  The least popular of three
Kansai-area teams, the Kintetsu Buffaloes greatly
benefited from their move to the Osaka Dome. Not only did the bison set a new
attendance record, but they also played well
there, stampeding to third place late in 1997.
Led by outfielder Tuffy Rhodes and
first baseman Phil Clark, the Buffaloes feature a
fast and power offense that can hit home runs and
steal bases. Though erratic in the past,
Kintetsu's pitching staff appears headed in the
right direction for the first time since Hideo
Nomo bolted for the Major Leagues.
Having long ago earned a reputation
for stinginess and abusing valuable players, the
Buffaloes overworked Nomo then tried to cut his
salary after arm trouble sidelined him. Before
indignantly retiring and declaring himself a free
agent, Tornado Boy had a short but impressive
career with Kintetsu.
Earning the 1990 the Sawamura,
Pacific League MVP, and Rookie of the Year
awards, Nomo led the league in all three major
categories with an 18-8 record, 2.91 ERA and 287
strikeouts. In each of the following three years,
the right-handed all star led the PL in both wins
and strikeouts.
Other past Kintetsu stars include
outfielder Ralph Bryant (248 home runs, 1988-95)
and Keishi Suzuki (317-238, career 3.11 ERA, 3061
strikeouts, 1966-85). Ironically, Suzuki was the
manager who overworked Nomo and prompted him to
flee Japan.
Founded in 1950 by Kintetsu Railways
and known as the Pearls until 1958, the Buffaloes
are the least successful franchise in PL history.
Until the mid-1960s, the team nearly always
placed last and lost a record 103 games in 1961.
Only winning three pennants, Kintetsu has yet to
earn a Japan Series championship.
Tight with their yen, the Buffaloes
refused to pay the extra Osaka Dome rent that
would have allowed them to practice in their home
park. Typical of all Japan's indoor ballparks,
the facility is a donut-shaped mall surrounding a
few acres of green carpet. But since the team has
figured out how to win in their new home,
baseball fans may soon start going to the Osaka
Dome to watch the Buffaloes.
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