Hiroki Kuroda

Date of Birth: 2/10/1975
Birthplace: Osaka, Japan
College: Senshu University

Hiroki Kuroda started playing professional baseball in Japan. His father was also a professional player in Japan. Kuroda played in Japan from 1997 through 2007, when he was offered a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. During his time in Japan, Kuroda won a Gold Glove and he led his league in wins and ERA.

In December, 2007, Kuroda signed a three-year, $34.3 million contract with the Dodgers. He played successfully for the Dodgers for four seasons before becoming a free agent. In January, 2012, he agreed to a one-year contract with the Yankees. After a very successful year with the Yankees, Kuroda was re-signed by them for another year in November, 2012.

In 2013, Kuroda had a .331 ERA with 11 wins to 13 losses in 32 games. He signed another one-year, $16 million contract with the Yankees in December, 2013. He finished the 2014 season with an 11-9 record, 146 strikeouts to 35 walks, and a 3.71 ERA in 199.0 innings in 32 games.

In December, 2014, Kuroda decided to return to Japan.

Statistics for Kuroda in seven seasons (2008-2014) in the major leagues include:

6 seasons with over 30 games, with a high of 33 in 2012
3 seasons with over 200 innings pitched, with a high of 219.2 in 2012
a low ERA of 3.07 in 2011
4 seasons with 150 or more strikeouts, with a high of 167 in 2012

Career pitching statistics for Kuroda through 2014 include:

212 games played
1,319.0 innings pitched
79-79 win-loss record
986 strikeouts to 292 walks
3.45 ERA

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Hiroki Kuroda
ESPN Sports - Hiroki Kuroda