HIROSHIMA – Hiroshima Carp veteran right-hander Shinji Sasaoka said Monday he will retire at the end of the year after a largely unfulfilling season. Sasaoka, 40, said he knew it was time to hang up his glove and call it quits after he was unable to return to form following a stint on the farm team this season. “I thought it was just about over for me when I lost against the Giants on July 29 (allowing six runs in two-plus innings),” Sasaoka said. “I was deactivated and tried pitching on the farm team but my form didn’t return to normal.” Sasaoka, who is 2-7 with a 6.40 ERA in 10 games in 2007, said one of his fondest memories is helping Hiroshima win the Central League title in 1991. “That’s a great memory. I was able to play for the team I wanted to play for over 18 years. I wish I could have won another title with this team.” Sasaoka was drafted by Hiroshima as a No. 1 draft pick in 1990. The following season, he won a slew of accolades, including pitcher with most wins (17), lowest ERA (2.44), the league MVP award and the Sawamura Award. The Shimane Prefecture native has experience as a starter, throwing in middle relief and pitching in the closer’s role. He threw a no-hitter against the Chunichi Dragons on May 8, 1999, and posted both his 100th win and 100th save in 2003.
National
Visa violators continue sit-in at Immigration
by Tomohiro Osaki
A sit-in by visa violators and their families entered its second day Tuesday in front of the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau with protesters seeking government good will. The action at the bureau in Minato Ward is being organized by the Asian People’s Friendship Society, ...