Veteran outfielder Fukudome eager for new opportunity with Hanshin Tigers

Kosuke Fukudome was re-introduced to the media on Saturday as the Central League’s Hanshin Tigers unveiled their biggest offseason signing.

The 35-year-old outfielder met the media after signing a three-year deal that will pay him ¥150 million next year with additional performance-based incentives. Second-year Tigers skipper Yutaka Wada also attended the press conference that attracted roughly 100 members of the media.

“My feelings are split 50-50. On the one hand my mind is clear. I think I’m going to be OK, but there’s a little anxiety,” he said. “Just seeing the number of reporters makes me think this team is something special, that this is a place where worthwhile things are done.”

Fukudome is not only returning to Japan after five years in the big leagues but also coming home to his baseball roots in the Kansai region, where he played high school and corporate league ball.

What is the track record of players returning to where they played corporate league ball?