Here's some cards of him, starting with his first card when he was with the independent San Bernadino Spirit of the California League back in 1993 (1993 Classic Best Spirit team set #19):
After a couple of years of mediocre play in the US, he returned to Japan and was subject to the NPB draft in the fall of 2002. He was picked by the Orix Blue Wave. He remained in their organization through 2005. After Orix let him go, he kicked around with a couple different teams in Mexico and Taiwan along with a brief stint in the Cubs organization. Here's his 2003 Calbee card (#082) and his 2004 BBM 2nd Version card (#606):
On a side note - I noticed that the Calgary manager is Morgan Burkhart, who had a very interesting career in the independent Frontier League before signing with the Red Sox (after he was too old for the Frontier League). Burkhart played for Fukuoka in 2002. Here's his 2002 Calbee New Face subset card (#N-12):
11 comments:
nice cards
The only Japanese player to play in the majors before NPB? What about guys like Kazuhito Tadano?
D'oh! I forgot about Tadano. Thanks for reminding me.
how much it will cost for a set of new face subsets?
thanks
one more question how can i put some pictures on my blog .... im just a newbie here
thanks
Gary Engel's guide lists the 2002 Calbee New Face subset at $35. I suspect you could get it cheaper if you can actually find it. Try Prestige Collectibles.
As for adding pictures, I use the "Add Image" button on the "create post" page on blogger.com. If you're not using blogger, I don't know what to tell you.
thanks a lot
sir when i can find Gary Engel's guide lists and price guide
thanks
Prestige Collectibles
Add a 3rd name to the list of those Japanese players who played in the U.S. before playing in Japan: Micheal Nakamura. Though arguably a special case (having moved to Australia at age three), he of course retained his Japanese nationality.
Yeah, Deanna had pointed him out to me here too. I really blew this one. I appreciate everyone keeping me accurate.
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