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The Japnese Insider - Japanese data archive, daily game summaries and box scores. Original analysis. Links to the Japanese sites in English.

Have you ever heard of a player named Koichi Taniguchi who had a stint with the NY Mets?

Marco wrote:

Hi Gary,

I am a baseball fan from Italy and since 1998 I am following Japanese baseball and its superstars in USA. I just want to ask you some questions:

1) Do you think Masao Kida will play for some team this year?

2) Have you ever heard of a player named Koichi Taniguchi who had a stint with the NY Mets? Where did he play in Japan and do you know where is he now?

3) Do you know where I can find the PRO BASEBALL HANDBOOK by Wayne Graczyk?

Thanks in advance for your help

Gary Garland's Response

Hi Marco!

Thanks for writing.

Koichi Taniguchi played for the Kintetsu Buffaloes before coming over to the U.S. to play with the Atlantic City Surf, which is a team in the independent Atlantic League, not the major leagues. Here is one set of stats I found for Taniguchi: http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/Stats/stats_Iatl_acy.shtml

Some Japanese stats:

http://www.inter.co.jp/Baseball/1999/99ip1_u.html

This kind of reminds me of a pitcher named Wakita who is now pitching in Italy. He played in an independent U.S. league and then went over to Europe. Wakita seems to be doing pretty well over there from what I've heard.

As for Masao Kida, his career is pretty much over. He had a tryout with the Cubs and they weren't interested. Nobody else has picked him up that I know of.

To order Wayne Graczyk's book, you should try emailing the Japan Times (http://www.japantimes.co.jp) or contacting Sasuga Books (http://www.sasugabooks.com) and see if they can help you. Sasuga does a fine job, so you might start with them.

All the best,

Gary Garland

http://www.BaseballGuru.com

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