Marc Kroon will be missed.
The flamboyant relief pitcher's career in Japan has ended after six seasons; three years each with the Yokohama BayStars and Yomiuri Giants and, as mentioned here three weeks ago, Kroon has signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants, with a shot at making the major league club in spring training. I hope he succeeds.
Besides being a great relief pitcher and setting the record for the fastest pitch thrown in a pro baseball game in Japan (162 kph), Kroon was a fan favorite, an exemplary teammate and a fierce competitor who found his niche in Japan after stints in the majors with San Diego, Cincinnati and Colorado.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.