The San Diego Padres on Thursday announced the hire of former major league pitcher Hideo Nomo as an adviser for baseball operations.
The 47-year-old Japanese baseball Hall-of-Famer, who in 1995 became Japan's first big leaguer in 30 years and pioneered an era that has seen many of Japan's best players head to the majors, will be involved in player development and baseball operations as well as helping the Padres expand their presence in the Pacific Rim, the club said on its official website.
"I am very happy to join the San Diego Padres and return to Major League Baseball," Nomo said in a statement.