Kinda off topic, but it involves a Japanese national in an entertainment venue, so here goes!

Anyway, rather than going into a full-blown article on Japanese baseball and MLB (and an even bigger criticism on Shinjo), I just wanted to let everyone know that Shinjo is heading BACK to Japan to play for the Nippon Ham Fighters. And just to clarify, it's "Nippon Ham" Fighters. NOT Nippon "Ham Fighters." Why would they fight HAM?!? The company that owns the Fighters is Nippon Ham!

And in related Hawai'i/Japan news, another former Mets slugger is also going to Japan! That's right, Benny Agbayani! He was quoted as "looking forward to playing with Shinjo again, so (he) should come on back!" They unfortunately will not be teammates, as Agbayani signed with the Chiba Lotte Marines. However, Agbayani will be reunited with former Mets manager ('99-'02), Bobby Valentine! With a former manager and teammate in place, I wonder if the Marines were going after Shinjo, too?

Oh well!

Wow, that is big. I didn't think players were allowed to go back, at least before they weren't able to. That is why it was such big news before when a JPN player announce he intends to play for a team in the Major Leagues. Speaking of light hitting JPN outfielders in the Majors, I wonder what ever happened to st louis' so taguchi?
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Whatever happen to that japanese pitcher Hideo Nomo. I remember to use to be a big deal many years ago when he pitch for the Dodger.

Still with the dodgers. One of my favorite players, gotta give kinki area players their props. Come to think about it ichiro is from that area as well.
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Oh man, I love Ichiro! The guy can hit and can play some awesome D.

I think the long MLB seasons are wearing on him, though: the last couple of seasons, he's faded a bit after the All-Star break... Along with the Mariners.

yah, nomo started with the dodgers, went to the mets(?) then boston then detroit(?) and finally ended up with the dodgers again. by the way, hes pitching really well for the dodgers.
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I know this is a little old, but there's going to be yet another big name basball player from JPN playing here next yr. Let's give it up for.... Little Matsui!
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If the Fighters are moving to Hokkaido, I'd say Shinjo gives them a HUGE opportunity to start fresh

Ren wrote:

Whatever happen to that japanese pitcher Hideo Nomo. I remember to use to be a big deal many years ago when he pitch for the Dodger.

Hideo Nomo was my favorite pitcher. I still have his Rookie card! (yes I know. I use to collect baseball cards ) but it depreciated in value really fast hmmmm a sign of symbolism?

geoffropuff wrote:

yah, nomo started with the dodgers, went to the mets(?) then boston then detroit(?) and finally ended up with the dodgers again. by the way, hes pitching really well for the dodgers.

He sure is. He's been their most reliable/consistent starter the last two years, while the highly overpaid, overrated, and oft-injured Kevin Brown sits around counting his money... $15M/year to be exact... Bleah.

bmwracer wrote:

He sure is. He's been their most reliable/consistent starter the last two years, while the highly overpaid, overrated, and oft-injured Kevin Brown sits around counting his money... $15M/year to be exact... Bleah.

Dang how much does Nomo makes>? If i could just get a fraction of that am sure i'll be happy. Getting paid to play a fun game. Man why can't i be born with athletic talent?

Ren wrote:

Dang how much does Nomo makes>?

I think he's pulling in around 3-5 million dollars... Not bad since you only have to pitch every four/five games for the entire summer...

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If i could just get a fraction of that am sure i'll be happy. Getting paid to play a fun game. Man why can't i be born with athletic talent?

It's not just talent, but luck as well. Among other things.