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Popular former outfielder Tsuyoshi Shinjo, who has announced on social media that he wishes to resume playing professional baseball, officially unretired on Wednesday when he was listed as a free agent eligible to sign with any club. The 47-year-old played for the Hanshin Tigers, New York Mets and San Francisco […]

SAPPORO – Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters outfielder Haruki Nishikawa would like to move to the majors as early as the 2021 season, the 27-year-old said Wednesday. Appearing at the Fighters’ team office in Sapporo to sign his contract for next season, Nishikawa is entering the second year of a two-year […]

Hayato Sakamoto is the one who stayed. In the midst of an era of increased player movement and Japanese stars departing for the major leagues, Sakamoto is one of biggest names, among the age group making the jump, to seemingly decide the grass is actually greener on his side of […]

It was pretty apparent early in the NPB season that it might be a special year for the Yomiuri Giants’ Hayato Sakamoto and the Seibu Lions’ Tomoya Mori. Eight months later, that was proven true as they stood side-by-side as the top players in their respective leagues. Sakamoto was named […]

Yomiuri Giants ace Shun Yamaguchi earned his first-ever Best Nine Award on Monday in what could be his last season before departing Japan. The right-hander, who led the Central League in wins, strikeouts and winning percentage this season, intends to move to the major leagues through the posting system. Three […]

NEW YORK – The New York Yankees named Rachel Balkovec as a full-time hitting coach in the minor leagues, The New York Times reported on Saturday, adding she is believed to be the first woman to hold such a position in pro baseball. The 32-year-old Balkovec previously worked with the […]

NEW YORK – Baseball is already struggling to attract new fans — especially younger ones. So, what brilliant idea have the powers-that-be come up with to expand the popularity of the national pastime? Contraction, of course. With its eyes firmly on the bottom line and not the future of the […]

NEW YORK – Baseball is already struggling to attract new fans — especially younger ones. So, what brilliant idea have the powers-that-be come up with to expand the popularity of the national pastime? Contraction, of course. With its eyes firmly on the bottom line and not the future of the […]

NEW YORK – Baseball is already struggling to attract new fans — especially younger ones. So, what brilliant idea have the powers-that-be come up with to expand the popularity of the national pastime? Contraction, of course. With its eyes firmly on the bottom line and not the future of the […]

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – Houston Astros owner Jim Crane declined comment Wednesday on Major League Baseball’s investigation into allegations of sign stealing against his team. While walking through the lobby of the luxury hotel where MLB owners were meeting, Crane stopped briefly when approached by reporters. “If you want to talk […]