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The Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes


After years of low attendance, the Kintetsu Buffaloes got a big boost moving into Osaka Dome in 1997. But the fans hoping to see the Buffaloes win often go home disappointed because the team has finished near the bottom of the league the past two seasons.
The problem isn't hitting. Led by outfielder Tuffy Rhodes and designated hitter Phil Clark, the Buffaloes feature a fast and powerful offense that can hit home runs and steal bases. But Kintetsu's pitchers have had a lot of trouble adjusting to the hitter-friendly park.
The last Kintetsu pitcher to have much success was Hideo Nomo, who was named the 1990 Pacific League Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year when he led the league in wins, strikeouts and ERA. In 1995, Nomo joined the Los Angeles Dodgers where he was named the National League Rookie of the Year.
Other past Kintetsu stars include outfielder Ralph Bryant (248 home runs, 1988-95) and Keishi Suzuki (317-238, career 3.11 ERA, 3061 strikeouts, 1966-85). Ironically, Suzuki was the manager who overworked Nomo and prompted him to flee Japan.
Founded in 1950 by Kintetsu Railways and known as the Pearls until 1958, the Buffaloes have won fewer games than any other PL franchise. Until the mid-1960s, the team nearly always placed last and in 1961 they lost a record 103 games. Kintetsu has won three PL pennants but they are the only team that hasn't won a Japan Series championships.
Typical of all Japan's indoor ballparks, the facility is a donut-shaped mall surrounding a few acres of green carpet. But the visibility is good and the seats behind home plate feature personal air conditioning vents and miniature television monitors.
And if the Buffaloes can figure out how to win games in their new homes, fans may start paying attention to what happens on the field.

http://ww1.baywell.ne.jp/fpweb/drlatham/teams/buff.htm