Nomo announced his retirement on Thursday, nearly three months after being cut by the Kansas City Royals. There was no publicized press conference, or media hoard to cover the story -- Nomo went out quietly.
In 1995 Nomo was anything but -- the first Japanese player in nearly 2o years to come over the Pacific to play for an American team.
Along with agent Don Nomura, Nomo was able to exploite a loophole in his contract with the Kintetsu Buffaloes, and headed to California where he would sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Considered by many a "Japanese Trailblazer," Nomo suffered harsh criticism for his decision to explore the Major League market.
It was in L.A. where Nomo would spend his glory years 1995-1998. His one of a kind 'Tornado' delivery and sharp-dropping forkball that mowed down batters in Japan had the same effect in the states.
He finished his rookie year with a 13-6 record and led the Majors with 236 strikeouts.
Nomo got the starting nod in the 1995 all-star game where he struck out three of the six batters he faced. To cap off his sensational season, Nomo squeaked out future MVP and Atlanta Braves third basemen Chipper Jones for N.L. Rookie of the Year.
After his outstanding rookie season Nomo was never able to capture the flare that made him so successful. A dismal 2-7 start in 1998 earned him a trade to the Mets, where he was later cut after he was unable to show improvement.
The last ten years have been categorized by inconsistency and injuries. In thirteen big league seasons Nomo was a member of the Dodgers (twice), Mets, Brewers, Tigers, Red Sox, Devil Rays and Royals.
In his one year stint with Milwaukee, Nomo recorded his 1,000 strikeout -- he was the third fastest major leaguer to ever reach that mark.
An opening day no hitter against the Baltimore Orioles in 2001 as a member of the Boston Red Sox would be the final highlight of his playing days. It was the second no-hit shutout of his career.
In Kansas City the 'Tornado' would make his final stop. Nom0 was given a non-roster invitation to spring training, but a groin injury sidelined the once brilliant pitcher, who did not make the Opening Day Roster. Added to the team on April 5th, Nomo pitched in three games but had an ERA of 18.69 in only 4 2/3 innings.
On Aril 17, after giving up a homer to Oakland's Bobby Crosby, Nomo struck out Travis Buck, the final batter he would ever face. He was deisgnated for assignment shortly afterward and retired on Thursday.
Nomo's career was marked by highs and lows -- his highs being a dominating strikeout king -- while his lows were injuries and contractual issues that never allowed him to regain his superstar, lights out status.
Nomo finished his career with a 123-109 record, and a 4.24 era while striking out 1,918 batters. His numbers by many are viewed as disappointing -- considering the hype that once surrounded him -- but it's not the stats that will determine his legacy.
The doors to the Japanese market that brought us Ichiro, Hideki Matsui, Akinori Iwamura, and Daisuke Matsuzaka -- were opened because Nomo followed his dream of playing at the highest level in the United States.
Royals Manager Trey Hillman said, "Nomo had a dream, and he followed his dream and his vision to come over here. And he had the confidence to do what he did. He was a great pitcher."
While Nomo retired from baseball quietly, the legacy he left will rage on like and F-5, re-shaping and making baseball better than it was before he came.
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