Japanese Female Knuckleballer Eri Yoshida Named Opening Night Starter
Published on January 28, 2010 under Golden Baseball League (GBL) News Release
(Yuma, AZ. January 28, 2010) The Arizona Winter League (AWL) announced Japanese RHP Eri Yoshida, the 18-year old female knuckeball phenom from Japan, will start on Opening Night for the Yuma Scorpions in their AWL contest against Team Canada. First pitch is set for 6:00 pm at Desert Sun Stadium. As part of a special Girl Power Night, all girls 15 and Under are admitted free of charge to come cheer for Eri.
Yoshida was the first Japanese female to play professionally in Japan and her debut for the Kobe Cruise 9 in the Kansai League was attended by over 12,000 fans.
Since arriving in Arizona for the start of the AWL's spring training session, Yoshida, listed at 5'1" and 114 lbs, has been roomed with Tiffany Brooks, a two-time silver medalist in international women's baseball who is also here to play in the 2010 edition of the AWL. Yoshida has thrown in two AWL practice games and has displayed an almost unhittable knuckleball with the majority of batters either striking out or popping up.
Yoshida's manager during the AWL will be Mike Marshall, the President and Field Manager of the GBL's Yuma Scorpions. Marshall played in Japan in the '90s for the Nippon Ham Fighters and is very excited to have Yoshida on his roster, "She is one of the most intense and determined players here at the AWL and I think she will do very well. She has been impressive in practice games and has an enthusiasm for the game that is infectious. This will be a treat for the fans in Yuma, and I wouldn't be surprised to see her come out of this league with a pro contract to play in the U.S. this summer."
Brooks will also be making history, becoming the first female from the United States to play in the league.
Season and single game tickets can be purchased in person at the AWL Office located at the Ray Kroc Complex in Yuma or by calling 928-257-4700.
More info regarding the Arizona Winter League can be found at www.arizonawinterleague.com
Golden Baseball League Stories from January 28, 2010
- Japanese Female Knuckleballer Eri Yoshida Named Opening Night Starter - GBL
- 2010 Arizona Winter League Set For Opening Night - GBL
- Edmonton Capitals & GBL News & Notes - Edmonton Capitals
- Edmonton Capitals Unveil 2010 Schedule - Edmonton Capitals
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