Takashi Saito

Takashi Saito (斎藤 隆, Saitō Takashi, born February 14, 1970 in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan) is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. His nicknames include "Sammy", bestowed upon him by outfielder Andre Ethier, and "The Mole", due to the holes he digs in the pitcher's mound using his cleats. Saito previously pitched for the Yokohama BayStars in the Japanese Central League, compiling a record of 87-80 over 13 seasons. H... more

Takashi Saito (斎藤 隆, Saitō Takashi, born February 14, 1970 in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan) is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. His nicknames include "Sammy", bestowed upon him by outfielder Andre Ethier, and "The Mole", due to the holes he digs in the pitcher's mound using his cleats. Saito previously pitched for the Yokohama BayStars in the Japanese Central League, compiling a record of 87-80 over 13 seasons. His success as a closer down the stretch in the 2006 season resulted in an 8th place finish in National League Rookie of the Year award, receiving two third place votes (Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez won the award). This success also resulted in an 8th place finish in the National League Cy Young Award, receiving a single third place vote. Saito played for Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai during his college years alongside players such as former Seattle Mariners closer Kazuhiro Sasaki and current Hanshin Tigers outfielder Tomoaki... less