Former major leaguer and Yakult Swallows closer Shingo Takatsu flew off Sunday to join the Woori Heroes, a South Korean professional baseball team.
The 39-year-old Takatsu, who was released by the Chicago Cubs organization before the season opened in March, said he is grateful for the opportunity to continue playing baseball.
"I wanted to play baseball. I'm happy. I hope I can give it all my power," Takatsu said.
Takatsu, who owns an all-time record 286 saves in Japan, moved to the majors and joined the Chicago White Sox in 2004, where he posted 19 saves in his first season. He then signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets in 2005 and rejoined Yakult in 2006.