Hideo Nomo was a trailblazer and an inspiration to Japanese players who dreamed of playing in the U.S. major leagues, former teammates and opponents said a day after the pitcher retired.
Nomo announced his retirement on Thursday, bringing an end to an illustrious Major League Baseball career that began in 1995.
Nomo's 123 wins are the most in the majors by a Japanese pitcher. He was the 1995 National League Rookie of the Year with the Los Angeles Dodgers and is one of only four pitchers to have thrown no-hitters in both the American League and NL.