“Legend” of the Hiroshima Carp, Kuroda Hiroki (48), team advisor, joined the Miyazaki Nichinan spring camp on the 4th. It was a ‘surprise’ visit that surprised director Takahiro Arai (46), who was not aware of the exact schedule.
According to Japanese media, the atmosphere in the stadium changed when Kuroda suddenly appeared on the ground. Fans in the stands were busy taking pictures, and players came and went to the ground to say hello. After the betting cage, coach Arai, who was watching the free hitting training, was also surprised.
Kuroda stays at the camp for nearly two weeks, from the 5th to the 17th, with the pitchers. He gives advice and guides based on his experience in Japan and the major leagues. Kuroda said, “I try to convey my way of thinking and mind when dealing with others.”
A visit to the camp of the permanently absent ‘Legend’, who won 203 victories in Japan and the United States. Even if it is not a long time, it is a precious and special time for the players. Coach Arai ordered the players to be active and ask a lot of questions. He said, “It is a living example in every way, including the attitude towards baseball. I hope that the players will actively absorb it.”
A few days before the start of the camp, director Arai asked the senior about the schedule, but he said he did not give a definite answer. It is said that the coaching staff except Arai knew about the visit that day. It was a ‘surprise event’ that surprised director Arai.
Kuroda, the ace of Hiroshima, moved to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008 and pitched for five years. He later transferred to the New York Yankees and played three years there. 토토사이트 He pitched in a total of 211 games over eight years, going 79-79 with an earned run average of 3.45. From 2010 to 2014, he performed well, winning double digits for five consecutive years.
He won 11 games in the final year of his contract with the New York Yankees in 2014. The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres made offers. San Diego offered an annual salary of up to $18 million. Concerned, Kuroda said he wanted to retire in Hiroshima, and got on a plane to Japan.
Arai, who was active as Hiroshima’s ‘4th hitter’, earned FA (free agent) status and joined the Hanshin Tigers.
Kuroda’s pitching for the New York Yankees.
The seniors and juniors spent a total of 11 years together in Hiroshima. In 2016, the year after his return, he led Hiroshima to the Central League championship with great success side by side. It was the first win in 25 years.
Kuroda recorded 10 wins (8 losses, 3.09 ERA) in 24 games that year. Since 2010, when he was a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, he has won 10 or more wins for 7 consecutive years. He went beyond disrespect and was like an ace until the end. Arai had a batting average of 30%, 19 homers, and 101 RBIs.
The 41-year-old Kuroda retired after winning the Hiroshima championship. The Hiroshima club permanently removed his uniform number ’15’.