TTM Stats
- Sent: 2/1/2018 | Received: 3/26/2018 | 55 Days
- ’16 Topps Update, ’17 Topps Update
- Address: Miami Marlins Spring Training
The Story of the Autograph
Junichi Tazawa is a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball and he’s currently part of the Maimi Marlins. He’s been with the Marlins since last year and before that he pitched with the Botston Red Sox. I actually hadn’t realized how long he’d been in the league before looking at his career numbers. I think I might have gotten him a little confused with Koji Uehara who was also on the Red Sox.
Junichi started his career in Japan, but not with the professional league. He wasn’t drafted originally so he joined the corporate league team for Nippon Oil. From his numbers in that league it looks like he completely outclassed other players and ended up being the MVP of the championships. In September of 2008 he decided skip the NPB draft and just go to MLB. Because he did that he didn’t have to wait nine years to become a free agent or hope that his team would auction him off. He actually even draft him so there wouldn’t be any conflicts.
In December of 2008 the Red Sox signed Tazawa. He made his first major league appearance in August 2009 against the Yankees in the 14th inning when he was the last pitcher left in the bullpen. The first batter he faced was Hideki Matsui who he got to line out. The 15th wasn’t as kind as A-Rod hit a two-run walk off jack against him. He would skip the 2010 season after having Tommy John Surgery.
He worked his way back 2011 late in the season and then be back in the minors for 2012, but he would get back to the majors again. In 2013 he was the interim closer when the Sox other closers were injured. He would move to the set up role to support Koji Uehara.
He struggled in his first year with the Marlins and had a 5.69 ERA and went 3-5 in 55 appearances.
The Score on Junichi Tazawa – 7.5
While it could be bigger, I think Junichi’s signature is pretty solid. My favorite part of his signature is where he moves from the “J” into the “T”. Or at least that’s what it looks like is going on. He used a really strong marker and even thought the 2017 Topps Update is dark it still came out OK. It looks like he tried to sign as low as he could. The more I get back those 2016 Topps cards the more I love how that white cloud at the bottom really helps with autographs. As long as the guys signs lower on the picture anyway.
Thanks Mr. Tazawa! I’m giving this return a 7.5.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.