Masao Kida

Masao Kida was a Japanese professional baseball pitcher who had a career spanning from 1999 to 2005. Born in 1968, Kida made his mark in Major League Baseball during a time when the league was experiencing a surge in international talent, particularly from Japan. He was known for his distinctive pitching style, which combined a variety of deliveries that kept batters guessing, highlighting the increasing globalization of the game in the early 21st century. Throughout his career, Kida recorded a win-loss record of 1-1 and finished with an earned run average (ERA) of 5.83. He accumulated a total of 68 strikeouts and recorded 1 save, demonstrating his ability to contribute both as a starter and in relief roles. While his statistical achievements may not place him among the most celebrated pitchers of his era, Kida's journey from Japan to the Majors exemplified the expanding opportunities for international players and the growing influence of Japanese baseball on the global stage. His presence in MLB helped pave the way for future generations of pitchers from Japan.