Softbank closer Mahara re-signs for 210 mil. yen

FUKUOKA, Japan - Softbank Hawks closer Takahiro Mahara speaks at a press conference at Yahoo Dome in Fukuoka on Dec. 28, 2010, after re-signing with the baseball club for an annual salary of 210 million yen.

Ramirez homers to lead CL to victory in All-Star Game 1

TOKYO, Japan - Yakult Swallows left fielder Alex Ramirez breaks a scoreless tie in the seventh inning with a two-run shot over the left-field wall off Softbank Hawks closer Takahiro Mahara as the Central League beat the Pacific League 4-0 in Game 1 of the All-Star series at Tokyo Dome on July 20. Ramirez was named the MVP of the game.

Ramirez homers to lead CL to victory in All-Star Game 1

TOKYO, Japan - Yakult Swallows left fielder Alex Ramirez breaks a scoreless tie in the seventh inning with a two-run shot over the left-field wall off Softbank Hawks closer Takahiro Mahara as the Central League beat the Pacific League 4-0 in Game 1 of the All-Star series at Tokyo Dome on July 20. Ramirez was named the MVP of the game. (Kyodo)

Hawks rookie pitcher Takahiro Mahara MIYAZAKI, Japan - Takahiro Mahara, SoftBank Hawks rookie right-hand pitcher, takes a big bite into a rice roll made to look like a carrot toward the direction thought to be lucky to observe the custom of ''setsubun'' (seasonal division) during a spring training in Miyazaki Prefecture. The photo was taken on Feb. 3, 2004. (Kyodo)

Softbank closer Mahara re-signs for 210 mil. yen

FUKUOKA, Japan - Softbank Hawks closer Takahiro Mahara speaks at a press conference at Yahoo Dome in Fukuoka on Dec. 28, 2010, after re-signing with the baseball club for an annual salary of 210 million yen. (Kyodo)