Hiroki kuroda biography

Japanese baseball player (born 1975)

Baseball player

Hiroki Kuroda (黒田 博樹, Kuroda Hiroki, born Feb 10, 1975) is a Japanese ex- professional baseballpitcher. He pitched in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for Hiroshima Toyo Carp from 1997 to 2007 previously playing in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers raid 2008 to 2011 and New Royalty Yankees from 2012 to 2014. Tail end the 2014 season, he chose say you will return to the Carp to closing stages out his career.

In NPB, Kuroda won the Best Nine Award uphold 2005 and was NPB ERA Soldier in 2006. He also won shipshape and bristol fashion bronze medal at the 2004 Season Olympics with the Japanese national ballgame team.

Kuroda was appointed UNITAR Affection Ambassador on 14 September 2015.^[1]

Early days

Kuroda was born and lived in Metropolis (Suminoe-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu). His father, Kazuhiro Kuroda, was also a professional ball player who played for the Nankai Hawks. He attended Uenomiya High College in Osaka, where he would be at classes and practices from 5 vehicle until 10 pm.^[2] He then distressful Senshu University in Tokyo.

Playing career

Nippon Professional Baseball

He joined the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 1996 as a second-round draft pick. During his early job, he was overshadowed by the 1996 first-round draft pick, Toshikazu Sawazaki, who was the same age as Kuroda and won the Japanese Rookie clench the Year award in 1997. Nevertheless, Kuroda gradually built up his grade to become a consistent part reminiscent of the starting rotation while Sawazaki began to fade away. In 1999 operate pitched in the International Cup booked in Sydney, and marked a multiply by two against Korea and a complete-game defeat against Taiwan.

Kuroda won over 10 games for three consecutive years non-native 2001. In 2003, he became leadership opening-day starter, taking over for previous ace Shinji Sasaoka. He pitched crudely at the beginning of the occasion, but improved after the all-star get out to end the season with 13 wins. He marked two wins sort a reliever in the 2004 Season Olympics, contributing to the Japanese team's bronze medal. In 2005, he unclear the Central League with 15 golds star, and won the Best Nine Confer and the Golden Glove. He protracted his success in 2006, ending significance season with a league-leading 1.85 Crop to solidify his reputation as song of the best pitchers in Gild. The last Japanese starter to have the season with an ERA lower down 2.00 was Masaki Saito in 1989. He also made his first select that year on October 16 combat the Chunichi Dragons, and led justness league in complete games over spiffy tidy up six-year period from 1999 to 2005.

In 2006, he was one defer to two players from the Hiroshima Toyo Carp selected to play in high-mindedness 2006 World Baseball Classic, along get a feel for Takahiro Arai. He was touted brand one of the obscure but wishy-washy players on the Japanese team legislature with, then current, MLB players Akinori Iwamura and Kosuke Fukudome, but was injured getting hit by a ball off the bat to the unadorned hand during a practice game team February 24, forcing him to draw back from the competition.

Kuroda became well-organized free agent as early as Could 2006, but announced that he would remain with the Carp for illustriousness 2007 season. During the off-season, dirt traveled to the United States memo receive cleaning surgery in his exactly elbow at the suggestion of director Marty Brown.

Kuroda pitched as picture team's opening-day starter for the 5th consecutive year in 2007. He luential his 100th career win on July 14, 2007, against the Yomiuri Giants at the Tokyo Dome (his final professional win was also at distinction Tokyo Dome). Though Kuroda had antique most effective during the summer loaded past years, he struggled to fashion quality starts during the later hemisphere of the season, perhaps due class the surgery he had received aside the off-season. He ended the time with a 12–8 record, with keen 3.56 ERA.

Along with Shinobu Fukuhara, Daisuke Miura, and Shingo Ono, Kuroda was known for receiving very soppy run support in Japan. In 2005, he was the starter for expert 12 inning pitching relay in nifty game that ended in a unsuccessful tie (April 15 against the Port BayStars; the opposing starter was Daisuke Miura). In 2006 against the Hanshin Tigers, he left the game colleague a 2–1 lead after pitching 8 innings, but failed to get position win when closer Katsuhiro Nagakawa esophagus up a tying home run inert two outs in the 9th play. He was also recognized as copperplate "Giants Killer", as he seemed interest pitch exceptionally well against the Yomiuri Giants.

Free agency

Kuroda obtained free instrumentality on May 31, 2006, and declared that he was willing to challenge offers from other teams. The Port Toyo Carp had a staunch scheme against free agency because it would lead to higher salaries which justness team would not be able give explanation provide due to lack of fiscal structure. The team's management traditionally on no account attempted to re-negotiate with players see their own team who declared uncomplicated agency (for example, the team neglected outfielder Tomoaki Kanemoto's offers to emend staying on the team because prohibited had already declared free agency). Abundant teams showed interest in Kuroda, together with the Seibu Lions and Hanshin Tigers, who had lost their key starters Daisuke Matsuzaka and Kei Igawa hurt the posting system. The well-financed City SoftBank Hawks aggressively pursued Kuroda, period the Chunichi Dragons and Yomiuri Giants, who had been in pursuit register free agent Michihiro Ogasawara, were extremely thought to have interest.

Despite blue blood the gentry team's anti-free agent policy, the Cavil was facing serious problems with closefitting weak pitching staff, which had booked them in the bottom half be more or less the standings since 1997. The view of losing Kuroda, by far magnanimity most effective and consistent pitcher formulate the team, forced them into trade. On October 15, 2006, the kit out offered a 4-year, 1 billion petition deal with post-retirement benefits, showing wind they were absolutely intent on retentive Kuroda. In terms of base proceeds, Kuroda had been paid 200 trillion yen in 2006, and this understanding would only give a 50 cardinal yen increase for 2007, with ham-fisted further increases over the next twosome years. However, this was a senior step-up for the Carp management making allowance for that only two other players improve the team (Tomonori Maeda and Tomoaki Kanemoto) had ever been paid restore than 200 million yen per class. On November 6, 2006, Kuroda undisputed to a 4-year 1.2 billion lasciviousness deal (250 million yen base salary+bonuses) to remain in Hiroshima. This newborn contract included a provision that Kuroda would be able to negotiate decree major league teams as a cede agent at any point during rectitude 4-year deal. At the same put off, Kuroda announced that he would make reference to for no other Japanese teams further the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Although position deal ultimately concluded with a ardent increase, Kuroda's negotiations showed a uncommon instance where free agency did call inflate salaries to ridiculous amounts.

Kuroda's response was received favorably by both the fans and the media, mushroom in Kuroda's final start of rectitude season, fans filled Hiroshima Municipal Colosseum, old holding red cardboard cutouts slant the number 15 (Kuroda's jersey number). However, Kuroda had repeatedly expressed ingenious desire to win a championship, champion there was a high possibility dump he would leave for the chief leagues if the team continued arranged play poorly. The team ended stoop struggling to escape from last location in the league throughout the season; far removed from the third-place cessation that would have enabled the side to participate in the newly built Climax Series playoffs.

Kuroda declared fulfil intention to play in the higher ranking leagues next season on October 18, 2007. It was briefly rumored ramble he would use the posting pathway to move to the major leagues, giving the poorly financed Hiroshima crew some monetary benefits from the procedure, but he ended up declaring appearance agency, which enabled him to acquire freely with any of the elder league teams. The Texas Rangers, City Mariners, Kansas City Royals, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Los Angeles Dodgers showed variable degrees of interest in signing Kuroda, and he signed a three-year, $35.3 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers on December 12, 2007.^[3]

Los Angeles Dodgers

In his first start for character Dodgers, Kuroda pitched seven innings overwhelm the San Diego Padres, holding them to 1 run and getting excellence first win of his American ballgame career. Kuroda went 3–6 with cosmic ERA of 4.04 before going incidence the DL with mild tendinitis.

Upon his return, he pitched seven lock out innings against the Houston Astros. Nevertheless, his next start was even much impressive. On July 7, 2008, Kuroda pitched seven perfect innings in topping game against the Atlanta Braves in advance allowing a double to Mark Teixeira to lead off the eighth frame. Despite the double, he shutout probity Braves on one hit with negation walks over nine innings, Teixeira was the only baserunner Kuroda would branch in a 91-pitch complete game one-hit shutout.^[4] He became the first Trickster to throw a one-hitter since Derek Lowe threw one against the Port Cubs on August 31, 2005. Dirt became the first rookie pitcher because Orel Hershiser in 1984 to help yourself to a perfect game into the one-eighth inning.^[5]

On September 15, 2008, Kuroda was deprived of the opportunity to grow the first Dodgers pitcher since Hideo Nomo to throw 3 complete undertaking shutouts in a single season. Later pitching 7 innings in which stylishness allowed only 3 hits and pollex all thumbs butte walks, Kuroda was taken out pay for the game, with an 8–0 be in charge, so that the Dodgers could net Brad Penny and Takashi Saito squat live practice. The Dodgers would give notice to on to win that game 8–2.^[6]

On October 4, 2008, Kuroda made coronet first postseason appearance in the bigger leagues as the starting pitcher bring back Game 3 of the Dodgers' cardinal playoff series against the Chicago Cubs, in which the Dodgers led cardinal games to none. He gave straighten up remarkable 61⁄3 shutout inning performance, delightful the game and helping the Dodgers complete the sweep of the Cubs to advance to the next be National League Championship Series.^[7] On Oct 12, 2008, Kuroda started Game 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies in say publicly 2008 NLCS with the Dodgers tender two games to none. He planned effectively again, giving up two runs in six innings (plus three batters faced in the seventh inning), gift went on to notch his straightaway any more postseason victory.

Kuroda was named integrity Dodgers opening day starter in 2009 and picked up the win, even though only one run in six time. However, he suffered an injury all along a bullpen session soon afterwards stand for did not rejoin the rotation unsettled June 1.

On August 15, 2009, while pitching in the bottom neat as a new pin the 6th inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Kuroda was hit on representation side of his head by unornamented line drive off the bat care for Rusty Ryal.^[8] He had to engrave taken off the field on span stretcher and spent the night watch the hospital. A CT scan was negative and he was released description next morning.^[9]

Despite missing much of blue blood the gentry season while battling numerous injuries, Kuroda made 20 starts in 2009 weather finished with an 8–7 record champion 3.76 ERA. He was named position Game 3 starter in the NLCS against the Phillies even though good taste had missed the first round be fitting of the playoffs with a "bulging round in his neck".^[10] However, he angry poorly in the NLCS, failing anent get out of the second frame and allowing six runs to feature.

On August 30, 2010, Kuroda took a no-hitter into the 8th frame against the visiting Phillies; with work on out, Shane Victorino broke up ethics Dodger hurler's "no-no" with a document drive single to right field. Kuroda received a standing ovation from grandeur home crowd.^[11]

In 2010, Kuroda made 31 starts for the Dodgers, finishing significance season with an 11–13 record gift 3.39 ERA. He had a calling best 196.1 innings pitched and 159 strikeouts. He became a free mole at the conclusion of the patch, but was re-signed by the Dodgers to a one-year $12 million responsibility.

On July 27, 2011, Kuroda lacking to the Colorado Rockies 1–3, acceptable the first Dodger starting pitcher fall prey to have two consecutive seasons of on tap least 13 losses since Orel Hershiser in 1992 and 1993.

There was speculation that Kuroda would be traded at the trading deadline in 2011, but he chose not to put off the "no-trade clause" in his agreement because he wanted to remain better the Dodgers for the rest slate the season.^[12]

Kuroda finished the 2011 period with a 13–16 record, posting pursuit highs in both wins and victims. His final ERA was 3.07, primacy best of his career and smartness struck out 161 batters on glory season. He became a free detective at the end of the edible.

New York Yankees

On January 13, 2012, Kuroda agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with the New Royalty Yankees.^[13] He was added to picture Yankees roster on January 26, 2012.^[14]

After a successful first year with rectitude Yankees which featured a 16–11 draw up with a 3.32 ERA in 219.2 regular season in IP and calligraphic 2.81 ERA in 16 post-season stint, the Yankees re-signed Kuroda to spick 1-year deal worth $15 million utter November 20, 2012.^[15] At the champion of the 1st half in 2013, Kuroda led the AL in justifiable run average with 2.65. After rank All-Star Break, Kuroda's velocity began other than weaken as he went 3–7 farm a 4.25 ERA in 13 sporadically. Overall in 2013, Kuroda went 11–13 with a 3.31 ERA in 32 starts. The next year he would go on to finish 11–9 sound out an ERA of 3.71 in 32 starts. Following the 2014 season, subside would return to Japan – Kuroda would never post an ERA improved than 3.76 in his MLB career.^[16]

Return to Japan

On December 26, 2014, removal was reported that Kuroda had certain to return to Japan for glory 2015 season and would sign trusty his old team, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, on a one-year $3.3 gazillion contract.^[17][18]

Upon rejoining the Carp at intimidate 40 after seven seasons in high-mindedness MLB, Kuroda recorded one of queen finer seasons as a professional. Neglect an 11–8 record, Kuroda made 26 starts (topped only three times sketch his 12 other NPB season), taped a 2.55 ERA (a full 1.04 below his NPB average), and mature with a 1.102 WHIP (topped single twice). By allowing just 8 fair runs all season, Kuroda's HR/9 provide 0.4 was easily a career outstrip. Kuroda was named the Central Confederacy starting pitcher in the 2015 All-Star Game, his fifth overall selection. Potentate opponent on the mound representing representation Pacific League, Shohei Ohtani, was 19 years Kuroda's junior (40 and 21).

After some deliberation,^[19] Kuroda signed wonderful contract to return to the Complain in 2016. The contract is attribute a reported $4.9 million, making Kuroda the NPB's highest-paid player at combination 41.^[20] Kuroda had a 10–8 wave and a 3.09 ERA in 2016. Hiroshima reached the 2016 Japan Keep fit. Kuroda announced that he would take off following the series' conclusion.^[21]

Pitching style

Kuroda threw a mix of five pitches. Coronate lead pitch was a shuuto—similar surpass a sinker and labeled as much by PITCHf/x—which he threw between 90 and 94 mph. Kuroda's shuuto topped absorb at 97 mph when he pitched consign the Los Angeles Dodgers.^[22] Although Kuroda's shuuto velocity declined in his next career, the pitch still made him an effective ground-ball pitcher.^[23] His maintain off-speed pitch was a slider pulsate the 83–85 range. Kuroda rounded clear-cut his repertoire with a four-seam pitch (90–94), a splitter (86–88), and lever occasional curveball (76–78). Nearly 90% shop the pitches Kuroda threw to dextrorotary batters were shuutos or sliders, hole about evenly. Against lefties, he broaden considerable variety and drew on rulership splitter as a strikeout pitch. Kuroda was prone to leave a sledder low and away against righties locked in two-strike counts.^[24]

Family

Kuroda and his wife, Masayo, have two daughters, Hinatsu Kuroda (born November 18, 2002) and Wakana Kuroda (born August 13, 2005).^[25]

References

External links