MLB Legends You Didn’t Know Actually Played in Japan

Many baseball fans are familiar with the greats of Major League Baseball (MLB), but few realize that some legendary American players took their talents to Japan. From Hall of Famers to World Series champions, these players not only left their mark in the MLB but also enriched the game in Japan.

Alfonso Soriano – Hiroshima Carp (1996-97)

Image

Alfonso Soriano actually started his professional career in Japan. Signed out of the Dominican Carp Academy, Soriano struggled to find success with the Hiroshima Carp before voluntarily retiring to pursue a career in MLB. This pivotal move ultimately led to the establishment of the posting system, which now facilitates player transfers between NPB and MLB.

Andruw Jones – Golden Eagles (2013-14)

Image

Andruw Jones is still awaiting induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame but has already left an indelible mark on baseball history with over 400 home runs and ten Gold Glove awards as a center fielder. He concluded his career as a vital contributor to the Golden Eagles’ first championship victory in 2013.

Cecil Fielder – Hanshin Tigers (1989)

Image

Cecil Fielder, father of former MLB star Prince Fielder, was just 25 when he made his way to Japan. In his only season with the Hanshin Tigers, he emerged as a formidable cleanup hitter, smashing 38 home runs and batting .302. After returning to the United States, he continued his success, hitting a total of 288 home runs and joining the exclusive 300 HR club.

Kevin Youkilis – Golden Eagles (2014)

Image

Known as “The Greek God of Walks,” Kevin Youkilis concluded his illustrious career with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in Sendai after earning three All-Star selections and winning two World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox. Youkilis signed a $4 million deal with the Eagles but faced challenges due to plantar fasciitis, limiting him to just 21 games.

Tony Fernández – Seibu Lions (2000)

Image

Tony Fernández was a celebrated player in MLB, known for being a five-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner. He is particularly remembered for his contributions to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he helped secure a World Series title in 1993. At age 38, Fernández joined the Seibu Lions in Japan, where he excelled by hitting .327 with an impressive .905 OPS.

Goose Gossage – Fukuoka Daiei Hawks (1990)

Image

A Hall of Famer recognized for his iconic mustache and dominant performance, Goose Gossage was a nine-time All-Star with over 300 saves in MLB. At 38 years old, he signed with the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks but struggled on the mound, posting a 4.40 ERA before returning to the U.S. for four more seasons.

Julio Franco – Chiba Lotte Marines (1995, 1998)

Image

Julio Franco’s remarkable baseball journey spanned nearly four decades across nine MLB clubs and five countries. His time with the Chiba Lotte Marines included two successful stints where he maintained an impressive .298 batting average while playing well into his late thirties.

Adam Jones – Orix Buffaloes (2020-21)

Image

Adam Jones was a standout player during his time with the Baltimore Orioles, earning five All-Star selections and four Gold Gloves while hitting 282 home runs. In 2020, he signed a two-year contract worth $8 million with the Orix Buffaloes, serving as a veteran presence during their rise as a new powerhouse in the Pacific League.

Larry Doby and Don Newcombe – Chunichi Dragons (1962)

Image

Both Larry Doby and Don Newcombe are revered figures in baseball history; Doby was a Hall of Famer and MVP. They ventured to Japan for one last hurrah with the Chunichi Dragons, becoming the first ex-MLB players to play in NPB history. Doby hit 10 home runs while Newcombe transitioned from pitching in MLB to playing first base/outfield, batting .262 with 12 home runs.

Chan-Ho Park – Orix Buffaloes (2011)

Image

Chan-Ho Park made history as the first Korean player in MLB and became the winningest Asian pitcher in MLB history over his 19-year career. After struggling in MLB, Park had a brief stint with the Orix Buffaloes in Osaka, where he recorded a 1-5 record with a 4.29 ERA before concluding his professional career back in Korea.

Charlie Manuel – Swallows/Kintetsu Buffaloes (1976-81)

Image

Charlie Manuel is best known for his managerial success with the Philadelphia Phillies but had an uneventful playing career prior to that. He signed with the Yakult Swallows in 1976, where he transformed into an offensive powerhouse, boasting a career .988 OPS and hitting 189 home runs while winning an MVP award in 1979.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *