Several newspapers in Japan are stating that Rick van den Hurk may start the NPB game of July 2nd for the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks vs the Seibu Lions. In the last few days, Rick took part in the pitcher practice in Saitozaki training camp. According to sources, Jason Standridge will be pulled from the roster the…
It was a long wait, but with the numbers he put up in the Minor Leagues, the Hawks could no longer ignore him. Rick van den Hurk has been called up by the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks.!! It is expected that Van den Hurk will pitch in the three game series vs the Hiroshima Toyo…
Current single season record holder Wladimir Balentien arrived at Narita Airport with his wife and daughter today. He told the press that he is focusing on a complete recovery after he underwent surgery to his left achilles tendon. He said he will rather rehab and focus on getting healthy soon than rehab and being used…
Former Red Sock, White Sock and Yankee, Kevin Youkilis has joined the Chicago Cubs as special assistent. Youkilis who played for the Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan last year, announced his retirement in October 2014. Youkilis was drafted before Epstein was in charge but he got his call up in 2004 when he played 72…
After two years in the NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball League) Andruw Jones is trying to sign a deal with a Major League team. According to his agent Scott Bora$$, at least two teams have shown interest. The 37-year old outfielder probably has to settle with a minor league deal. In two years with the Tohoku…
Early January I wrote an article on the subject already, but during the presentation of the schedule and logo of the premier twelve tournament, it was confirmed that a friendly match will be played between the best Japanese players and a selection of European (professional) players. The team will mainly contain Dutch and Italian players…
Today, the World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) presented the logo of the new “world championship tournament” called the Premier 12. This tournament will be played in Taiwan and Japan and the best twelve baseball countries of the world will participate. The first round and the quarter-finals will be staged in Taiwan. The semi-finals and…
Sadaharu Oh and his typical stance Despite being born in Tokyo in 1940, Sadaharu Oh has been inducted to the Taiwanese Baseball Hall of Fame. I hear you wonder: “why?” Well, he was the son of a Chinese (Taiwanese) father and a Japanese mother. Despite the fact that he never played in Taiwan, Oh…
vs According to the Japanese newspaper 5Newspaper the Japanese All Star team that took on an MLB All Star team in November, the Samurai Japan, is planning to play a friendly game vs a European All Star Team in March. Kumazaki Katsuhiko, the commissioner of the NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) said this according to…
The Fukuoka Softbank Hawks officially announced that Rick van den Hurk has signed a two year contract worth 400,000,000 Yen. The 29-year old Dutch pitcher will wear uniform number 44. According to Yakyubaka.com Van den Hurk said the following: “I am honored and happy for this opportunity to sign a contract with the Fukuoka Softbank…
