AtL Lancaster Stormers

Barnstormers Sign Japanese Star Toshihisa Nishi

Published on March 12, 2010 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release


LANCASTER, Pa.-Toshihisa Nishi, a former Japanese Central League Rookie of the Year and four-time Japanese Gold Glove winner, has signed a 2010 contract with the Lancaster Barnstormers, it was announced today by manager Tom Herr.

He becomes the first player from the Pacific Rim in franchise history. It is also Nishi's first professional stint in the Western Hemisphere.

Nishi, 38, played 13 seasons in the JPCL with two clubs, the Yomiuri Giants and Yokohama Bay Stars, compiling a.268 average with 143 home runs and 496 RBI. The right-handed batter reached the 20-homer plateau three times in his career, including a career-high 28 with the Giants in 2004.

However, it was defensively that Nishi truly made his mark in Japanese baseball. Originally a third baseman, he moved to second early in his career. There, exhibiting tremendous range in both directions, the native of Ibaraki, Japan captured the Gold Glove honor four consecutive years (1999-2002).

Perhaps his best overall campaign came in one of those Gold Glove seasons. With Yomiuri in 2000, Nishi batted.298 with 20 homers in 135 games.

"(Nishi) is obviously an established high level Major League player," said Herr. "He brings with him a great knowledge of the game, a terrific work ethic and strong credentials, both offensively and defensively. Right now, he has a real desire to show what he can do on an American stage. He should be a real force in this league and a very popular player in Lancaster."

Nishi is the 15th player signed by the Barnstormers for the 2010 season.

The Barnstormers open the 2010 campaign at Long Island on April 22. Then, on April 30, the curtain will rise on the sixth season at Clipper Magazine Stadium with a 7 p.m. start against archrival York Revolution. Season ticket packages may be purchased through www.lancasterbarnstormers.com or by calling the team offices at 717-509-HITS (4487). Individual game tickets will go on sale beginning Saturday, April 3.

The Lancaster Barnstormers are entering their sixth season as a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Home games are played at Clipper Magazine Stadium in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Please call 717.509.HITS (4487) or visit LancasterBarnstormers.com for more information.

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