On December 1, 2001, the Mets sign star Japanese pitcher Satoru Komiyama to a 1-year contract for $500,000.

The 36-year-old Komiyama was a 7-time All-Star in Japan with the Lotte Orions/Chiba Lotte Marines and Yokohama Bay Stars.

Komiyama career record was below .500 in Japan. He was a disaster in the major leagues.

His 0-3 record, 5.61 ERA and his ability to allow runs to score in 11 of his 25 appearances led to his exile in the minors twice and the doghouse and his eventual release after the season.

In one game against the Astros in 2002, Komiyama relieved Jeff D’Amico in the 4th inning of a 5-1 deficit.

Manager Bobby Valentine hoped he could keep the Mets close, but instead he surrendered 8 hits and 7 earned runs in one inning of work.

In another memorable performance against the Yankees, Komiyama relieved choke artist Armando Benitez after another blown save.

Komiyama faced five batters and served up a two-run homer to former Met Robin Ventura. Komiyama surrendered seven home runs and 27 runs in 43 innings.

Sayonara!

Satoru Komiyama career numbers >>