On February 13, 1995, the Los Angeles Dodgers made history by signing Hideo Nomo, marking the return of Japanese-born players to Major League Baseball (MLB) after a 30-year absence. Before Nomo, the last Japanese player to appear in an MLB game was Masanori Murakami, who pitched for the San Francisco Giants in 1965. Nomo’s arrival was a groundbreaking moment that paved the way for future Japanese talent in the league.
When Nomo took the mound for the Dodgers in 1995, he immediately became one of the league’s most dominant pitchers. His unorthodox “tornado” delivery, which involved a high leg kick and deceptive motion, baffled hitters across the National League. He finished his rookie season with a 13-6 record, an impressive 2.54 ERA, and an NL-best 236 strikeouts. His electrifying performances earned him the 1995 NL Rookie of the Year Award, making him the first Japanese player to win the honor.
Beyond his individual success, Nomo’s impact on the game extended far beyond his statistics. He shattered the belief that Japanese players could not succeed in MLB, inspiring a wave of talent to follow. Over the last 30 seasons, nearly 70 Japanese-born players have made their way to the majors, including stars like Ichiro Suzuki, Shohei Ohtani, Yu Darvish, and Hideki Matsui.
Nomo’s legacy is undeniable. He not only opened the door for Japanese players but also strengthened the connection between MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Today, his influence is seen in every Japanese player who takes the field, proving that his journey was just the beginning of a new era in baseball history.