AA Gary SouthShore Railcats

RailCats Re-Sign Japanese Outfielder

Published on May 18, 2016 under American Association (AA)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release


GARY, IN - The Gary South Shore RailCats announced today they are releasing infielder Alex Tomasovich and adding former Japanese Major League outfielder Masato Fukae.  The move finalizes the outfield for Greg Tagert's squad just one day before the season opener in St. Paul.  Fukae was originally signed by the RailCats on February 15th but was later released.

Fukae comes to the South Shore fresh off a good season in the Australian Baseball League this past winter in the Aussie summer of 2015-2106. Fukae spent parts of three seasons in the Japanese Pacific League (NPB) with the Orix Buffaloes from 2011-2013. In three seasons the left-handed batter compiled a .272 average over 81 at bats. Speed is his calling card and was used as both a pinch runner and late inning defensive replacement in his 81 games for the Buffaloes. All three of his extra base hits were triples, and he stole eight bases in the Japanese Major Leagues.

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).

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.

Alex Tomasovich was acquired by the RailCats as part of a three-way trade between Schaumburg, and Traverse City, both of the Frontier League, and Gary South Shore.  Tomasovich spent all of 2015, his first season in "indy" ball, with the Traverse City Beach Bums where he hit .279 in 79 games with 78 played at second base.

2016 will mark the 15th season of RailCats Baseball in Northwest Indiana. Opening Day for the RailCats' on the South Shore is Friday, May 27th against the Joplin Blasters. For more information on Gary South Shore RailCats season tickets and Group Outing information call 219-882-2255 or visit www.railcatsbaseball.com.

Check out the Gary SouthShore Railcats Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Association Stories from May 18, 2016


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.

OurSports Central