Many baseball followers are aware of the greats of Major League Baseball (MLB), however few notice that some legendary American gamers took their skills to Japan. From Hall of Famers to World Series champions, these gamers not solely left their mark within the MLB but in addition enriched the sport in Japan.
Alfonso Soriano – Hiroshima Carp (1996-97)
Alfonso Soriano really began his skilled profession in Japan. Signed out of the Dominican Carp Academy, Soriano struggled to search out success with the Hiroshima Carp earlier than voluntarily retiring to pursue a profession in MLB. This pivotal transfer finally led to the institution of the posting system, which now facilitates participant transfers between NPB and MLB.
Andruw Jones – Golden Eagles (2013-14)
Andruw Jones remains to be awaiting induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame however has already left an indelible mark on baseball historical past with over 400 residence runs and ten Gold Glove awards as a middle fielder. He concluded his profession as a significant contributor to the Golden Eagles’ first championship victory in 2013.
Cecil Fielder – Hanshin Tigers (1989)
Cecil Fielder, father of former MLB star Prince Fielder, was simply 25 when he made his option to Japan. In his solely season with the Hanshin Tigers, he emerged as a formidable cleanup hitter, smashing 38 residence runs and batting .302. After returning to the United States, he continued his success, hitting a complete of 288 residence runs and becoming a member of the unique 300 HR membership.
Kevin Youkilis – Golden Eagles (2014)
Known as “The Greek God of Walks,” Kevin Youkilis concluded his illustrious profession with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in Sendai after incomes three All-Star choices and successful two World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox. Youkilis signed a $4 million take care of the Eagles however confronted challenges resulting from plantar fasciitis, limiting him to only 21 video games.
Tony Fernández – Seibu Lions (2000)
Tony Fernández was a celebrated participant in MLB, recognized for being a five-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner. He is especially remembered for his contributions to the Toronto Blue Jays, the place he helped safe a World Series title in 1993. At age 38, Fernández joined the Seibu Lions in Japan, the place he excelled by hitting .327 with a powerful .905 OPS.
Goose Gossage – Fukuoka Daiei Hawks (1990)
A Hall of Famer acknowledged for his iconic mustache and dominant efficiency, Goose Gossage was a nine-time All-Star with over 300 saves in MLB. At 38 years outdated, he signed with the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks however struggled on the mound, posting a 4.40 ERA earlier than returning to the U.S. for 4 extra seasons.
Julio Franco – Chiba Lotte Marines (1995, 1998)
Julio Franco’s exceptional baseball journey spanned almost 4 a long time throughout 9 MLB golf equipment and 5 international locations. His time with the Chiba Lotte Marines included two profitable stints the place he maintained a powerful .298 batting common whereas enjoying effectively into his late thirties.
Adam Jones – Orix Buffaloes (2020-21)
Adam Jones was a standout participant throughout his time with the Baltimore Orioles, incomes 5 All-Star choices and 4 Gold Gloves whereas hitting 282 residence runs. In 2020, he signed a two-year contract value $8 million with the Orix Buffaloes, serving as a veteran presence throughout their rise as a brand new powerhouse within the Pacific League.
Larry Doby and Don Newcombe – Chunichi Dragons (1962)
Both Larry Doby and Don Newcombe are revered figures in baseball historical past; Doby was a Hall of Famer and MVP. They ventured to Japan for one final hurrah with the Chunichi Dragons, turning into the primary ex-MLB gamers to play in NPB historical past. Doby hit 10 residence runs whereas Newcombe transitioned from pitching in MLB to enjoying first base/outfield, batting .262 with 12 residence runs.
Chan-Ho Park – Orix Buffaloes (2011)
Chan-Ho Park made historical past as the primary Korean participant in MLB and have become the winningest Asian pitcher in MLB historical past over his 19-year profession. After struggling in MLB, Park had a short stint with the Orix Buffaloes in Osaka, the place he recorded a 1-5 document with a 4.29 ERA earlier than concluding his skilled profession again in Korea.
Charlie Manuel – Swallows/Kintetsu Buffaloes (1976-81)
Charlie Manuel is greatest recognized for his managerial success with the Philadelphia Phillies however had an uneventful enjoying profession previous to that. He signed with the Yakult Swallows in 1976, the place he reworked into an offensive powerhouse, boasting a profession .988 OPS and hitting 189 residence runs whereas successful an MVP award in 1979.