Takashi Saitoh (JR East)

Takashi Saitoh (斎藤 貴志)

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 5' 11", Weight 185 lb.

• School Teikyo University
• High School Omiya Higashi High School

• Born July 20, 1978 in Saitama Prefecture

Takashi Saitoh has pitched for the Japanese national team at times; in the industrial leagues, he plays for JR East. He was 0-1 with a 4.09 ERA in the 2006 Intercontinental Cup. Saito was 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA in the 2007 Baseball World Cup; he was Japan's second-most used pitcher (by IP) after Tadashi Settsu. Saito appeared versus Mexico (3 runs in 6 IP), the USA (2/3 IP, 0 R), Italy (0 R in 5 IP, 7 K for the win) and Cuba (3 runs in 3 2/3 IP, taking the loss). His start against Cuba came in a crucial quarterfinal match against fellow southpaw Aroldis Chapman. Japan took home a Bronze Medal in the end. He is the only pitcher from Japan's 2007 World Cup team to return for the 2009 Baseball World Cup.