Kenshin Kawakami

Kenshin Kawakami, born in 1975, was a Japanese professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2009 to 2010. Before his tenure in the MLB, Kawakami established himself as a prominent player in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), where he showcased his skills as a reliable starter. Upon joining the Atlanta Braves, he became part of a wave of Japanese talent entering the league during a period when MLB was increasingly looking to Japan for skilled players. Throughout his MLB career, Kawakami recorded a win-loss record of 8-22 and maintained an earned run average (ERA) of 4.32 over his time on the mound. He struck out 164 batters and achieved one save, demonstrating his ability to contribute both as a starter and in relief roles. Although his MLB career was brief, Kawakami's presence marked a continuation of the growing influence of Japanese pitchers in baseball, bridging the gap between NPB and MLB and paving the way for future generations of international players.