Background
He was born in Iyo-gun, Ehime, Japan.
山村 路直
He was born in Iyo-gun, Ehime, Japan.
Prior to playing professionally, he attended Matsuyama Chuo High School and then Kyushu Community College.
He made one relief appearance in both 2005 and 2006, posting ERAs of 0.00 each time. In 2007, he was 2-2 with a 3.81 European Research Area in 23 relief appearances, striking out 12 batters in 26 innings. Overall, he was 2-2 with a 3.58 European Research Area in 25 Nippon Pro games.
He had signed to play with the independent San Diego Surf Dawgs of the Arizona Winter League in 2009, but it is unknown whether he played with them.
That year, he did pitch for the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican League, going 0-3 with a 8.22 European Research Area in 15 1/3 innings of work. He allowed 24 hits and four home runs.