Despite throwing a no-hitter in against Orix on June 11, 1996, Watanabe hasn't really been in top form since 1990 when he led the league with an 18-10 record in 224 1/3 innings while amassing 172 strikeouts, 84 walks and a 2.97 ERA. Since 1994 His ERA hasn't dipped below 4.00.

Spending much of his time on the Lions' minor league squad, Watanabe pitched poorly at both levels in 1997. On the farm team, the hurler went 2-3 with a 4.15 ERA. In twelve games and 43 1/3 innings on the varsity club, Watanabe compiled an 0-2 record with 37 strikeouts and 25 walks while posting a 4.25 ERA.

His brief performance in the 1997 Japan Series put an exclamation point on the struggling pitcher's downfall.

Providing one of the more memorable moments of the series, Watanabe entered game three as a reliever and surrendered a go-ahead home run to Yakult catcher Atsuya Furuta. Many critics consider that the turning point of the series from which the Swallows seized the momentum and rolled to victory.

Since 1984, former Pacific League hurler has compiled a career 124-105 record with 1560 strikeouts and a 3.65 ERA.