UNDATED (AP) -- Hideo Nomo (hih-DAY'-oh NOH'-moh), who pitched
two no-hitters and led a rush of Japanese players to the major
leagues, has retired at age 39. Nomo's 123 wins are the most in the
majors by a Japanese pitcher.
Once known for a deceptive delivery and a devastating forkball,
the 39-year-old Nomo was released by the Kansas City Royals in late
April.
He was the 1995 NL Rookie of the Year with the Los Angeles
Dodgers and is one of only four pitchers to throw no-hitters in the
AL and NL. Nomo was out of the majors since 2005, but tried a
comeback this year but was released by Kansas City in late April.

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