Kenji Johjima

Kenji Johjima is a japanese catcher for the Seattle Mariners. He is the first full time Japanese player to play catcher in the Major Leagues. He is widely considered for his excellent defense and solid bat.

Fast Facts

1. Born: June 8, 1976
2. Birth Place: Sasebo, Japan
3. Height: 6'0"
4. Weight: 198 lbs
5. First Full-Time Japanese Catcher in MLB

Early Life

Kenji Johjima was born in Sasebo, Japan on June 8, 1976. He would begin his career in the Japanese Baseball League, where he would earn the Pacific League Most Valuable player in 2003,and win Seven Gold Gloves . He would also play in the 2004 Summer Olympics representing Japan where they would win the Bronze medal.

Pro Career

In 2005, Johjima would sign as a free agent with the Seattle Mariners and on April 3, 2006 he would make his major league debut with the club. He would be the first Japanese full-time catcher to play in Major League Baseball. In 2006, he was named the starting catcher for the Mariners where he would establish himself as one of the best defensive catchers in baseball.

Kenji Johjima Timeline

• June 8, 1976 : Born
• 1995: Debuts with Fukuoka Daiei Hawks/Fukuoka Softbank Hawks
• 2005: Most votes for the Japanese All-Star Game
• 2006: Debuts with Seattle Mariners

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