Batterymates Katsuya Nomura, Joe Stanka shared special bond decades after playing for Hawks
The ball that brought an end to the 1964 Japan Series between the Nankai Hawks and Hanshin Tigers landed, as so many others had over those seven games, in Hawks catcher Katsuya Nomura's mitt. That final pitch (a swinging strike) was thrown by Nankai star ...
Stanka's family reunited with '64 MVP trophy
Joe Stanka's Pacific League MVP trophy was missing for over 30 years. He won the award with the Nankai Hawks during the 1964 season. Pitching to catcher Katsuya Nomura, "Big Thunder" went 26-7 with a 2.40 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 277⅔ innings. He was ...
Nankai Hawks ace Joe Stanka, hero of 1964 Japan Series, dies at 87
Former Nankai Hawks great Joe Stanka, the 1964 Pacific League MVP who famously threw three shutouts during that season's Japan Series, died of heart failure on Oct. 15, his grandson Josh told The Japan Times Stanka, 87, passed away at his home in Katy, Texas. A ...
Late slugger Daryl Spencer brought passion, pride, power to Hankyu Braves
The Baseball Bullet-In this week remembers Daryl Spencer, the former Hankyu Braves slugger who died Jan. 2 in Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 88. Spencer was one of the 1960s-era Americans, most of them ex-major leaguers, who played in Japan. That group included George ...
Late translator Ushigome served with pride, distinction during long career
The Baseball Bullet-In this week would like to remember Tadahiro Ushigome, long-time baseball personality who died in Tokyo last month of a blood disorder at age 79. Although the date of his death was April 9, it was not announced until May 4. "Tad" or ...
Fond memories of 'Mr. Minor League'
Sadly, the Baseball Bullet-in says goodbye to a good friend and great fan of the game, Takashi "Bert" Shimada, aka "Mr. Minor League," who died in Tokyo on June 19 at the age of 87. Though he followed baseball at all levels in his ...
