 It
took him almost twelve years, but 32-year-old
Tetsuhiro Nonaka finally earned his first win in
Japanese baseball on May 27, 1997. A very
emotional moment for the middle reliever, Nonaka
cried and kissed the game-winning ball after the
game.After
pitching seven varsity games for the Hankyu
Braves in 1985, Nonaka didn't appear in a pro
game for four years and wound up playing in
Taiwan where he won fifteen games for the Jungo
Bears in 1993.
Passing
a tryout with the Dragons in 1994, Nonaka
returned to Japan and posted a 3.16 ERA. But
after two disappointing seasons, the Dragons gave
him the ax.
Joining
the Swallows in 1997, Nonaka became the latest
pitcher to be recycled by Yakult skipper Katsuya
Nomura.
Compiling
a 2-3 record with two saves in 55 1/3 innings of
middle relief, the late-blooming right-hander
posted a 2.28 ERA. While allowing 25 walks,
Nonaka struck out 47 batters, an average of 7.64
whiffs per nine innings.
Since
1985 Nonaka has compiled a 2-5 career record with
six saves and a 3.49 ERA.
|
|
 |
| #
38 |
| Middle
Relief |
| Pitcher |
| Born:
5-22-65 |
| Height:
183 cm |
| Weight:
83 kg |
| Bats:
Right |
| Throws:
Right |
|
