Why Is Today A Historic Day?

On this date 14 years ago, Hideo Nomo signed with the Dodgers after "retiring" from professional baseball in Japan, becoming the first Japanese player in the big leagues in over 30 years. Nomo would go on to win 123 games in 12 big league seasons, including two no-hitters. Since then, at least 25 other pitchers have made the jump from Japan to the U.S. and Nomo is arguably still the best to make the move.

This may sound bold, but Hideo Nomo is the Japanese version of Jackie Robinson and deserves to be in the Hall Of Fame for his groundbreaking jump across the pacific. Nomo was my personal favorite pitcher of all time and I would like to nominate today as Hideo Nomo Day. Thank you.