Masumi Kuwata

Masumi Kuwata...Wife's name is Maki...Two sons; Masaki (14) and Masashi (12)...Is a graduate of PL Gakuen High School in Osaka...Began professional baseball career after graduating from high school...Became first-ever Japanese player to play for the Pirates when he made his major league debut with Bucs on 6/10/07...Was 39 years and 70 days old when he made his major league debut on 6/10/07; the last player to make his debut at as old of an age was Pittsburgh's Diomedes Olivo, on 9/5/60 at the age of 41 years and 227 days...Developed friendship with former major league pitcher Bill Gullickson, who played with Yomiuri Giants in 1988-89; Gullickson's son Craig's middle name is Kuwata...Spent entire Japanese career pitching with the Yomiuri Giants...His career totals in Japan include a 173-141 record, 118 complete games, 21 shutouts and a 3.55 ERA in 442 games...Entered 2007 season ranked 35th all-time in innings pitched (2761.2) and tied for 37th in wins (173)...Was used primarily as a starter during his 20-year career...Had surgery performed on his right elbow by Dr. Frank Jobe in Los Angeles in 1995...Missed entire 1996 season due to rehab for his right elbow...Went 17-9 with 20 complete games and a league-leading 2.60 ERA in 1989...Was also named MVP of the league in 1994 and captured the award for the best pitcher in the league in 1987...Hit seven home runs during his Japanese career.