Former Japanese Big Leaguer Inks with the RailCats
February 22, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release
GARY, IN - The Gary South Shore RailCats have gone international to bolster the team's roster for 2016 with the announcement Friday that former Japanese Big Leaguer, Masato Fukae has reached a deal with the club. Â
Masato Fukae, spent parts of three seasons with the Orix Buffaloes in the Japanese Pacific League and played four seasons in the Orix organization in his native Japan. In three seasons the left handed batter compiled a .272 average over 81 at bats in the Japanese Major League. Fukae brings a calling card of speed and defense to the RailCats in 2016. He was used as both a pinch runner and late inning defensive replacement in his 81 games for the Buffaloes with all three of his extra base hits being triples to go with eight stolen bases in the NBL.
Fukae most recently earned a spot with the Melbourne Aces of the Australian Baseball League this winter in the Australian summer. He hit .288 for the Aces in 21 games driving in six runs, stealing six bases in seven attempts and scoring 11 runs. Last season stateside Fukae played 17 games with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League going 5 for 34 with two RBI (.147).
In addition to playing at the top level in Japan, Fukae also spent time in the second tier Western League one step below the Pacific League playing parts of four seasons. He hit .250 in 2014, .286 in 2013, 229 in 2012 and .219 in 2011 for the Orix club in the Western League. In 2011 Fukae made his Japanese Big League debut playing in 29 games in the Pacific League hitting .333 (4 for 12) in 29 games
Fukae was the 5th selection of the Orix Buffaloes in the 2010 NPB draft after making his pro debut in the Kansai Independent Baseball League with the Akashi Red Soldiers. He graduated in 2010 from Ryukoku University in Kyoto and played and graduated from Matsusho Gakuen High School in Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan.
2016 will mark the 15th season of RailCats Baseball in Northwest Indiana and season tickets are now on sale. Visit RAILCATSBASEBALL.COM or call (219) 882-2255 for more information.
American Association Stories from February 22, 2016
- Saints Sign Former National Player of the Year, Third Round Draft Pick, Infielder Tony Thomas - St. Paul Saints
- Former Japanese Big Leaguer Inks with the RailCats - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- RailCats to Celebrate 30th Anniversary of "Top Gun" with Special Promotion - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Shortstop Returns for Second Season with Sioux Falls - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Muren Re-Signs with RedHawks; Morales Acquired - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Goldeyes Return Rotation Force - Winnipeg Goldeyes
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
