Koichi Taniguchi

Koichi Taniguchi (谷口 功一)

• Bats Right, Throws Left
• Height 6' 3", Weight 215 lb.

• High School Tenri High School

• Born May 4, 1973 in Shijonawate, Osaka Japan

BR Register page

Biographical Information

Koichi Taniguchi was picked in the first round of the 1991 NPB draft by the Yomiuri Giants after a fine high school career. He made his Nippon Pro Baseball debut in 1993, walking 5 and allowing 2 homers and 5 runs in four innings over 3 games. He suffered a shoulder injury that year. It was his only appearance for Yomiuri before they released him in 1997. He was sent with Takashi Kashiwada to the US in 1997 but did not apparently pitch in the minor leagues.

The Seibu Lions signed Taniguchi for 1998 and he struggled for them in the minors. He was picked up by the Kintetsu Buffaloes and allowed four walks and 2 runs in 3 1/3 innings for them in 1999 to conclude his NPB career. He played for the Newark Bears in 2000, going 7-3 with a 4.96 ERA in 16 games.

Released by Kintetsu, Taniguchi signed with the Atlantic City Surf for 2001 and was 5-4 with a 5.23 ERA in 22 outings. In 2002, he pitched for the Jackson Senators, going 1-3 with a 2.93 ERA in 14 games (two starts).