Marc Kroon will be missed.
The flamboyant relief pitcher's career in Japan has ended after six seasons; three years each with the Yokohama BayStars and Yomiuri Giants and, as mentioned here three weeks ago, Kroon has signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants, with a shot at making the major league club in spring training. I hope he succeeds.
Besides being a great relief pitcher and setting the record for the fastest pitch thrown in a pro baseball game in Japan (162 kph), Kroon was a fan favorite, an exemplary teammate and a fierce competitor who found his niche in Japan after stints in the majors with San Diego, Cincinnati and Colorado.