Tsunemi Tsuda

Tsunemi Tsuda
Pitcher
Born: August 1, 1960
Shūnan, Yamaguchi, Japan
Died: July 20, 1993 (aged 32)
Fukuoka, Japan
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
NPB debut
April 10, 1982, for the Hiroshima Carp
Last NPB appearance
April 14, 1991, for the Hiroshima Carp
NPB statistics
Earned run average3.31
Wins49
Saves90
Complete games19
Shutouts2
Strikeouts542
Teams
Career highlights and awards
Member of the Japanese
Baseball Hall of Fame
Induction2012

Tsunemi Tsuda (津田 恒実, Tsuda Tsunemi; August 1, 1960 July 20, 1993) was a Japanese baseball player of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Japan's Central League.

He was one of the most famous Japanese right-handed pitchers. He was known as the "Stopper of Flame" (炎のストッパー, Honou-no-Stopper) because from his pitching style with the fastball. His nickname was "Tsune-Gon"(ツネゴン).

He was born in Shūnan, Yamaguchi. He retired in 1991, and died of brain tumor in 1993, when he was 32 years old.

His memorial plate, found at Hiroshima Municipal Stadium, is inscribed with the words "We will never forget about his fastball, smile, courage and bravery".

He led his team in two Japan Series and won one title (1984).