Memories of Norichika Aoki

[G-Fafif]

Despite not homering at all as a Met, Nori owned most of the major league home runs hit by Terry Collins's final Mets starting lineup. He had 33 entering October 1, 2017. The other eight guys combined for 28 (including four from Noah Syndergaard).

[Centerfield]

Meanwhile. Dice-K STILL GOING STRONG.

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2018/01/3de3c73ab520-baseball-matsuzaka-to-join-chunichi-after-tryout.html

Mori, a Seibu Lions pitching coach when Matsuzaka turned pro with that club, said he had few fixed expectations for the former superstar. "I'm not saying win 10 games or 20," Mori said. "He has established a body of work, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do with our team."

Ok. So maybe not "strong", but definitely still going.

Last summer, he was on the verge of joining the Hawks' injury-hit starting rotation but was never fit enough for a call-up. "Because I've not been able to pitch these past years, I want to really demonstrate that I can pitch and am fit," Matsuzaka said.

And by "still going" I mean that he would very much like to get back going. You get the idea.

[dgwphotography]

Lefty Specialist wrote: Filled the 'we have too many injuries and no decent outfielders in the minors so we have to have a body to put out there' role adequately.

First time I saw him at the plate, I wondered how this guy was in the majors...