	446	53	96	21	0	24	78	189	10	2	116	49	8	8	4	0	8	.223	.215	.303	.424
2003	112	426	367	48	97	20	1	18	69	173	8	4	90	42	2	5	3	2	11	.344	.264	.344	.471
2004	121	472	408	47	106	11	0	18	68	171	11	6	92	42	7	5	1	0	10	.298	.260	.332	.419
2005	141	537	449	58	105	22	0	14	65	169	8	6	106	69		5	3	2	10	.250	.234	.338	.376
Totals	1921	6670	5714	602	1406	267	19	177	742	2242	142	40	1230	697		77	31	15	152		.246	.334	.392

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1998	6	24	18	1	4	1	0	1	2	8	1	0	5	4	0	1	0	0	1		.222	.391	.444
2004	7	29	25	3	8	3	0	1	9	14	1	0	3	2	0	1	0	0	2	.556	.320	.393	.560
Totals	13	53	43	4	12	4	0	2	11	22	2	0	8	6	0	2	0	0	3		.279	.392	.512

Biography: Slugged seven homers in five games to get his team to the Koshien Tournament his senior year in high school. Played in one Koshien Tournament (summer 1988). Belted a total of 42 homers for his high school career. Drafted on the first round (1988). Slugged the 65,000th homer in Japanese history (6/19/1994 against Hanshin). Drilled a sayonara grand slam (7/7/2001 against Yomiuri). Cracked a grand slam in the Japan Series (game three, 2004). Upon gaining free agency after the 2001 season, he attempted to find a job in MLB, but didn't garner any interest due to not having a potent enough bat. So he signed with Chunichi. Selected to seven all star teams (1993, 1997-2002). Known as an excellent defensive backstop, throwing out 43% of runners attempting to steal for his career through the end of the 2004 season.. 2005 left/right splits were .217/.240. His hobby is golf. Married to wife Rumi and has two sons.

Career OPS: .726 HR:AB: 1:32.3

Debut: 4/11/1989 against Hiroshima at Yokohama Stadium. First Hit (4/11/1989 against Hiroshima at Yokohama Stadium), First Homer (5/27/1989 against Yakult at Kashiwazaki)

Titles: IBB (1999), GIDP (2000), Best Nine (1998), Gold Glove (1998)

Arai, Takahiro (25)	Positions Played: 1B, 3B, OF
Nicknames:	High School: Hiroshima Kogyo High School
Born: 1/30/1977	College: Komazawa University
Died:	Industrial League:
Birthplace: Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Hiroshima (1999-2006 [25])
Height: 6'3" Weight: 220 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1999	53	105	95	14	21	2	1	7	14	46	1	0	31	8	0	1	1	1	2		.221	.288	.484
2000	92	233	208	26	51	6	0	16	35	105	0	2	54	18	0	5	3	1	6		.245	.318	.505
2001	124	354	313	38	89	12	0	18	56	155	1	1	86	36	2	3	2	3	11		.284	.363	.495
2002	140	559	512	63	147	28	2	28	75	263	0	3	124	38	2	6	1	3	17		.287	.342	.514
2003	137	537	488	58	115	20	2	19	62	196	1	3	120	39	4	6	2	1	16		.236	.299	.402
2004	103	294	262	36	69	10	1	10	36	111	0	1	55	29	0	2	3	0	4	.275	.263	.340	.424
2005	142	587	541	91	165	30	1	43	94	326	1	3	126	37		5	5		16	.270	.305	.353	.603
Totals	791	2669	2419	326	657	108	7	141	372	1202	4	13	596	205		28	17		72		.272	.334	.497

Biography: Is of Korean ancestry, his parents' Korean name being Park. Grew up admiring the Carp. Went 6-12 against a U.S. collegiate all star team (1998). Won a Tokyo Metropolitan University League RBI title (1998). However, he finished with just two homers for his college career. Drafted on the sixth round (1998). He was so raw in college, especially defensively, that many of his teammates couldn't believe it when he was drafted. In one amusing incident, Arai was at first base when Eddy Diaz homered to left. However, Arai thought that the ball had been caught and went back to first and Diaz passed him runding first, so he was out and lost the dinger and the Carp lost two runs (9/14/1999 against Yakult at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium). In another bonehaed play, Chunichi's Leo Gomez grounded into a 5-2-3 double play with the bases loaded. But Arai, who was stationed at first, thought that it was the third out when it was only two outs and tossed the ball to Chunichi's first base coach, who dodged the lob and a run scored as the ball rolled down the rightfield line (9/21/1999 against Chunichi at Nagoya Dome). First Grand slam (4/7/2002 against Chunichi at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium in the first inning off of Masataka Endo).Three homer game (10/4/2003 against Hanshin at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium).Had a hitch in his swing and was getting a jammed a lot before he fixed it and had his career year in 2005 by holding the bat higer and being more aggressive. Slugged a homer in six straight games, tying Rick Lancelotti's club record. It is also tied for third all time (6/22/2005 againmst Yakult-6/28/2005 against Hanshin at Yonago). Is an abysmal fielder, which has held him back. Especially has trouble throwing. Lead the Central League in errors with 17 in 2002 and with 23 in 2005. Began 2005 in the six hole before being moved up to the cleanup slot the last half of the schedule. Spent three nights and four days at a Buddhist temple this past offseason to help him focus his energy and mind. Selected to two all star teams (2002, 2005). His younger brother Ryota was just drafted by the Chunichi Dragons. His older brother was a teammate of Shingo Takatsu's at Hiroshima Kogyo High School and batted cleanup for them. Pics

Career OPS: .831 HR:AB: 1:17.2 Grand Slams: 3

Debut: 4/3/1999 against Chunichi at Nagoya Dome. First Hit (5/12/1999 against Yomiuri at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium), First Homer (6/6/1999 against Chunichi at Hamamatsu Municipal Stadium off of Shigeki Noguchi in the fourth inning, a three run jack)

Titles: HR (2005), GIDP (2003), Best Nine (2005).

Imae, Toshiaki (8)	Positions Played: SS, 3B
Nicknames: Gori	High School: PL Gakuen High School
Born: 8/26/1983	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Muko, Kyoto Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Lotte (2002-2006 [8])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 176 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2002	15	25	25	0	5	3	0	0	2	8	0	0	7	0	0	0	0	0	1		.200	.200	.320
2003	5	6	6	0	2	1	0	0	1	3	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.333	.333	.500
2004	41	149	136	12	35	8	2	1	18	50	3	2	21	5	0	3	0	1	1	.375	.257	.295	.368
2005	132	509	461	58	143	35	3	8	71	208	10	5	62	22		11	4		16	.336	.310	.353	.451
Totals	193	689	628	70	185	47	5	9	92	269	13	7	92	27		14	4		18		.295	.334	.428

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2005	4	16	15	5	10	2	0	1	4	15	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0		.667	.667	1.000
Totals	4	16	15	5	10	2	0	1	4	15	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0		.667	.667	1.000

Biography: Started playing basebal.l in first grade in Boys League. Played on a world championship Boys League team as a ninth grader and he was its team captain. Was his high schol's cleanup hitter. Played in one Koshien Tournament (summer 2000). Slugged a total of 30 homers in high school. Two other players from that PL squad were also drafted by the pros, but Imae was the team captain. Drafted on the third round (2001). Named MVP of a minor league all star game (2003). Had a career high 22 game hitting streak (2005). Homered in his first ever Japan Series at bat, the 13th man in history to do that (10/22/2005 against Hanshin off of Kei Igawa in the first inning, a solo jack to left). The ball went into the Hanshin cheering section, where a fan retrieved it and gave the ball to Imae after the game. Imae reportedly cried in gratitude. Spanked a hit in eight straight plate appearances in the Japan Seriues to set a record and get the Series MVP (2005). Had consecutive four hit games in the Japan Series (10/22/2005 against Hansin). Hobby is fishing. Is married to wife Yukiko, a former model who is reportedly ten years older than himand has a child. His number was previously worn by former Lotte great and third baseman Michiyo Arito. His favorite food is sausage and he hates tomatoes. His favorite MLB player is Alex Rodriguez ("his aura isn't like other people's," he told one interviewer).Says his most memorable moment was when he drilled a pair of homers in amior league game because it was the start of his looking at himself at as a viable candidate for promotion to the big club and it boosted his confidence. Destroyed lefthanders in 2005 (.377) and did solidly against righthanders (.284).

Career OPS: .762 HR:AB: 1:69.8

Debut: 4/28/2002 against Kintetsu at Osaka Dome in a ninth inning pinch hit appearance. First Hit (9/30/2003 against Seibu at Seibu Dome off of Fumiya Nishiguchi in the second inning; it also gave him his first pro RBI), First Homer (8/21/2004 against Daiei at Chiba Marine Stadium off of Yasushi Kamiuchi in the second inning)

Titles: 2B (2005), Best Nine (2005), Gold Glove (2005)

Iwamura, Akinori (1)	Positions Played: 3B, CF
Nicknames: Gun	High School: Uwajima Higashi High School
Born: 2/9/1979	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Uwajima, Ehime Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yakult (1998-2006 [48], [1])
Height: 5'9" Weight: 176 pounds
Bats: Left Throws: Right

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1998	1	3	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
1999	83	273	252	28	74	11	4	11	35	126	0	2	46	18	2	1	7	1	2		.294	.341	.500
2000	130	489	436	67	121	13	9	18	66	206	9	1	103	39	3	4	13	1	7		.278	.342	.472
2001	136	564	520	79	149	24	4	18	81	235	5	4	111	32	5	3	15	6	6		.287	.329	.452
2002	140	577	510	67	163	35	2	23	71	271	2	4	114	58	6	3	5	4	10		.320	.390	.531
2003	60	258	232	43	61	6	2	12	35	107	2	1	55	22	3	1	5	1	3	.321	.263	.328	.461
2004	138	611	533	99	160	19	0	44	103	311	0	4	173	70	3	4	8	3	5	.299	.300	.383	.583
2005	144	618	548	83	175	31	4	30	102	304	0	5	146	63		2	6		2	.321	.319	.388	.555
Totals	832	3393	3034	466	903	139	25	156	493	1560	18	21	750	302		18	59		35		.298	.362	.514

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2001	5	22	20	1	9	2	0	0	5	11	0	0	4	1	0	1	2	0	0		.450	.500	.550
Totals	5	22	20	1	9	2	0	0	5	11	0	0	4	1	0	1	2	0	0		.450	.500	.550

Biography: Older brother Takashi spent two years in the minors as an outfielder with Kintetsu (1997-1998). Started out playing softball in second grade. Was the cleanup hitter for Japan's national high school baseball team. Drafted on the second round (1996). Won an Eastern League homer title (1998). Missed a good chunk of the 2003 season with a wrist ligament injury. Had been working out frequently with a 45 ounce bat during spring training, so whether it was due to that or not is hard to say, but one would think it may have at least been a contributing factor. His 173 strikeouts in 2004 is a record for a Japanese player and is also a Central League record. However, he also had the first 40 homer campaign ever for a Japanese Swallow. Exhibited more opposite field power in 2005. Five hit games (4/29/2001 against Hanshin at Meiji Jingu Stadium and 7/29/2006 against Hanshin at Koshien Stadium). (Selected to four all star teams (2001, 2004-2006). Wants to be posted to MLB, but Yakult's management thinks he is too vital to the club to allow him to leave.. 1000th hit (7/17/2006 against Hiroshima at Meiji Jingu Stadium off of Kenta Satake in the seventh inning, a single to right). Hobby is Golf. Official Homepage Is married to wife Miyuki, a former office worker. His favorite food is fish. His happiest moment as a pro was slugging a grand slam against Yomiuri.

Career OPS: .876 HR:AB: 1:19.4

Debut: 5/19/1998 against Yokohama at Yokohama Stadium. First Hit (4/3/1999 against Yokohama at Yokohama Stadium off of Takashi Saito), First Homer (5/22/1999 against Chunichi at Nagoya Dome off of Kazuhiro Takeda)

Titles: K (2004-2005), 3B (2000), Best Nine (2002), Gold Glove (2000-2002, 2004-2005)

Kawasaki, Munenori (52)	Positions Played: 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, DH
Nicknames: Munerin	High School: Kagoshima Kogyo High School
Born: 6/3/1981	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Aira-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Daiei Hawks/Softbank 2001-2006 ([52])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 156 pounds
Bats: Left Throws: Right

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2001	1	5	4	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.200	.000
2002	36	122	112	13	26	4	5	0	8	40	6	0	21	4	0	0	3	2	1		.232	.259	.357
2003	133	568	493	78	145	17	9	2	51	186	28	2	74	41	0	4	30	16	8	.336	.294	.352	.377
2004	133	633	564	87	171	19	8	4	45	218	15	3	63	48	0	3	42	14	8	.296	.303	.387	.359
2005	102	458	399	53	108	12	3	4	36	138	22	3	52	26		8	21		4	.325	.271	.326	.346
Totals	405	1786	1572	222	450	52	25	10	141	582	71	8	210	120		15	96		21		.286	.341	.370

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2003	7	28	23	5	9	1	2	0	2	14	2	0	7	2	0	1	3	0	0		.391	.462	.609
Totals	7	28	23	5	9	1	2	0	2	14	2	0	7	2	0	1	3	0	0		.391	.462	.609

Biography: Started playing baseball in third grade. Started batting lefthanded in ninth grade, Was a Yomiuri fan growing up, but his favorite player was Chunichi infielder Kazuyoshi Tatsunami. His favorite player nowadays is Ichiro. Was called the "Satsuma Ichiro (Satsuma is the old name for eastern Kyushu)" and "Satsuro" for short in high school. Can run the 50 meters in a blazing 5.7 seconds. Drafted on the fourth round (1999). Won a Western League (minor league) batting title in 2002 with a .367 mark. Played in the Intercontinental Cup for Japan (2002). Got his break, as it were, when regular third baseman Hiroki Kokubo fractured a leg (2003). Stole third nine times in 2003. His 2005 left/right split was .278/.267. Still lives in the team dormitory. Official Homepage Favorite food is tomatoes. Likes soccer in addition to baseball. Is still single and very popular with women. Hates his nickname, which was given to him by a Fukuoka area tv sports program. Favortite foods are curry, pasta and sushi. Is a fan of hard rock, especially X-Japan. Pics

Career OPS: .711 HR:AB: 1:157.2m

Debut: 10/3/2001 against Orix at Kobe Green Stadium in a start at shortstop. First Hit (6/15/2002 against Kintetsu at Osaka Dome off of Jeremy Powell in the sixth inning), First Homer (7/28/2003 agaimst Kintetsu at Fukuoka Dome off of Ken Kadokura)

Titles: PA (2004). AB (2004), Hits (2004), 3B (2004), SB (2004), CS (2003)Best Nine (2004), Gold Glove (2004)

Matsunaka, Nobuhiko (3)	Positions Played: 1B, LF, DH
Nicknames: Macchan	High School: Yashiro Daiichi High School
Born: 12/26/1973	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: Shin Nittetsu Kimitsu
Birthplace: Yashiro, Kumamoto Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Daiei Hawks (1997-2006 [26], [3])
Height: 6'0" Weight: 211 pounds
Bats: Left Throws: Left

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1997	20	48	43	4	9	1	0	0	6	10	1	1	13	2	0	1	0	1	2		.209	.255	.233
1998	34	83	71	9	19	6	0	3	10	34	0	1	12	10	1	1	2	0	0		.268	.361	.479
1999	126	462	395	57	106	20	4	23	71	203	5	4	60	46	3	12	5	2	11		.268	.359	.514
2000	130	540	471	76	147	26	1	33	106	274	0	7	49	56	4	6	0	1	12		.312	.387	.582
2001	130	551	479	81	160	29	0	36	122	297	0	5	77	57	5	10	2	0	6		.334	.412	.620
2002	136	561	485	75	126	23	1	28	83	235	0	7	80	52	1	17	1	2	12		.260	.348	.485
2003	135	590	494	99	160	31	1	30	123	283	0	3	69	81	3	12	2	0	12	.311	.324	.429	.573
2004	130	577	478	118	171	37	1	44	120	342	0	2	67	84	6	12	2	0	7	.341	.358	.464	.715
2005	132	575	483	109	152	26	2	46	121	320	0	7	85	76		9	2		6	.341	.315	.412	.663
Totals	973	3987	3399	628	1050	199	10	243	762	1998	6	37	512	464		80	16		68		.309	.400	.588

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1999	5	18	15	1	3	2	0	0	4	5	1	0	3	2	0	0	0	0	0		.200	.294	.333
2000	6	23	19	3	1	0	0	1	2	4	0	0	6	4	1	0	0	0	2		.053	.217	.211
2003	7	31	27	3	9	3	0	1	4	15	0	0	5	4	0	0	0	0	1		.333	.419	.556
Totals	18	72	61	7	13	5	0	2	10	24	1	0	14	10	1	0	0	0	3		.213	.324	.393

Biography: Was introduced to baseball by his father in pre-school. Started playing baseball in fourth grade. By the time he graduated junior high, he was only 5'4" and he wondered if he was going to be able to continue playing baseball when he went to high school. But he grew five inches in a year, which did away with that worry. Hurt his left elbow bad enough in high school that he wasn't able to throw with it, probably from excessive throwing and swinging of the bat. So Matsunaka learned to throw with his right well enough to stay on the team and even play in games. Fortunately, his elbow recove2r46e1221d after he had surgery on the lebow while in the industrial leagues. Batted cleanup for the Japanese olympic baseball team that played at Atlanta amd took home a silver medal after drilling five homers. Drafted on the second round (1996). Won a Western League (minor league) homer crown (1998) and then a Triple Crown (1999), Played in the Sydney Olympics (2000). Won the first Triple CR0wn in 18 years (2004). Suffered a liver inflammattion before trhe 2004 Pacific League playoffs and didn't hit at all, allowing Seibu to get to the Japan Series. Became the first man in Japanese baseball history to drive in 120 runs three years in a row (9/28/2005 against Rakuten, with a two run homer). But Matsunaka didn't hit again in the playoffs and Lotte went to the Japan Series. He is 3-35 in the playoffs the last two years. Selected to seven all star teams (1999-2001, 2003-2006). 200th homer (4/17/2005 against Lotte at Fukuoka Dome off of Shunsuke Watanabe in the ninth inning, a solo jack to right, the 82nd man in history to that mark). Married to wife Keiko, a former announcer for Shizuoka Broadcasting. Interestingly, plays golf righthanded, something he has in common with his boss, Sadaharu Oh. 2005 left/right splits .276/.331. Would have been a free agent after this season, but signed a reported seven year deal for 4 billion yen, including incentives (about $33 million).

Career OPS: .988 HR:AB: 1:14.0

Debut: 5/31/1997 against Seibu at Fukuoka Dome in a start at first base. First Hit (5/31/1997 against Seibu at Fukuoka Dome off of Takehiro Ishii in the fourth inning), First Homer (9/5/1998 against Seibu at Fukuoka Dome off of Fumiya Nishiguchi in the third inning)

Titles: Batting (2004), Runs (2004-2005), Hits (2004), HR (2004-2005), RBI (2003-2005), TB (2004-2005), SF (2000, 2002), BB (2005), HBP (2002), OBP (2004-2005), SLG (2004-2005), MVP (2000, 2004), Best Nine (2000, 2003-2005), Gold Glove (2004)

Miyamoto, Shinya (10)	Positions Played: SS, 2B
Nicknames:	High School: PL Gakuen High School
Born: 11/5/1970	College: Doshisha University
Died:	Industrial League: Prince Hotels
Birthplace: Suita, Osaka Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yakult (1995-2006 [6])
Height: 5'9" Weight: 154 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1995	67	57	50	13	11	2	0	0	4	13	1	0	9	6	0	0	3	1	0		.220	.304	.260
1996	68	270	238	27	65	8	2	1	13	80	8	1	39	19	1	4	6	0	3		.273	.336	.336
1997	115	432	387	44	109	15	3	1	33	133	6	3	37	31	10	5	16	5	11		.282	.340	.344
1998	114	402	368	28	95	10	1	1	25	110	6	1	51	24	4	3	5	3	4		.258	.308	.299
1999	131	572	501	60	124	14	1	1	24	143	45	0	40	23	1	3	11	4	6		.248	.285	.285
2000	136	536	476	39	143	24	4	3	55	184	19	5	49	31	10	5	13	5	7		.300	.346	.387
2001	125	578	47	74	129	15	0	1	17	147	67	1	57	27	0	6	11	6	8		.270	.317	.308
2002	114	519	464	53	135	21	1	5	25	173	40	0	64	9	0	4	6	2	5		.291	.309	.373
2003	140	643	543	78	154	20	1	7	44	197	50	5	78	38	1	7	11	3	10		.284	.336	.363
2004	90	390	346	52	104	12	1	11	26	151	18	0	69	18	0	8	6	1	6	.250	.301	.349	.436
2005	135	608	547	71	145	19	2	7	47	189	22	1	88	26		12	5		10	.267	.265	.312	.346
Totals	1235	5007	4397	539	1214	160	16	38	313	1520	282	17	581	252		57	93		70		.276	.322	.346

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1995	5	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
1997	5	19	16	2	5	2	0	0	0	7	2	0	2	1	0	0	0	0	0		.313	.353	.438
2001	5	24	19	3	9	1	0	0	1	10	5	0	4	0	0	0	1	1	0		.474	.474	.526
Totals	15	45	37	5	14	3	0	0	1	17	7	0	7	1	0	0	1	1	0		.378	.395	.459

Biography: Got some coaching from former Hanshin shortstop Yoshio Yoshida in elementary school. Played third and was a relief pitcher in high school. Played in one Koshien Tournament, winning it all (summer 1987). Drafted on the second round (1994). His 67 sac bunts in 2001 is a Japanese single season record. Was named captain of Japan's 2004 olympic baseball squad at Athens, helping them to a bronze medal by batting .500. Selected to two all star teams (2002-2003). Is the current chariman of the Japanese players union. Married to wife Tomomi and has two daughters..His hobby is playing pachinko.

Career OPS: .668 HR:AB: 1:115.7

Debut: 4/1995. First Hit (), First Homer ()

Titles: PA (2003), Sac (1999, 2001-2003), IBB (2000), Gold Glove (1997, 1999-2003)

Nishioka, Tsuyoshi (7)	Positions Played: 2B, SS, 3B, DH
Nicknames:	High School: Osak Toin High School
Born: 7/27/1984	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Nara, Nara Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Lotte (2003-2006 [7])
Height: 5'11" Weight: 165 pounds
Bats: Switch Throws: Right

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2003	7	11	9	3	3	2	0	0	1	5	0	0	1	2	0	0	0	0	0	.500	.333	.455	.556
2004	63	232	212	32	54	8	2	6	35	84	2	2	37	14	0	2	8	2	2	.268	.255	.304	.396
2005	122	493	447	80	120	22	11	4	48	176	6	4	51	31		5	41		6	.377	.268	.320	.394
Totals	192	736	668	115	177	32	13	10	84	265	8	6	89	47		7	49		8		.265	.317	.397

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2005	4	18	17	3	5	1	0	0	1	6	0	0	3	1	0	0	0	2	1		.294	.333	.353
Totals	4	18	17	3	5	1	0	0	1	6	0	0	3	1	0	0	0	2	1		.294	.333	.353

Biography: Started playing baseball in first grade in Little League. Grew up as a Hanshin fan. Played Senior League ball in junior high. Batted cleanup his senior year in high school and he was also team captain. Slugged a total of 42 homers for his schoolboy career. Played in one Koshien Tournament (summer 2002). Drafted on the first round (2002). Became a switch hitter in 2004. Selected to one all star team (2005). First player ever to be named at different positions the same year for Best Nine (shortstop) and Gold Glove (second base 2005). Favorite player is Ichiro.

Career OPS: .714 HR:AB: 1:66.8

Debut: 6/23/2003 against Seibu at Seibu Dome in the ninth inning as a pinch runner. First Hit (6/28/2003 against Orix at Chiba Marine Stadium in the seventh inning against Hisashi Tokano in his first pro at bat), First Homer (6/27/2004 against Seibu at Toyama off of Mitsutaka Goto in the second inning, a two run blast to rightcenter)

Titles: SB (2005), 3B (2005), ARISP (2005), Best Nine (2005), Gold Glove (2005)

Ogasawara, Michihiro (2)	Positions Played: C, 1B, 3B, OF, DH
Nicknames: Guts	High School: Gyosei Kokusai High School
Born: 10/25/1973	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: NTT Kanto
Birthplace: Chiba, Chiba Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Nippon Ham (1997-2006 [2])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 185 pounds
Bats: Left Throws: Right

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1997	44	98	94	7	21	10	2	0	7	35	0	1	10	3	0	0	1	0	2		.223	.245	.372
1998	71	98	86	7	26	5	0	1	9	34	0	1	17	11	1	0	1	1	3		.302	.378	.395
1999	135	608	547	90	156	34	4	25	83	273	0	4	84	56	1	0	3	4	6		.285	.349	.499
2000	135	635	554	126	182	23	4	31	102	306	0	5	91	74	2	2	24	6	6		.329	.406	.552
2001	140	643	576	108	195	40	2	32	86	335	0	0	102	63	7	4	1	6	8		.339	.407	.582
2002	135	574	486	77	165	27	2	32	81	292	0	6	77	76	14	6	8	1	6		.340	.430	.601
2003	128	546	445	83	160	34	1	31	100	289	0	3	65	93	12	5	8	3	13	.442	.360	.473	.649
2004	101	452	377	78	130	19	2	18	70	207	0	2	70	70	3	3	3	1	10	.370	.345	.449	.549
2005	133	580	514	91	145	27	2	37	92	287	0	1	114	61		4	2		8	.331	.282	.362	.558
Totals	1022	4234	3679	667	1180	219	19	207	630	2058	0	23	630	507		24	51		62		.321	.404	.559

Biography: Started playing baseball at age seven. Played in Chiba Little League. Didn't homer at all in high school. Had a .400 season in the industrial leagues. Drafted on the third round as a catcher (1996). Broke his left index finger catching a pop fly (5/22/1998). Wasn't very able at throwing runners out, so he was converted into a first baseman in 1999 and put into the two hole in the order, where he wasn't asked to sacrifice even once, almost unheard of for a hitter in that spot in the lineup. Slammed a two run homer off of Daisuke Matsuzaka in Matsuzaka first pro start while playing with a broken finger (4/7/1999). Became the first Nippon Ham (only) player ever to 150 hits in a season (1999). His 102 RBIs in 2000 was a then team record. His 126 runs scored was a then Pacific League record. Had a 17 consecutive game in which he scored at least one run, a Japan record (8/5-8/27/2001). His 195 hits in 2001 is a franchise record. His 14 straight plate appearances getting on base is a Japan record (8/23-8/27/2003). Also had a 60 straight game streak where he reached base safely at least once (6/13-9/9/2001). 100th homer (5/4/2002 against Daiei off of Brady Raggio, a three run jack). Was the first batting champ in franchise history since hall of famer Isao Harimoto in 1974 (2002). Was converted into a third baseman in 2003 with mixed results. Cracked a rib in a collision with Daiei second baseman Tadahito Iguchi and missed the next two weeks (5/9/2004). First walkoff homer (8/7/2005 against Seibu off of Kiyoshi Toyoda at Sapporo Dome in the bottom of the ninth, a solo jack to centerfield). Selected to seven all star teams (1999-2006). Was the starting first baseman of the 2004 Japanese olympic baseball team. 200th homer (8/24/2005 against Seibu at Seibu Dome off of Daisuke Matsuzaka in the eighth inning, a solo jack to right). The last homer he hit last season was off of Lotte's Shunsuke Watanabe, a teammate on the WBC team (9/28/2005 against Lotte at Sapporo Dome, a solo jack to right in the first inning in the last game of the PL schedule). Will be a free agent after the end of the 2006 season. He is also on the cusp of becoming the highest average hitter in Japanese history for players with 4000 or more official at bats, which is currently hed by Leron Lee (Lotte) at .320.Is the first player ever to wear number 2 and win a batting title. Is married with two kids and it is said that his wife wears the pants in the family. Ogasawara is known as a supremely confident player, but he is supersitious about talking about himself, afraid his luck will disappear if he starts bragging. Was given is nickname by now former teammate Tsutomu Iwamoto after Ogasawara clubbed a pinch hit homer despite a broken pinky finger.

Career OPS: .963 HR:AB: 1:17.8

Debut: 4/8/1997 against Daiei at Fukuoka Dome in a pinch hit appearance in the ninth inning. First Hit (), First Homer (7/7/1998 at Tokyo Dome)

Titles: Batting (2002-2003), PA (2000), AB (1999-2000), Runs (2000), Hits (2000-2001), OBP (2003), Gold Glove (1999-2003), , Best Nine (1999, 2001, 2003-2004)

Aoki, Norichika (23)	Positions Played: CF
Nicknames:	High School: Hinata High School
Born: 1/5/1982	College: Waseda University
Died:	Industrial League:
Birthplace: Hinata, Miyazaki Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yakult (2004=2005 [23])
Height: 5'9" Weight: 170 pounds
Bats: Left Throws: Right

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
2004	10	16	15	1	3	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	6	1	0	0	1	0	0	.000	.200	.250	.200
2005	144	649	588	100	202	26	4	3	28	245	18	1	113	37		5	29	7	5	.323	.344	.387	.417
Totals	154	665	603	101	205	26	4	3	28	248	18	1	119	38		5	30	7	5		.340	.383	.411

Biography: Started playing baseball at age six. Scored six runs in a game in college to ste a Tokyo Big Six University League record (spring 2002). Won a collegiate batting title (fall, 2002). Selected to three collegiate Best Nine teams. Drafted on the fourth round (2003). Named MVP of a minor league all star game when he went 4-5 with a pair of steals (2004). Won Eastern League (minor league) batting and OBP titleS (2004). Selected to two all star team (2005-2006). Walkoff homer (8/26/2005 against Yokohama at Meiji Jingu Stadium off of Takeharu Kato leading off the ninth, a solo jack to left). First inning leadoff homer (9/7/2005 against Yomiuri at Meiji Jingu Stadium off of Hisanori Takahashi, a solo jack to left). His 193rd hit set a new Central League record, breaking Bobby Rose's mark of 192 in 1999 (10/6/2005 against Chunichi at Meiji Jingu Stadium off of Sato in the first inning, a single to left). 200th hit (10/11/2005 against Yokohama at Meiji Jingu Stadium in the first inning on the first pitch he saw from starter Ken Kadokura, fastball up and in, a single to right). His 202 hits is a Central League record and is second all time to Ichiro Suzuki's 210 in 1994. Is the second true rookie all time to win a batting title (2005). His 165 singles is a Central League record, as were his 62 multihit games (2005). 2005 left/right split is .390/.319. Received a 580% pay raise after the 2005 season. Has been working on generating more power this offseason and his main goal is to cut is strikeouts down significantly and raise his OBP. Hobby is shopping.

Career OPS: .794 HR:AB: 1:201.0

Debut: 7/17/2004 against Yomiuri. First Hit (10/6/2004 against Hanshin off of Yuya Ando in the eighth inning, a single to left), First Homer (4/6/2005 against Chunichi at Meiji Jingu Stadium off of Eiji Ochiai in the first inning, a solo jack to centerfield batting out of the two hole)

Titles: Rookie of the Year (2005). Batting (2005), Hits (2005), Best Nine (2005)

Fukudome, Kosuke (17)	Positions Played: 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, LF, CF, RF
Nicknames:	High School: PL Gakuen High School
Born: 4/26/1977	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: Nihon Seimei
Birthplace: So-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Chunichi (1999-2006 [1])
Height: 6'0" Weigfht: 185 pounds
Bats: Left Throws: Right

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1999	132	526	461	76	131	25	2	16	52	208	8	2	121	50	1	5	4	7	3		.284	.359	.451
2000	97	368	316	50	80	18	2	13	42	141	2	2	79	45	4	3	8	5	5		.253	.350	.446
2001	120	442	375	51	94	22	2	15	56	165	4	3	90	56	4	4	8	4	4		.251	.352	.440
2002	140	608	542	85	186	42	3	19	65	291	0	5	96	56	2	5	4	2	4		.343	.406	.537
2003	140	617	528	107	165	30	11	34	96	319	1	6	118	78	1	4	10	5	5	.279	.313	.401	.604
2004	92	404	350	61	97	19	7	23	81	199	1	2	93	48	0	3	8	3	3	.261	.277	.367	.569
2005	142	612	515	102	169	39	6	28	103	304	0	3	128	93		1	13		8	.329	.328	.430	.590
Totals	863	3577	3087	532	922	195	33	148	495	1627	16	23	725	426		25	55		32		.299	.386	.527

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1999	5	22	18	3	2	1	0	0	0	3	1	0	5	3	0	0	2	0	1		.111	.238	.167
Totals	5	22	18	3	2	1	0	0	0	3	1	0	5	3	0	0	2	0	1		.111	.238	.167

Biography: Was born on the day Sadaharu Oh hit his 756th homer. Started playing softball in third grade. Started hitting lefthanded (he does everything else, including playing golf, righthanded). Grew up admiring Dragons third baseman Kazuyoshi Tatsunami. Played in Boys League in junior high. Played on a Boys League Japan national champion in eighth grade. Became his high school's cleanup hitter as a sophomore. Played in three Koshien Tournaments (spring 1994, -spring, summer 1995). Blasted a total of 40 homers in high school. Seven teams wanted to draft him even though he wanted to play for Yomiuri or Chunichi. New Kintetsu manager Kyosuke Sasaki got his draft rights in a drawing when Sasaki pulled the winning ticket, but Fukudome turned them down, choosing instead to go to the industrial leagues. Later, Sasaki would be Fukudome's batting instructor at Chunichi. Played on the japanese olmpic baseball team at Atlanta and won a silver medal, homering in early games against Cuba and Nicaragua and batting .281 with eight RBIs for the tournament (1996). Drafted on the first round (1998). Went 0-27 at one stretch in spring training of his rookie year, but he still was made the Opening Day shortstop. In one amusing incident, he blooped a single to near the leftfield line in a game against Yomiuri. The runner on third scored, but the runner on first, Takayuki Onishi, lost track of the ball and started heading back to first. When the ball fell, he attempted to shift gears and fell down. Fukudome, streaking around the first base bag, didn't notice that Onishi had fallen and he passed Onishi up and was out (9/1/1999 at Tokyo Dome in the seventh inning). Never really became a very good defensive infielder and so was shifted to the outfield in 2001, where, after a lot of work, he has blossomed into one of the finest outfielders in Japan. Homered on the first pitch ever thrown in Sapporo Dome (6/26/2001 against Yomiuri off of Darrell May, a solo shot to right). His winning the batting title kept Hideki Matsui from winning the Triple Crown. Matsui finished second. Homered in five straight games (9/9-9/13/2003). Ten consecutive games with at least one RBI (9/9-9/19/2003). 100th homer (4/14/2004 against Yomiuri at Tokyo Dome off of Koji Uehara in the eighth inning, a two run jack). Played on the Japanese olympic baseball team at Athens, batting .316 with three homers (one of them off of Graham Lloyd) and ten RBIs for the tournament, taking a bronze medal (2004).Sat out the 2004 Japan Series due to recovering from an index finger fracture he suffered after being hit by a pitch from Hanshin lefty Tsuyoshi Shimoyanigi on September 1st of that year. 1000th hit (6/14/2006 against Seibu at Seibu Dome off of Chris Gissel in the third inning, a double to leftcenter, becoming the 241st man to that mark in his 922nd career game). Has a cannon for an arm. Owns the Dragons team records for hits, doubles and runs scored in a season. Selected to five all star teams (1999, 2002-2004, 2006). His 2005 left/right split was .341/.322. Hobbies are shopping and fishing. Official Homepage

Career OPS: .913 HR:AB: 1:20.9 Cycle (6/8/2003 against Hiroshima)

Debut: 4/2/1999 against Hiroshima at Nagoya Dome in a start at shortstop and slotted second in the order. Became an outfielder in 2002. First Hit (4/4/1999 agianst Hiroshima ta Nagoya Dome, an RBI double to rightcenter off of Makoto Kito in the seventh inning), First Homer (4/16/1999 against Yomiuri at Tokyo Dome, a solo homer to rightcenter in the third off of Balvino Galvez on a changeup)

Titles: Batting (2002), Runs (2003), 2B (2002, 2005), 3B (2003-2004), K (1999), (OBP (2003, 2005), Best Nine (2002-2003), Gold Glove (2002-2003, 2005)

Kinjo, Tatsuhiko (9)	Positions Played: SS, 3B, CF, RF
Nicknames:	High School: Kinkidai Fuzoku High School
Born: 7/27/1976	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: Sumitomo Kinzoku
Birthplace: Osaka, Osaka Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yokohama (1999-2006 [37], [2], [1])
Height: 5'10" Weight: 187 pounds
Bats: Switch Throws: Right

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1999	6	11	11	1	2	0	0	0	1	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2		.182	.182	.182
2000	110	475	419	60	145	18	3	3	36	178	17	0	58	37	0	2	8	7	6		.346	.402	.425
2001	138	579	480	68	130	19	2	3	49	162	43	0	57	56	0	0	10	10	6		.271	.347	.338
2002	111	258	224	13	38	8	1	0	13	48	14	3	35	14	2	3	5	0	2		.170	.225	.214
2003	136	592	549	78	166	26	1	16	40	242	2	4	60	33	3	4	4	13	7	.275	.302	.344	.441
2004	133	527	486	53	147	15	2	13	52	205	6	0	74	29	3	6	0	5	12	.345	.302	.349	.422
2005	144	642	590	70	191	30	1	12	87	259	5	8	63	32		7	1		6	.371	.324	.361	.439
Totals	778	3084	2759	343	819	116	10	47	278	1096	87	15	347	201		22	28		41		.297	.348	.397

Biography: Third son of Akiyo Kinjo, a former outfielder with Kintetsu from 1967-1968. Started playing baseball in first grade as an infielder. Became a pitcher in eighth grade in Boys League, winning a national title. Once outpitched Kazuo Matsui (later a switch hitting infielder like Kinjo) in a high school game. Played in one Koshien Tournament. Was reportedly clocked as high as 94mph in the industrial leagues. Drafted on the fifth round as a pitcher, but was immediately moved back to the infield despite not having hit at all with Sumitomo (the industrial leagues use the DH) and began to switch hit. (1998). When regulars Tatsuya Shindo and Takuro Ishii got hurt, he made the most of it, Becoming the first true rookie to win a batting title in Japanese history (2000). He even flirted with .400 for a while. Impressed major league scouts in that year's NPB-MLB all star series with both his versatility and hitting ability, registering a .370 average against them in that series. Not consistent enough defensively for his manager's taste, so he was moved to the outfield in 2001 However, always a big eater, he was a little heave that season and was ordered to get the pounds off, but he overdid it and it helped torpedo his 2002 season. He put on some weight to a healthier level and rebounded at the plate in 2003. First Yokohama player ever to belt homers from both sides of the plate in the same game (8/13/2003 against Hanshin off of righthander Keiichi Yabu in the fourth and lefthander Jeff Williams in the ninth respectively). He then did it again against Hiroshima on August 16 (off of Shinji Sasaoka and Nishikawa), the first time in Central League history that one player pulled that off twice in the same season. His first walkoff homer came in a game in which Yokohama had blown an eight run lead (7/25/2004 against Yomiuri in the bottom of the 11th inning at Yokohama Stadium off of Yuya Kubo, a two run jack). Selected to two all star teams (2003, 2005). Can also really throw. Is something of a bad ball hitter. His 43 sac bunts in 2001 is a team record. Named all star MVP (game one, 2005). His hobby is fishing. His 2005 left/right splits were .314/.342

Career OPS: .745 HR:AB: 1:58.7

Debut: 10/3/1999 against Chunichi in a pinch hit appearance, grounding into a double play. First Hit (10/15/1999 against Yakult off of Koji Takagi, a single to right), First Homer (4/16/2000 against Yomiuri off of Hiromi Makihara in a pinch hit appearance)

Titles: Rookie of the Year (2000), Batting (2000), Gold Glove (2005)

Suzuki, Ichiro (51)	Positions Played: 3B, CF, RF, DH
Nicknames: Ichiro, Anda Seizoki (Hit Machine)	High School: Aikodai Meiden High School
Born: 10/22/1973	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Nishi Kasugai-gun, Aichi Prefecture	Teams (Years and [uniform number]): Orix Blue Wave (1992-2000 [51])
Height: 5'11" Weight: 156 pounds
Bats: Left Throws: Right

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1992	40	99	95	9	24	5	0	0	5	29	1	0	11	3	0	0	3	2	0		.253	.276	.305
1993	43	67	64	4	12	2	0	1	3	17	1	0	7	2	0	0	0	2	2		.188	.212	.266
1994	130	616	546	111	210	41	5	13	54	300	7	2	53	51	8	10	29	7	3		.385	.445	.549
1995	130	613	524	104	179	23	4	25	80	285	0	3	52	68	17	18	49	9	7		.342	.432	.544
1996	130	611	542	104	193	24	4	16	84	273	0	4	57	56	13	9	35	3	8		.356	.422	.504
1997	135	607	536	94	185	31	4	17	91	275	0	5	36	62	14	4	39	4	10		.345	.414	.513
1998	135	558	506	79	181	36	3	13	71	262	0	2	35	43	15	7	11	4	21		.358	.414	.518
1999	103	468	411	80	141	27	2	21	68	235	0	5	46	45	15	7	12	1	5		.343	.412	.572
2000	105	459	395	73	153	22	1	12	73	213	0	6	36	54	16	4	21	1	3		.387	.460	.539
Totals	951	4098	3619	658	1278	211	23	118	529	1889	9	27	333	482	98	59	199	33	59		.353	.434	.522

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1995	5	24	19	1	5	0	0	1	2	8	0	1	4	3	1	1	0	0	0		.263	.375	.421
1996	5	21	19	3	5	0	0	1	1	8	0	0	1	2	0	0	2	0	0		.263	,333	.421
Totals	10	45	38	4	10	0	0	2	3	16	0	1	5	5	1	1	2	0	0		.263	.356	.421

Biography: Started playing baseball in second grade. Was a Chunichi Dragons fan growing up. Used to have a poster of Ken Macha in his room back when Macha was a Drafons infielder.. However, it is said that his batting style was inspired by Chunichi great Yasushi Tao. Played third in junior high and batted sixth in addition to pitching. Played left and batted third in high school before becoming the team's ace on the mound. Played in two Koshien Tournaments, going a total of 1-9 in two games and posting an ERA of 3.00 in one start, a complete game loss by a score of 3-2 to Matsusho Gakuen during the 1991 tourney (summer 1990, spring 1991). Finished with a .459 average in 84 games in high school (101-220) with four homers and 75 RBIs as well as 63 steals. As a pitcher, he was in 17 games and posted a 1.13 ERA in 87.1 innings, striking out 73. Drafted on the fourth round (1991). Finished second in batting in the Hawaiian Winter League, playing with one Jason Giambi (1993). Despite being named MVP of a minor league all star game and winning that circuit's batting crown, he was told by then Orix manager Shozo Doi that he would never hit using the batting style he had. When Doi was given the boot, new skipper Akira Ogi immediately inserted Ichiro into the top of the lineup and he responded with a historic 210 hit campaign, still the single season record, and the first of his seven straight batting titles (1994). For that effort, he had his pay increased ten fold from eight million yen to 80 million. He also set a record for most consecutive games reaching base with 69 (5/21-8/26/1994). He batted .413 during that stretch (117-283).He was given a Matsutaro Shoriki Award (1994). His 18 HBP in a season was a then PL record (1995). Was given another Matsutaro Shoriki Award (1995). Was brought in to pitch in the ninth inning and with two outs in a game during the 1996 all star series with Hideki Matsui due up. That angered Central League manager Katsuya Nomura, who sent pitcher Shingo Takatsu up to pinch hit. Takatsu grounded out to end the game. Ichiro was clocked in that game at 91mph. His walkoff double gave Orix their second straight Pacific League pennant (9/23/1996 against Nippon Ham in the bottom of the tenth inning at Kobe Green Stadium). Slugged a gane winning homer to right in the 1996 Japan Series in the tenth inning of game one off of Hirofumi Kono. Went 216 at bats without a strikeout, a Japan record (1997). Along with Kazuhiro Sasaki, became a 500 million yen player. During spring training of 1999, worked out with the Seattle Mariners. His seven straight seasons with a .340 average or better is a Japan record. Only man in Japanese baseball history to win five batting titles in a row while playing in every game (1994-1998). His 26 three hits or more games in a season is a Japan record (1996). Moreover, his eight four hit games that season was a then Japan record. His three straight MVPs tied a Japan record. His seven straight seasons with a .400 or better OBP is a Pacific League record (1004-2000). His six straight years leading the league in intentional walks is a Pacific League record. His five straight years leading the league in hits is a Pacific League record (1994-1998). His three straight years with 100 or more runs scored is a Pacific League record (1994-1996). Posted to the Mariners in winter, 2000 for $13 million, which Orix then used to pay for its entire player payroll for the coming season. Named AL Rookie of the Year and MVP (2001), AL Batting title (2001), Most all star votes (2001-2002), lead AL in hits (2001), broke record for hits by an MLB rookie (242), MLB Gold Glove (2001-2002), SB title (2001). Is married to former tv announcer Yumiko Fukushima.1000th hit (4/20/1999, a two run homer in the ninth inning against Nippon Ham at Tokyo Dome off of Satoru Kanemura in his 757th game, fastest ever to that figure). Selected to seven NPB all star teams (1994-2000). Set MLB single season hits record with 262 (2004). MLB Stats Was said to have lived on little more than yakiniku (grilled meat) while he was single, but once he got married, his wife made him eat vegetables, too. There is a youth baseball tournament in Aichi Prefecture named for Ichiro Website Quoted by Nikkan Sports in January, 2006 as saying on a television show that "I am happier if I get four hits in a loss than if I go 0-4 in a win because as a pro, if you don't put up the numbers, you get released."

Career OPS: .956 HR:AB 1:30.7

Debut: 7/11/1992 against Daiei at Heiwadai Stadium. First Hit (7/12/1992 against Daiei at Heiwadai Stadium off of Keiji Kimura) First Homer (6/12/1993 against Kintetsu at Nagaoka off of Hideo Nomo)

Titles: Batting (1994-2000), PA (1994-1996), AB (1994, 1996), R (1994-1997), Hits (1994-1998), 2B (1994), RBI (1995), TB (1994-1996), IBB (1995- 2000), HBP (1994), SB (1995), OBP (1994-1996, 1999-2000), MVP (1994-1996), Best Nine (1994-2000), Gold Glove (1994-2000)

Tamura, Hitoshi (6)	Positions Played: CF
Nicknames:	High School: Yokohama High School
Born: 3/28/1977	College: N/A
Died:	Industrial League: N/A
Birthplace: Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Yokohama (1997-2006 [52], [55], [6])
Height: 5'11" Weight: 173 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1997	18	27	26	2	7	1	0	1	4	11	0	1	9	0	0	0	0	0	0		.269	.259	.423
2000	84	245	226	21	58	6	1	7	29	87	0	2	64	13	3	4	2	0	3		.257	.306	.385
2001	33	54	43	8	7	2	0	1	2	12	0	0	15	8	2	2	0	0	1		.163	.315	.279
2002	81	196	183	23	43	8	0	5	16	66	2	0	54	9	1	2	3	1	1		.235	.278	.361
2003	91	260	242	29	71	12	0	18	46	137	1	0	65	12	1	5	14	7	7	.283	.293	.340	.566
2004	123	492	449	80	137	19	2	40	100	280	1	1	126	39	0	2	10	7	8	.276	.305	.363	.624
2005	117	499	450	71	137	26	2	31	79	260	0	1	108	43		4	2		6	.268	.304	.369	.578
Totals	547	1773	1619	234	460	74	5	103	276	853	4	5	441	124		19	31		26		.284	.341	.527

Biography: Started playing baseball in second grade. Played in one Koshien Tournament (summer 1993). Hit .442 with 13 homers for his high school career. Jas been an injury magnet since high school. Even injury prone MLB players like Eric Davis and Rusty Greer would feel sorry for this guy, as he seems truly cursed. Drafted on the fourth round (1994). Had season ending shoulder surgery early in 1998. Once hit three grand slams and drove in 19 runs in the space of 11 minor league games. Had a lot of problems with sliders down and away early in his career. Suffered a torn thumb ligament in May, 2003. Finally became a regular player in 2004. Had two four game homer streaks (4/21-4/24/2004 and 6/1-6/4/2004)). Drilled three homers in a game (7/17/2994 against Hiroshima off of Ken Takahashi, Kenta Satake and Masaki Hayashi). Helped speed Dan Miceli's exit from Japan by victimizing him for a walkoff RBI single with two on and one out for his first career sayonara knock (4/5/2005 in the bottom of the 12th; he had just come back from a bout of the flu) and belting a two run sixth inning homer off of him (4/7/2005 at Yokohama Stadium). Became the first Japanese to register a 30 plus homer season for Yokohama in 30 years. His 40 homers in 2004 is the most ever by a Japanese player in the team's history. Hurt his back in June, 2005 and then was was involved in an auto accident (his fault) shortly afterward and missed a couple months due to injuries suffered in it. 100th homer (9/17/2005 against Yomiuri at Yokohama Stadium off of Junya Sakai, a solo jack to right in the eighth; it was also his second homer of the game). Set a career high with seven RBIs in a game (5/4/2005 against Yomiuri, five of the RBIs coming on a two run and a three run homer). Is a superb defensive outfielder with a strong arm. 2005 left/right split is .299/.307. Suffered a broken rib in a collision at home plate (2006). Listens to R&B and hiphop. Official Homepage

Career OPS: .868 HR:AB: 1:15.7

Debut: 4/4/1997 against Chunichi in a pinch hit appearance. First Hit (4/8/1997 against Hanshin off of Tsutomu Tamura), First Homer (4/25/1997 against Chunichi off of Yukinaga Maeda in a pinch hit appearance)

Titles: N/A

Wada, Kazuhiro (5)	Positions Played: C, 1B, LF, DH
Nicknames: Ben	High School: Gifu Prefectural Shogyo High School
Born: 6/19/1972	College: Tohoku Fukushi University
Died:	Industrial League: Kobe Seiko
Birthplace: Gifu, Gifu Prefecture	Team (Years and [uniform number]): Seibu (1997-2006 [22], [5])
Height: 6'0" Weight: 190 pounds
Bats: Right Throws: Right

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1997	17	22	21	2	4	1	0	0	2	5	1	0	4	0	0	0	0	0	0		.190	.190	.238
1998	36	57	51	8	17	2	0	3	8	28	2	0	11	4	0	0	3	1	3		.333	.382	.549
1999	20	53	48	5	13	2	1	0	3	17	1	1	8	3	0	0	3	0	1		.271	.308	.354
2000	55	189	170	20	52	10	0	1	24	65	0	3	17	15	0	1	9	2	6		.306	.360	.382
2001	82	236	206	36	63	7	2	16	34	122	5	2	23	23	2	0	5	5	6		.306	.372	.592
2002	115	472	439	64	140	25	2	33	81	268	2	3	74	27	3	1	5	3	14		.319	.357	.610
2003	126	540	468	87	162	34	5	30	89	296	0	3	46	66	1	3	8	5	10	.379	.346	.428	.632
2004	109	473	394	79	126	21	1	30	89	239	0	4	59	71	12	4	6	2	14	.375	.320	.425	.607
2005	129	542	475	80	153	32	3	27	69	272	0	5	66	60		2	3		17	.271	.322	.397	.573
Totals	689	2584	2272	381	730	134	14	140	399	1312	11	21	308	269		11	42		71		.321	.393	.577

Year	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	Sac	SF	K	BB	IBB	HBP	SB	CS	GIDP	ARISP	AVG	OBP	SLG
1997	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000
1998	3	3	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.333	.000
2002	4	16	15	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	1	0	0	0	0	1	.000	.000	.063	.000
2004	7	30	29	4	9	3	1	4	6	26	0	0	2	1	0	0	0	0	3	.286	.310	.333	.897
Totals	15	49	46	4	9	3	1	4	6	26	0	0	5	3	0	0	0	0	4		.196	.245	.565

Biography: Started playing baseball in fourth grade. Played in one Koshien Tournament (summer 1989). Was team captain and the its cleanup hitter in college, picking up a Sendai Big Six University League MVP his senior year to go along with a batting title and two Best Nine nominations during his career there. . Played on a Japanese Intercontinental Cup team. Batted .429 with nine homers and 21 stolen bases for his industrial league career. Drafted on the fourth round as a catcher (1996). Moved to the outfield in 1997 because they needed his bat and he wasn't going to dislodge incumbent catcher Tsutomu Itoh, one of the best game callers in Japan. Itoh is now Wada's manager. Played on the Japanese olympic baseball team at Athens (2004). Broke a 54 year old record for most extra base hits in a Japan Series with eight, eclipsing hall of famer Isao Harimoto's 7 in 1950 (2004). His 26 total bases in a Japan Series was also a record, besting a 46 year old mark of 25 by hall of famer Yasumitsu Toyoda (2004). Tied a record with four homers in a Japan Series (2004). Slugged two homers in game six of the 2004 Japan Series and totaled three RBIs in a 4-2 victory to even the series up at three apiece. Was the first righthand hitter to win a batting title in the Pacific League since Hatsuhiko Tsuji in 1993. Tsuji, by the way, was with Seibu and wore number 5. Has a real funky sweeping swing and will kill anything down and in. Selected to three all star teams (2003-2005). Went to high school with Japanese olympic marathon gold medalist Naoko Takahashi, but they never met. Hobbies are fishing, pachinko and mah jong.

Career OPS: .970 HR:AB: 1:16.2

Debut: First Hit (), First Homer ()

Titles: Batting (2005), Hits (2005), Best Nine (2002-2004)