NL Gary SouthShore Railcats

RailCats Sign Former Major League Pitcher Onan Masaoka

Published on April 28, 2009 under Northern League (NL)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release


GARY, Ind. - With the start of Spring Training just three days away the Gary SouthShore RailCats have added a proven major league arm to the pitching staff, today agreeing to terms with former Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Onan Masaoka, the team announced.

Masaoka, 31, is returning to baseball following a seven year hiatus during which time the Hilo, Hawaii native earned a business degree from the University of Hawai'i-Hilo and has been working part-time at a local high school. When he was an active pitcher, however, Masaoka was one of the most highly touted prospects in the Dodgers system and pitched in 83 big league games before his 23rd birthday.

A third round selection (79th overall) in the 1995 Major League Entry Draft straight out of Waiakea High School, a 17-year-old Masaoka made his pro debut with the Yakima Bears in the Northwest League and proceeded to strike out 75 men in only 49.1 innings. That performance earned Masaoka a top 10 ranking in the Los Angeles system according to Baseball America, and the next year the southpaw continued to whiff opposing hitters at a staggering rate, striking out 80 in 65.0 innings in the South Atlantic League and holding opposing batters to just 55 hits.

After two more strong years as a starter in the minor leagues, Masaoka made his major league debut at age 21 and spent the entire 1999 season with the Dodgers. Making 54 appearances out of the bullpen, Masaoka posted a 4.32 ERA, fanned 61 in 66.2 innings and picked up two wins and a save. The next season, Masaoka earned another 29 relief outings with the Dodgers, but following Triple-A stints at both Las Vegas and Charlotte (White Sox system) in 2001, Masaoka retired, telling the Honolulu Advertiser in 2007 he was "burned out" on baseball.

The numbers compiled by Masaoka in his minor league career are staggering - nearly 50 more strikeouts (486) than hits allowed (439) and 27 wins in 146 appearances. Even in his two major league years, Masaoka held opposing hitters to a .224 average and struck out 88 in 93.2 innings of work.

Masaoka's signing gives the RailCats 25 players under contract for the 2009 season, including 12 pitchers. Masaoka and fellow left-hander Tony Cogan both have major league experience and will be in camp when the team opens Spring Training Friday, May 1. The RailCats will hold their annual Open Tryout Wednesday, April 29 and will have at least 28 players at U. S. Steel Yard for the start of camp.

The RailCats also today announced Jeremy Plexico, the 2008 Northern League Pitcher of the Year, and outfielder Mike Reese have been placed on the inactive list. Plexico intends to retire and pursue a teaching career after a six-year professional career that included five seasons in the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals farm system. Reese spent each of the last two years with the RailCats and is finishing up his graduate studies in Florida.

The RailCats begin the 2009 season at home Monday, May 18 at 7 p.m. against the Joliet JackHammers. Single-game tickets, season tickets, group outings, mini-plans and flex tickets are now on sale by calling the RailCats at 219.882.2255. Don't miss your chance to experience the RailCats Tradition of Excellence in 2009 at U. S. Steel Yard.

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Northern League Stories from April 28, 2009


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