Yomiuri Giants slugger Kazuhiro Kiyohara, whose exploits as a bachelor have been followed closely by the media, is finally planning to tie the knot. He's engaged to 31-year-old model Aki Kimura, sources close to the veteran infielder said Saturday.
The couple exchanged engagement gifts last month and will hold a formal wedding ceremony this fall, the sources said.
"We were introduced by a close friend and things just seemed to progress as we got to know each other. She has been by my side during some tough times and has given me a lot of strength," said Kiyohara.
Kiyohara, 32, was forced to sit out the first 11 games of this season after suffering a torn muscle in his left thigh in an exhibition contest last month. He was reactivated for Saturday's key Central League game against Yokohama. A graduate of Osaka's PL Gakuen, Kiyohara was the first overall pick in the 1986 draft.