Kazuhiro Sasaki

KAZUHIRO SASAKI WAS a closing pitcher for the Yokohama Taiyo Whales/BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball from 1990 to 1999; with the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball from 2000 to 2003; and then back to the BayStars for the 2004 and 2005 seasons. He compiled 252 saves in Nippon Professional Baseball and 129 in the majors for a combined total of 381. Sasaki won the 2000 American League Rookie of the Year Award with 37 saves, which, at the time, were a Mariners team record for a season and an MLB record for a rookie.1

Sasaki was born on February 22, 1968, in Sendai City, Japan. His father, Tadoa Sasaki, umpired baseball games and coached recreational teams after work at a local milk company. The elder Sasaki would take his sickly son Kazuhiro outside to play catch to gain strength. His mother, Nobuko, and father fed him milk and rice every day to further build their son’s stamina. Sasaki went on to Tohoku High School where he is remembered by school and baseball team officials for his four-to-five-hour baseball practices and sense of humor.2

At Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai, Sasaki developed a forkball that would come in looking like a fastball until tumbling down to fool many a frustrated batter. Seattle Mariners radio announcers would later dub this pitch as the “Thang.”3 Yankees catcher Jorge Posada called the pitch “the one that looks like a fastball until the very end and gets you to swing.”4 Sasaki chose his uniform number 22 because he was born on February 22 at 2:22 A.M..5

While in Japan, Sasaki earned the nickname “Daimajin” after a mythical character from a movie series. Japanese book publisher Jiyu Kokuminsha declared that the top new phrase in the Japanese language for 1998 was “the wizard of Yokohama,” which referred to Sasaki.6 Kazuhiro developed a friendship with Pat Mahomes Sr., the father of future Super Bowl quarterback Pat Mahomes Jr., while they were bullpen mates with the BayStars in 1997 and 1998. Mahomes Sr. emphasized, “Sasaki taught me a lot over there… I learned pretty much how to pitch.”7

Sasaki first contemplated playing in major-league baseball in 1993.8 He was among a handful of pitchers that teams started seriously scouting after the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Hideo Nomo from the Kintetsu Buffaloes in February 1995.9 He was finally eligible to be posted to the majors after the 1999 season; however, an elbow injury and surgery cast doubt on his chances of becoming a major-league player.10 In 1998, prior to his injury, he had 45 saves and a 0.64 ERA for Yokohama. In 56 innings, he struck out 78 while yielding only 16 walks.

New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine informed his agent Tony Attanasio of his assessment of Sasaki: “If Mariano Rivera was available, would you get on the next plane? He’s that good.”11 Attanasio, who became Sasaki’s agent, explained the three criteria that his client used to choose his team: “a chance to get to the World Series; the city has a vibrant Japanese community; and the ownership group will meet his contract demands.”12

“[Sasaki] had a great career in Japan and was paid well,” said Masato Yoshii, a Japanese pitcher who came from NPB in 1998. “He was a superstar in Japan… he came here [to the MLB] to challenge himself at a higher level of professional baseball.”13

In the fall of 1999, Sasaki embarked on a tour of the United States to showcase his talents to the Yankees, Mets, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. The tour included a chartered jet full of Japanese press.14 He first met and pitched in front of the Yankees on November 17, 1999. The following day, he visited the Mets. The Mets already had Yoshii on their roster and were managed by Valentine, who had managed in Japan in 1995.15

Seattle Mariners chief executive Howard Lincoln called Sasaki “the greatest relief pitcher in the history of Japanese baseball and one of the best in the world.”16 The right-hander signed a two-year, $9 million contract with the Seattle Mariners on December 18, 1999. The Mariners immediately set up a Japanese telephone hotline, web pages, and e-mail link to tap into potential consumers in the US and Japan.17 Seattle was expecting a run on press credentials for Japanese reporters and photographers for spring training 2000.18

Sasaki was a six-time All-Star in Japan with 229 saves before joining the Mariners in 2000. Seattle suddenly had solid late-inning pitching with Sasaki, Arthur Rhodes, and incumbent closer José Mesa.19 Quietly, the front office was looking for trade offers for Mesa.20 Asked if language differences would be a problem in communicating with the often-volatile manager Lou Piniella, Sasaki responded, “If he’s mad, maybe I shouldn’t know what he’s saying.”21

Spring training started promisingly with Sasaki pitching a scoreless ninth inning on March 4.22 Throughout spring training, he was considered a “potential closer.”23 Sasaki only gave up two runs in nine Cactus League innings, whereas Mesa yielded 13 runs in 11 2/3 innings.24 On March 30, 2000, manager Piniella took the closer position away from an ineffective Mesa and handed it to Sasaki, who struck out the side to earn his first MLB save on April 6, 2000, preserving a 5–2 win over the Red Sox.25

Seattle pitching coach Bryan Price highlighted the difference between 1999 when the Mariners bullpen had a 5.94 ERA and gave up 295 walks and 2000: “There’s a very calming sense when we bring these guys in.” Mariners DH Edgar Martínez added, “We feel like we have a chance the whole game, and that’s a change.” Piniella said, “He’s just gotten better and better… He’s unflappable… He likes being out there at the end.” Teammate Alex Rodríguez said, “He’s been lights out, just lights out.” According to Jay Buhner, hitters were so baffled by Sasaki’s split-finger fastball that they often “asked the umpire to check the ball.”26

The 2000 season was not all rosy. Sasaki offered up a game-winning two-run home run to the Texas Rangers’ David Segui on May 10.27 On May 12, Matt Stairs launched a three-run homer to rally Oakland past Seattle in the ninth inning.28 After the game, Sasaki refused to speak to the press. The next day he apologized, saying, “I was at the bottom of the pit.”29 Mariners manager Piniella reacted angrily, «Sasaki earned the closer’s job in spring training, but he just lost it tonight.”30 A week later, Piniella backtracked a bit to closing by a committee of Sasaki, Mesa, and Rhodes.31

Sasaki regained momentum, picking up his sixth save in seven opportunities for the season on May 27.32 In the final weeks of the 2000 regular season, the combined pitching of Rhodes and Sasaki, as set-up man and closer, helped lead the Mariners to their first playoff appearance since 1997. Sasaki’s 37 saves set a new major-league record for a rookie.33 He ended 2000 with a 2–5 record, 3.16 ERA, and 37 saves out of 40 chances.34

The most difficult thing for Sasaki in his first year in MLB wasn’t on the field, but the travel and schedule. He emphasized, “There aren’t any breaks. That’s the hardest.”35 His favorite thing in his first year in the US was the possibility of finding Donald Duck logo clothing to fit his large 6-foot-4, 209-pound frame at the Disney Store. Seattle starter Jamie Moyer mused, “I do think that when we get to Anaheim this year, we’re going to have Donald Duck pay the clubhouse a visit.”36 Outfielder Buhner said, “We try to teach [Sasaki] as much English as we can, but unfortunately it isn’t always proper English.” Sasaki’s interpreter, Allen Turner, added, “In Seattle, everybody knows him because he takes the time to reach out to people.”37 Each time Sasaki entered a game at Safeco Field, the scoreboard would flash “Daimajin” while fans wearing Samurai-style headbands waved Japanese flags.38

In Game One of the 2000 AL Division Series versus the Chicago White Sox, Sasaki struck out two batters in the 10th inning to get the save.39 He struck out all three of the batters he faced in the ninth inning of Game Two. Seattle went on to sweep the White Sox in three games as Sasaki earned two saves. White Sox catcher Charles Johnson marveled, “Against a guy like that, you have to hope he makes a mistake.”40 Seattle catcher Joe Oliver asked Sasaki to throw a curveball, a pitch that he hadn’t used in three months. “Kazu looked at me a little strange when I called for [the curve], but I wanted them to have something different to think about,” remarked Oliver.. Sasaki was surprised about the celebration after clinching the ALDS. Teammate Brett Tomko told him, “We celebrate after every round, Kazu, I’m dousing you first.” Sasaki had helped the Yokohama BayStars win the 1998 Japan Series, but he beamed, “I am happier than I ever was in Japan.”41

After Game One of the American League Championship Series, Sasaki said, “Every time he [Piniella] comes out I get nervous thinking: ‘Am I going to understand what he’s saying?’ If I look like I don’t understand, [Piniella] turns to Alex Rodríguez and tells him.” He further explained, “When Lou talks to me, he is very excited and his English is very fast, Alex speaks slowly.”42 Sasaki picked up only one save in the 2000 ALCS, which was won by the Yankees four games to two.

That offseason, Sasaki was chosen to play for the Major League All-Star team against the Nippon Professional Baseball All-Stars in an eight-game exhibition series that started at the Tokyo Dome.43 He was one of 28 MLB players, including Randy Johnson and Barry Bonds, selected to play from November 3 through November 12 in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Osaka, and Nagoya.44 The MLB All-Stars won five games, lost two, and tied one. Sasaki appeared in two games and gave up two hits but struck out three NPB batters in two innings.45

Kansas City first baseman Mike Sweeney remarked on the reception that Sasaki received on the tour, “So I get introduced… ‘Mike Sweeney!’ The crowd goes ‘Woo.’ They introduce (Barry) Bonds and (Randy) Johnson. The crowd: ‘Woo! Woo!’ Then comes Sasaki… ‘YAHHRRAAAAARRRR!’”46

The Sporting News named Sasaki 2000 American League Rookie Pitcher of the Year.47 Then, the Baseball Writers Association of America chose him as 2000 American League Rookie of the Year. At 32 years old, he was second-oldest player to win the award. Sam Jethroe was 33 days older when he won the NL award in 1950.48 Sasaki said, “I did not think I was going to receive the award because I played in Japan for 10 years.”49 Oakland manager Art Howe said, “Sasaki really isn’t a rookie. The Japanese leagues are competitive, so I don’t see where he is a rookie.”50 Baseball Digest capped the year by naming Sasaki the AL Rookie of the Year. Piniella added, “He’s done great work for us all year. He’s turned in some great performances.”51

After the 2000 season, there was much speculation on whether the Orix Blue Wave would post NPB superstar Ichiro Suzuki to play in MLB in 2001. The Mariners were one of the favored teams due to Ichiro’s friendship with Sasaki.52 Suzuki and Sasaki together might draw other Japanese players to the Mariners.53 Mariners outfielder Buhner beamed, “It’s going to be a great move to get [Ichiro]. We had a lot of fun when he was with us in spring camp in 1999. He’s a good dude, a lot like [Kazuhiro]. They’re great friends … the wild and crazy guys of Japanese baseball.”54 Ichiro signed with Seattle on November 18, 2000, and said, “Playing with the Mariners is like a dream come true. It is good to be joining a team that was successful last season and to be a teammate of my friend Sasaki.”55

Opening Day 2001 ended with a save by Sasaki, who shared the spotlight with Ichiro’s first major-league game.56 Sasaki’s 13 saves set an AL/NL record for most in the month of April.57 He was named AL Player of the Week of April 23–29, 2001, with his four saves.58 He exclaimed, “It’s a lot of fun right now because we’re playing so well. I’m just going with the flow.”59

Rob Dibble dubbed the 2001 Mariners bullpen tandem of Jeff Nelson, Rhodes, and Sasaki, the “new Nasty Boys.” The original “Nasty Boys” were Dibble, Norm Charlton, and Randy Myers of the Cincinnati Reds, who won the 1990 World Series. Dibble said, “[Nelson, Rhodes, and Sasaki] can kill a rally at any time after the sixth. That demoralizes a team, there’s an eight in 10 shot you’re going to lose.” Piniella, who managed both the 1990 Reds and the 2001 Mariners added, “I think this [Seattle Mariners bullpen] is probably the best I’ve ever had.”60

In 2001, Sasaki was using the fastball more, whereas in 2000 he relied heavily on his split-fingered forkball. He said, “This year, the fastball is running really well, with good control… and you have to change yourself.”61 Sasaki was one of eight Mariners selected for the 2001 AL All-Star team.

During All-Star week in Seattle, Washington Mutual Bank hung a sign in Japanese that read, “Welcome All-Stars,” in recognition of Sasaki and his teammate Ichiro.62 On July 10, Joe Torre brought in Sasaki in the ninth inning to earn the save for the American League All-Stars as the AL beat the NL, 4–1.63 Sasaki expressed, “I’m just relieved everything went OK. When I was warming up in the bullpen, I was really wild. I was really nervous.”64

Sasaki and Ichiro announced on July 13, 2001, that they would be boycotting the Japanese press corps and only be speaking to the non-Japanese press. They were irritated by the constant presence of the 40-man Japanese contingent that invaded every aspect of their lives.65 Anaheim Angels pitcher Shigetoshi Hasegawa chimed in, “I don’t think the [Japanese] media in the ballpark are the problem. It’s their bosses that want to know everything.”66 Mariners director of media relations Ted Hevley said, “It’s important their privacy away from the ballpark be respected.” Within five days, Sasaki and Ichiro resumed talking to the Japanese press.67

Suzuki and Sasaki’s success in America led to increased demand for MLB content in Japan. MLB Advanced Media, LP, partnered with Dentsu Inc. to provide internet streaming of live play-by-play radio of Seattle Mariners home games to Japan.68 Many Mariners games were already being televised live for Japanese audiences. Amazon.com opened a Seattle Mariners store on their Japanese site to sell “official” Mariners merchandise to Japanese fans.69 In the 2001 AL Division Series, signs in both English and Japanese were in the dugouts, clubhouses, and press box.”70 Sasaki was one of 10 MLB players singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” in their native languages in a Nike ad that aired throughout the World Series.71

Sasaki finished the 2001 regular season with a 3.24 ERA and set a Mariners team record with 45 saves.72 He racked up 82 saves in his first two MLB seasons after setting a record of 229 saves in Nippon Professional Baseball.73 Seattle won 116 games to tie the major-league single-season record, led the AL West Division wire to wire, and were the best in the AL in pitching, fielding and scoring.74 The Mariners won the 2001 ALDS three games to two over the Cleveland Indians. Sasaki notched a save in Game Five.

For the second year in a row, the Mariners faced the Yankees in the ALCS. In his only appearance in the series, Sasaki gave up a two-run, game-winning homer to Alfonso Soriano in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game Four.75 Five years earlier in Japan, Soriano saw Sasaki pitch on Japanese television. He said, “He played in the major leagues, and I played in the minor leagues. But I was able to see him on TV and see that he was a great reliever.”76 After the game, Piniella spoke of Sasaki: “He’s a pro. That can happen to anyone. We have all the confidence in the world in him.”77 New York won the series four games to one to advance to the World Series for the fourth straight year.

One year after Sasaki won the 2000 AL Rookie of the Year Award, Ichiro won the same award in 2001.78 Then Ichiro topped off the year by taking the 2001 AL Most Valuable Player Award.79 The Mariners signed relief pitcher Shigetoshi Hasegawa, who had played with the Angels, to join his fellow countrymen Sasaki and Suzuki for 2002.80

It was reported that Sasaki went home to Japan on May 8, 2002 to take care of “personal matters.”81 He returned from visiting his “ill wife” to pitch on May 11 and then signed a two-year contract extension through the 2004 season.82 According to his translator, Allen Turner, “She (Kaori) has been in and out of hospital.”83

Sasaki gave up his first earned run in 2002 in his 21st appearance of the season, which came against the Orioles on June 1. On June 26, he earned his 100th MLB save in 160 games played, faster than anyone in history to that point in time.84 Sasaki exclaimed, “When I first came over [in 2000] and the closer was going to be José Mesa. To be at this point right now, I’m very happy.”85 He was selected to the AL All-Star team for his second year in a row.86 Sasaki threw 23 pitches in the seventh inning of the MLB All-Star Game. He yielded three hits, two runs, and one walk.87

Sasaki experienced soreness in his right elbow in a September 8 game in which he yielded three runs to the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning. Seattle’s team trainers tended to the elbow, and Sasaki said he could resume playing.88 Piniella said, “He’s fine.”89 However, the Mariners’ medical director Larry Pedegama and Angels team orthopedist Dr. Lewis Yocum recommended that Sasaki have surgery. Dr. Katsuhisa Yamada of Yokohama’s Minami Kyosai Hospital, who performed Sasaki’s previous surgery in 1999, concurred and said, “I think he might [want to have surgery] as soon as possible.” Sasaki said, “I have been worried about having surgery, because it will be the third time for me on my elbow, but I have to have surgery.”90 He had surgery on October 28, 2002, to remove bone chips in his right elbow.91

Sasaki’s record for 2002 was 4–5 with a 2.52 ERA and 37 saves in 61 games. He racked up 119 saves in his first three seasons with the Mariners.

Major League Baseball’s 2003 opening series featuring the Seattle Mariners and the Oakland Athletics scheduled for March 25 and 26 in Tokyo was canceled due to security concerns with the impending Iraq War and unrest in the world. It would have been a Japan homecoming for Sasaki, Ichiro, and Hasegawa as well as an opportunity for Mariners majority owner Hiroshi Yamauchi to view his team for the first time. Sasaki’s wife and children were going to come from Yokohama and his mother from Sendai City to see the games at the Tokyo Dome.92

Spring training 2003 saw Sasaki throwing more pitches than most of his teammates as he recovered from his elbow surgery.93 On April 23, he was placed on the 15-day disabled list with tightness in his lower back.94 He had difficulty throwing fastballs in the 90s and had four blown saves.95 Nelson and Rhodes became the closers until Sasaki’s return on May 8.96

On June 11, Sasaki was again placed on the 15-day disabled list after reportedly injuring his right rib after falling over a suitcase on his stairs at his Seattle home. Mariners manager Bob Melvin remarked, “That’s a first for me. But it’s just one of those things that happen.”97 An MRI on June 18 showed that Sasaki had two fractured ribs and suffered a slightly torn abdominal muscle.98 There were rumors that the injury was a result of “drunken horseplay.”99

Rhodes, Nelson, and Hasegawa filled in the closer role during Sasaki’s absence.100 Hasegawa had 16 saves in 17 chances for the Mariners in 2003.101 Sasaki was activated from the disabled list on August 12, 2003. He proclaimed, “It’s a 100% recovery.”102 His numbers for 2003 were 10 saves in 14 opportunities and a 4.05 ERA in 33 1/3 innings in 35 appearances.103

On January 19, 2004, Sasaki announced that he was opting out of the final year of his contract with the Mariners. He sacrificed up to $9.5 million to remain in Japan with his family.104 His agent, Tony Attanasio, said, “He wanted to stay home with his kids. Last year, he did not have his kids with him and his wife.”105 There were rumors that the Mariners’ Japanese ownership forced Sasaki to stay in Japan due to his “infidelity” to his wife.106

On January 27, Sasaki signed papers to terminate his contract with the Mariners and then Seattle put him on waivers for his unconditional release. He was sad to say goodbye to his M’s teammates but said, “Most importantly, my children [daughter Reina and son Shogo] are very happy. I’m going back to Japan… I want to continue pitching.”107 Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi said about Kazuhiro, “He’s real healthy; he’s in great shape, throwing well.”108 Sasaki rejoined the Yokohama BayStars of the NPB Central League on February 3, 2004.109 In 2004, he had 19 saves in 22 2/3 innings in 25 games with a 3.18 ERA. In 2005, his final year of professional baseball, he had a 9.00 ERA with four saves in six innings in nine appearances.

After his retirement from baseball, Sasaki continued to be involved in a variety of sports ventures. He was a baseball analyst and commentator for television and radio as well as a Japanese sports daily newspaper columnist. Sasaki juggled his new work with his love for playing golf.110

Sasaki’s love for racing came in two forms: automobiles and horses. He owned “Team 22,” which competed in the Formula Nippon Super GT series in 2002 and 2003. Sasaki was appointed general manager of the “D’station Racing” Super GT team owned by the NEXUS Group on February 17, 2017.111 In 2006, Sasaki became a horse owner in Japanese regional horseracing. He graduated to the highest level of horse racing with three G1 level horses: Cheval Grand, Verxina, and Vivlos.112

Sasaki, Ichiro, and Hasegawa represented a shift in MLB history. These Seattle Mariners of the early 2000s can be seen as a precursor of the 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers trio of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki.

SOURCES

In addition to the sources cited in the Notes, the author consulted Baseball-Reference.com.

NOTES

1 Jack Etkin, “Kazuhiro Worship; Mariners’ Sasaki Voted AL Rookie of the Year,” Rocky Mountain News (Denver, Colorado), November 7, 2000: 3C.

2 Florangela Davila, “In Seattle Kazuhiro Sasaki Became a Pitching Sensation; In Japan He is a Hero,” Seattle Times, April 8, 2001. https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20010408/lpkazu8/in-seattle-kazuhiro-sasaki-became-a-pitching-sensation-in-japan-he-is-a-hero. Accessed December 27, 2025.

3 Larry Stone, “Kazuhiro Sasaki’s Exotic Pitch Finishes Off Foes,” Baseball Digest, February 2001.

4 Stephen Cannella, “Relief at Last,” Sports Illustrated, May 1, 2000: 90.

5 “MLB Stats for Kazuhiro Sasaki: Fast Facts,” Baseball Almanac. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=sasakka01. Accessed December 15, 2025.

6 “Language in Brief: Popular Japanese Phrases,” Tampa Bay Times, December 2, 1998: 15.

7 Tyler Kepner, “Trip to Japan Can Improve Your Psyche,” New York Times, March 25, 2000: D5.

8 “Kazuhiro Sasaki,” Gale Biography Online Collection (Detroit: Gale, 2001). https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/K1650001940/BIC?u=uphoenix&sid=ebsco&xid=ba50fb02. Accessed November 5, 2025.

9 Steve Dilbeck, “Baseball: Turning Japanese,” San Bernardino County (California) Sun, July 9, 1995: 32.

10 “Kazuhiro Sasaki,” Gale Biography Online Collection.

11 Tom Verducci, “Seattle Mariners,” Sports Illustrated, March 27, 2000: 110.

12 Jack Magruder, “Japanese Relief Pitcher Visits Diamondbacks, Marvels at Clubhouse,” (Tucson) Arizona Daily Star, November 19, 1999: 9D.

13 Tracy Ringolsby, “Manto, Yoshii Advise Rockies to Beware of Sasaki,” Rocky Mountain News, March 15, 2000: 2C.

14 Ronald Blum, “Baseball Roundup,” Galveston (Texas) Daily News, November 13, 1999: 18.

15 Associated Press, “Sasaki Tour Continues,” Daily Herald (Chicago, Illinois), November 18, 1999: 16.

16 “Mariners Sign Japan’s Top Reliever,” Tampa Bay Times, December 19, 1999: 50.

17 “Mariners New Pitch,” Puget Sound (Seattle, Washington) Business Journal, (Vol. 20, No. 39), January 20, 2000: 2.

18 Kirby Arnold, “Seattle: The Next Nomo,” The Sporting News, February 14, 2000: 58.

19 Larry LaRue, “Seattle: New Look,” The Sporting News, January 3, 2000: 59.

20 Larry LaRue, “Seattle: Closer Analysis,” The Sporting News, January 24, 2000: 59.

21 Rick Hummel, “Jocketty: Griffey’s Arrival Make Reds ‘Team to Beat,’” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 13, 2000: D16.

22 Associated Press, “Mariners 16, Padres 8,” Indiana (Pennsylvania) Gazette, March 5, 2000: 26.

23 “Around the AL: Mariners,” Tampa Bay Times, March 18, 2000: 62.

24 “Seattle Replaces Mesa as Closer,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, March 31, 2000: D5.

25 “The Opening Week That Was,” The Sporting News, April 17, 2000: 13.

26 Marc Tomkin, “Perfect Fit for the Mariners,” Tampa Bay Times, October 10, 2000: 25.

27 Associated Press, “Segui Picks Up Rangers,” Tampa Bay Times, May 11, 2000: 62.

28 Josh Dubow, “AL Roundup: Athletics 9, Mariners 7,” Indiana Gazette, May 13, 2000: 16.

29 “On Deck; Twins vs. Mariners; Three-Game Series at Safeco Field,” Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota), May 15, 2000: 09C.

30 “Inside Baseball, The Hot Corner,” Sports Illustrated, May 22, 2000: 81.

31 Larry LaRue, “Injuries to Top Two Starters Has Put Pressure on Bullpen,” The Sporting News, May 29, 2000: 32.

32 Associated Press, “American League Baseball: Mariners 6, Devil Rays 3,” Indiana Gazette, May 28, 2000: 24.

33 Associated Press, “Major League Roundup: Mariners 5, Angels 2,” Indiana Gazette, October 2, 2000: 20.

34 “Post Season Glance: Mariners vs. White Sox,” Index-Journal (Greenwood, South Carolina), August 3, 2000: 14.

35 Tomkin, “Perfect Fit.”

36 Jeff Gordon, “Tipsheet,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 6, 2000: C2.

37 “Kazuhiro Sasaki,” Gale Biography Online Collection.

38 Stephen Cannella, “Relief at Last,” Sports Illustrated, May 1, 2000: 90.

39 Associated Press, “Mariners Take Series Lead,” Index-Journal (Greenwood, South Carolina), October 4, 2000: 14.

40 Teddy Greenstein, “Notes on the Mariners-White Sox Series,” Chicago Tribune, October 4, 2000: K148 https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A65749283/ITOF?u=uphoenix&sid=ebsco&xid=2dc56748. Accessed December 16, 2025.

41 Stephen Cannella, “Seattle Mariners,” Sports Illustrated, October 16, 2000: 56.

42 Teddy Greenstein, “Perfection Makes for Imperfect Games,” Chicago Tribune, October 11, 2000: K2922. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A66000862/ITOF?u=uphoenix&sid=ebsco&xid=9bdd8ac7. Accessed December 16, 2025.

43 Bruce Lowitt, “Picked to Travel,” Tampa Bay Times, August 11, 2000: 41.

44 “Scoreboard: All Star Series Roster,” Daily American Republic (Poplar Bluff, Missouri), October 26, 2000: 2B.

45 Dave Wilkie, “The 2000 All-Star Series,” Nichibei Yakyu: US Tours of Japan, (Phoenix: Society for American Baseball Research, Inc., 2023), 203–209.

46 Davila, “In Seattle Kazuhiro Sasaki.”

47 “TSN 2000 Baseball Awards: TSN All-Stars,” The Sporting News, October 30, 2000: 8.

48 Associated Press, “Mariners’ Sasaki is 2nd Oldest to Win Rookie of the Year Award,” Tampa Bay Times, November 7, 2000: 2C.

49 Tom Haudricourt, “Seattle Rookie is Top Rookie: Sasaki is Second Oldest Player to Win Award,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, November 7, 2000: 9.

50 Mike Eisenbath, “Parity Emerges as Goal While Owners Put Focus on Change,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 7, 2001: D14.

51 George Vass, “Rookie All-Star Team,” Baseball Digest, December 2000: 28.

52 Tom Haudricourt, “Finances Play a Part in Managerial Hirings,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, November 5, 2000: 13.

53 Jim Salisbury, “Near-Desperate White Sox in the Running for Alex Rodriguez,” Philadelphia Inquirer, November 11, 2000. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A122122598/ITOF?u=uphoenix&sid=ebsco&xid=0c7682f1. Accessed December 16, 2025.

54 Mike Eisenbath, “His Role as DH Caused Some MVP Voters To Doubt Thomas: New Park Breathes Life into Pirates,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, November 19, 2000: D7.

55 “In A First, Mariners Sign Suzuki, An Outfielder,” New York Times, November 19, 2000: SP5.

56 Mark Saxon, “As Lose Opener in Seattle,” Ukiah (California) Daily Journal, April 3, 2001: 7.

57 “Ms Win Record 20th in April,” Tampa Bay Times, April 29, 2001: 4C.

58 “Baseball Notebook: Player Honors,” Tampa Bay Times, May 1, 2001: 3C.

59 Josh Dubow, “Mariners Sail on to Eighth Straight Win,” Indiana Gazette, April 8, 2001: 17.

60 Jason Williams, “Seattle’s Nasty Bullpen,” Cincinnati Post, May 23, 2001: 1B.

61 Jim Souhan, “Bullpen Ace Kazuhiro Sasaki Got the Mariners Out of a Tight Spot in the Eighth Inning, Then Came Back With a 1-2-3 Ninth to finish Off the Twins,” Star Tribune, May 24, 2001.

62 Janie McCauley, “Magic Time in Seattle,” Indiana Gazette, July 8, 2001: C5.

63 “All-Star,” Tampa Bay Times, July 11, 2002: 4C.

64 Associated Press, “Emotions Run High Among Seattle’s Contingent,” Index-Journal, July 11, 2001: 6B.

65 “Sports in 60 Seconds,” Daily Herald, July 14, 2001: 2.

66 Kevin Kelly, “Astros Profit by Alou’s Obstinacy: One Man’s View,” Tampa Bay Times, July 15, 2001: 7C.

67 “Twins Top Pick Nears Deal: Mariners,” Tampa Bay Times, July 18, 2001: 4C.

68 “MLB Advanced Media to Provide Live Radio Webcasts of Mariners Play-by-Play in Japanese,” Business Wire, August 5, 2001: 2010. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A76984749/ITBC?u=uphoenix&sid=ebsco&xid=6d01313f . Accessed December 16, 2025.

69 “Amazon.com Adds Seattle Mariners’ Store to Japanese Site,” Chicago Tribune, August 8, 2001: ITEM01220019. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A77052065/GBIB?u=uphoenix&sid=ebsco&xid=8d754b63 . Accessed December 16, 2025.

70 Bob Dyer, “Hey Dude, At Least Look Good in the Diamond,” Chicago Tribune, October 12, 2001: K7479. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A79097845/ITOF?u=uphoenix&sid=ebsco&xid=1aebcd06. Accessed December 16, 2025.

71 “Creative Best Spots,” Adweek Western Edition, November 19, 2001: 22.

72 “American League,” Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee), October 9, 2001: D6.

73 Terry Pluto, “Cleaning Out a Playoff Notebook,” Chicago Tribune, October 16, 2001: K0951. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A79186834/ITOF?u=uphoenix&sid=ebsco&xid=5965a8b. Accessed December 16, 2025.

74 “Division Series Previews; Indians VS. Mariners,” Record (Bergen County, New Jersey), October 9, 2001: S4.

75 Ronald Blum, Associated Press, “Yankees Take Game 4 of American League,” Ukiah Daily Journal, October 21, 2001: 5.

76 Jim Litka, “New Face, Same Old Success for Yankee Dynasty,” Daily Advocate (Greenville, Ohio), October 23, 2001: 9.

77 Tony Jackson, “Piniella Still Confident in Seattle Closer Sasaki,” Cincinnati Post, October 23, 2001: 4C.

78 Ronald Blum, Associated Press, “Suzuki, Pujols Win 2001 Rookie of the Year Awards,” Ukiah Daily Journal, November 13, 2001: 5.

79 Kevin Kelley, “Suzuki in Elite Group with MVP Honor,” Tampa Bay Times, November 21, 2001; 29.

80 United Press International, “Mariners Sign Hasegawa.” https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A440395956/CSIC?u=uphoenix&sid=ebsco&xid=b4c99482. Accessed December 6, 2025.

81 “Kazuhiro Sasaki in 2002,” Baseball Archive. http://www.t3.rim.or.jp/~sports/arch/bakazu02.html. Accessed January 7, 2006.

82 Associated Press, “Major League Roundup,” Indiana Gazette, May 12, 2002: C3.

83 Kirby Arnold, “Wife’s Health Played Part in Sasaki’s Decision,” Everett (Washington) Herald, January 22, 2004. https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/wifes-health-played-role-in-sasakis-decision/. Accessed December 11, 2025.

84 Associated Press, “American League: Mariners 1, Athletics 0,” Indiana Gazette, June 17, 2002:16.

85 Ben Walker, “Sasaki Earns 100th Save As Mariners Shut Out A’s,” Daily American Republic, June 27, 2002: 3B.

86 Josh Dubow, “Diamondbacks, Yankees Highlight All-Star Teams,” Hays (Kansas) Daily News, July 1, 2002: B1.

87 “Box Score,” Tampa Bay Times, July 10, 2002: 6C.

88 “American League Notes,” USA Today, September 10, 2002: Sports04: C.

89 “Selig: Owners Can’t Pocket Extra Income,” Record, September 10, 2002: S03.

90 United Press International, “In Sports from United Press International” October 18, 2002. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A440344225/CSIC?u=uphoenix&sid=ebsco&xid=cc0c7d4f. Accessed December 11, 2025.

91 Jim Cour, “Mariners’ Sasaki Goes on 15-Day DL,” Midland (Texas) Reporter-Telegram, April 22, 2003. https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Mariners-Sasaki-Goes-on-15-Day-DL-7910559.php. Accessed December 29, 2025.

92 Janie Macauley, Associated Press, “Baseball Backs Out of Overseas Opener,” Cincinnati Post, March 19, 2003: C2.

93 Larry LaRue, “Seattle Mariners,” The Sporting News, February 24, 2003: 57.

94 Associated Press, “A Rarity: A victory for Detroit,” New York Times, April 24, 2003: D7.

95 Tom Verducci, “Closed Out?” Sports Illustrated, May 5, 2003: 75.

96 Josh Meyer, “No Millwood Triggers Trip to Woodshed,” Roanoke (Virginia) Times, April 30, 2003: B6.

97 “Clemens Set to Resume ‘Quest’ to 300th Win,” Palm Beach (Florida) Post, June 12, 2003: 5C.

98 “Sasaki Hurts Ribs,” Record, June 19, 2003: S04.

99 Art Thiel, “M’s Learning When to Lose Patience,” Seattle Post-Intelligencer, July 6, 2006. https://www.seattlepi.com/sports/article/m-s-learning-when-to-lose-patience-1208310.php . Accessed December 16, 2025.

100 “A.L. Reports,” The Sporting News, June 23, 2003: 35.

101 “Mariners Sign Closer Hasegawa,” Cincinnati Post, December 8, 2003: C4.

102 Wire Reports, “Sasaki Activated,” Record (Bergen County, New Jersey), August 13, 2003: S04.

103 “Kazuhiro Sasaki Stats,” MLB.com. https://www.mlb.com/player/kazuhiro-sasaki-277408. Accessed December 10, 2025.

104 “Sasaki Not Returning to M’s in ’04,” Cincinnati Post, January 20, 2004: C4.

105 “Sports Briefing,” New York Times, January 20, 2004: D4.

106 Art Thiel, “M’s Learning When to Lose Patience,” Seattle Post-Intelligencer, July 6, 2006. https://www.seattlepi.com/sports/article/m-s-learning-when-to-lose-patience-1208310.php. Accessed December 16, 2025.

107 “M’s Closer Freed to Stay in Japan,” St. Petersburg Times, January 28, 2004: 8C.

108 Murray Chass, “Curious Partnership Workers on Brewers’ Sale,” New York Times, January 25, 2004: SP4.

109 “Baseball: Sasaki Picks Team,” Tampa Bay Times, February 4, 2004: 29.

110 Brad Lefton, “Sasaki Content to Remain Just Part of the Game,” Seattle Times, March 5, 2006. https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20060305/sasaki05/sasaki-content-to-remain-just-part-of-game. Accessed December 29, 2025.

111 “The Great Demon God Mr. Sasaki Becomes the General Manager of the Super GT Participating Team,” Nikkan Sports, February 15, 2017. https://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/1779531.html. Accessed December 30, 2025.

112 “Japanese Star Baseball Players Becoming Racehorse Owners,” Netkeiba, August 2, 2023. https://en.netkeiba.com/news/news_detail.html?id=379. Accessed December 30, 2025.