Masanori Murakami, first Japanese player in MLB, throws first pitch before Game 4 of Japan Series
First Japanese MLB player throws Game 4 first pitch
Masanori Murakami was only 20 years old when the Nankai Hawks sent him to the Giants' Class A team as part of an exchange program early in 1964. He was supposed to return to NPB in June, but the Giants liked him so much that they extended his stay. Murakami was called up in August and made his debut the next month, and on September 1 he made his debut, becoming the first Japanese-born player in the Major Leagues.
The left-hander played two seasons in San Francisco before returning to Japan, going 5-1 with a 3.43 ERA and a 10.1 K/9 rate in 54 appearances. His brief but successful stateside career lit the way for future Japanese players in MLB, and on Sunday night, he threw the first pitch before Game 4 of the Japan All-Star Series.
Pretty solid hurling for age 70.