Career
He was one of most famous Japanese right-handed pitchers. He was known as the "Stopper of Flame" (炎のストッパー, Honou-no-Stopper) because from his pitching style with the fastball. His nickname was "Tsune-Gon"(ツネゴン).
He was born in Shūnan, Yamaguchi.
He retired in 1991, and died of brain tumor in 1993, when he was 32 years old. His memorial plate, found at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium, is inscribed with the words "We will never forget about his fastball, smile, courage and bravery".
1st pitch: April 10, 1982. Japan All-star game: 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1989
49 West, 90 South, 19 CG, 2 Shutout and 542 K.
