Hisanori Takahashi
Encyclopedia
is a Japanese
Major League Baseball
pitcher
who is currently with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
.
of Nippon Professional Baseball. He was a finesse pitcher in Japan, featuring an 86–89 mph fastball (tops out at 92 mph), slider, curveball, and a screwball as his out pitch.
, picking up a no decision with 6 scoreless innings. With the loss of Francisco Rodríguez to injury, Takahashi served as the closer
for the Mets and recorded his first major league save on August 16 against the Houston Astros
.
On December 2, 2010, Takahashi signed a two-year $8 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
.
Japanese people
The are an ethnic group originating in the Japanese archipelago and are the predominant ethnic group of Japan. Worldwide, approximately 130 million people are of Japanese descent; of these, approximately 127 million are residents of Japan. People of Japanese ancestry who live in other countries...
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
who is currently with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
.
Career
Nippon Professional Baseball
Takahashi previously spent his entire professional career with the Yomiuri GiantsYomiuri Giants
The are a professional baseball team based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan. The team competes in the Central League in Nippon Professional Baseball, the top level of professional play in Japan. They play their home games in the Tokyo Dome, opened in 1988. The English-language press occasionally calls the...
of Nippon Professional Baseball. He was a finesse pitcher in Japan, featuring an 86–89 mph fastball (tops out at 92 mph), slider, curveball, and a screwball as his out pitch.
Major League Baseball
On February 11, 2010, Takahashi signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets. Takahashi included a clause in his contract stipulating that the Mets must release him to free agency by October 31, 2010. Takahashi started the 2010 season in the Mets' bullpen. On May 21, he made his first appearance as a starting pitcher against the New York YankeesNew York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, picking up a no decision with 6 scoreless innings. With the loss of Francisco Rodríguez to injury, Takahashi served as the closer
Closer (baseball)
In baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer , is a relief pitcher who specializes in closing out games, i.e., getting the final outs in a close game. Closers often appear when the score is close, and the role is often assigned to a team's best reliever. A small number of...
for the Mets and recorded his first major league save on August 16 against the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
.
On December 2, 2010, Takahashi signed a two-year $8 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
.