Koji Uehara is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher.
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34 Facts About Koji Uehara
2.
Koji Uehara previously played for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball, as well as the Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball.
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3.
Koji Uehara won the 2013 ALCS MVP Award, and closed the final game of the 2013 World Series against the St Louis Cardinals.
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4.
Koji Uehara graduated from the Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences.
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5.
In 1998, Koji Uehara rejected a contract worth $3 million from the then-Anaheim Angels and signed with Yomiuri.
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6.
The Angels had expressed their continued interest in Koji Uehara, as scouting director Eddie Bane had stated that acquiring either Koji Uehara or Daisuke Matsuzaka was a top priority for the team.
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7.
Koji Uehara was drafted with the first pick by the Yomiuri Giants in 1998.
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8.
The competitive Koji Uehara complied with the order but showed his bitterness on the mound, kicking the dirt repeatedly and even shedding tears after the third intentional walk.
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9.
Koji Uehara was injured before the 2007 season which made him a late appearance, and in that season, he became a closer instead, recorded a 1.
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10.
Koji Uehara left the Giants after that season becoming a free agent and allowing him to play in Major League Baseball.
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11.
Koji Uehara asserted his preference in public to be transferred to a Major League Baseball team through the posting system.
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12.
Koji Uehara's efforts had been rebuffed by the Yomiuri Giants' front office.
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13.
Koji Uehara was expected to be eligible for free agency in 2007.
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14.
On January 13,2009, Koji Uehara signed a two-year, $10 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles.
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15.
Koji Uehara started the 2009 season as the number two starter behind Jeremy Guthrie.
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16.
Koji Uehara earned the win, going five innings and allowing one run.
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17.
On July 30,2011, Koji Uehara was traded to the Texas Rangers for Chris Davis and Tommy Hunter.
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18.
On December 6,2012, Koji Uehara agreed to a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox.
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19.
Koji Uehara transitioned his role from setup man to closer after season-ending injuries to Andrew Bailey and Joel Hanrahan.
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20.
Koji Uehara pitched in five games of the 2013 ALCS, and was named ALCS Most Valuable Player.
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21.
Koji Uehara recorded a save in Game 6 to win the Red Sox their 13th AL pennant.
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22.
On July 9,2014, Koji Uehara was named to his first career All-Star Game, replacing injured New York Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka.
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23.
Koji Uehara struggled near the end of the 2014 regular season and was removed from the closer role on September 5.
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24.
Koji Uehara returned to the closer position in the 2015 season, but on August 7, he suffered a season-ending injury when a batted ball struck his right wrist.
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25.
On March 9,2018, Koji Uehara signed a one-year contract with the Yomiuri Giants, returning to Japan for the first time since 2008.
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26.
On July 20,2018, Koji Uehara became the second pitcher in history to have 100 wins, 100 holds, and 100 saves combined between NPB and MLB.
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27.
Koji Uehara finished his career having appeared in a combined 748 games across the MLB and the NPB, with a combined ERA of 2.
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28.
Koji Uehara finished his career as the MLB's all-time leader in strikeout-to-walk ratio among qualifying relievers, posting a 7.
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29.
Koji Uehara participated in international events since he was in University, he participated in the Olympic Games twice, as well as the first World Baseball Classic, and participated in Asian Baseball Championships.
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30.
Koji Uehara has 12 wins and 2 saves, without a loss in his 25 appearances from the above events.
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31.
Koji Uehara was a member of the Japanese national baseball team which competed in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
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33.
Koji Uehara chose not to participate in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
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