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.

Salute To A Legend

Many retirements have been overlooked this year, like Trent Dilfer, Warren Sapp, Brett Favre, but I did not let this one slip through the cracks. My hero Hideo Nomo retired this weekend after having a great career and having the first successful career for a Japanese born player. Nomo opened up the doors for many of our Japanese born players today like Ichiro Suzuki, Hideki Matsui, and Fukadome. Even Hall of Famer Tom Lasorda, who managed the Dodgers in 1995 said "Hideo Nomo was a trailblazer," and "He represented himself and his country to the highest degree of class, dignity and character. I am so proud of all he did for Japanese players."Not only is one of the 4 players ever to throw a no hitter in both the Al and the NL. Nomo finished with a Nomo finished 123-109 with a 4.24 ERA and led the league in strike outs 4 years including once with the Red Sox. And is 1 out of the 2 Red Sox jerseys I own. (other being Doug Mirabelli's)

Good-Bye Hideo, You will be missed.