Famous People in Japan



Tani Yoshitomo

Date of Birth 9 February, 1973
Place of Birth Osaka

When Yoshitomo Tani was a child he played with ball and bat. And he had a dream to be a professional baseball player. He graduated Jinsei Gakuen High School in 1991 and Osaka Shogyo University in 1995. Then he joined Mitsubishi automobile company in order to play for their team. In 1997, he was drafted as second choice by the Orix Blue Wave.

For the first year, he joined the Western League, which is a farm team for the Orix Blue Wave, and he registered for a batting average of .318. He was recognized by Akira Ogi, who is the manager of Orix Blue Wave, and he was elevated to the major league.

Last year (1998) was his second year as a professional baseball player. He felt the pressure but he registered a batting average of .300. Now he is a central figure for the Orix Blue Wave. He said they would win a victory of the Pacific League in 2000. I hope he will lead team to the pennant.

References: Orix Blue Wave Year Book, 1999

Reported by: Miho Ueoka
Date of Report: December 20
Date verified by: Ai Okada


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