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By Jon Weisman

My never-ending, fruitless quest to get people to say “Nomonia” instead of “Nomomania” aside, here’s a nice video tribute from the Dodgers to the newly crowned Japanese Baseball Hall of Famer, Hideo Nomo.

It’s a tremendous honor, and I was so happy to see it. Even though I rationalized why Nomo was almost completely shut out in the recent Cooperstown balloting, a big part of me felt his importance to the game was being understated. But this new recognition feels wonderfully appropriate and fulfilling.

I can still remember the joyful surprise of that first Nomo season. Before it began, you weren’t sure he would be able to stay in the big leagues at all, and then suddenly, he was racking up strikeouts on a pace with the greatest in baseball history.

I can also remember the tough times, when his arm was failing him and the struggles began, and then his resiliency as he battled back, before finally giving way for good. His ERAs and adjusted ERA as a Dodger:

2.54, 149 (1995)
3.19, 122 (1996)
4.25, 91 (1997)
5.05, 80 (1998)
3.39, 112 (2002)
3.09, 131 (2003)
8.25, 50 (2004)

Pitching is a crazy game.

Below, some statements from the Dodger family, present and past.

“The Los Angeles Dodgers congratulate Hideo Nomo on his election to the Japanese Hall of Fame,” said Dodger President and CEO Stan Kasten. “‘Nomomania’ was a very special time for Dodger fans in the United States and internationally. He had a great career both in Japan and the United States, and that’s quite evident by the overwhelming voter support Hideo received in gaining entrance on the first ballot.”

“I am so happy and proud to learn of Hideo Nomo’s election to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame — he is truly a Hall of Famer,” added Tommy Lasorda, who managed Nomo during his first two MLB seasons in 1995-96. “When he came to the Dodgers in 1995, I remember taking him under my wing like a son and helping him with the transition. He was quite a pitcher and competitor, but he is also a very special and caring person. The Dodger fans loved him and it became the start of ‘Nomomania’ in Los Angeles and Japan. Hideo, on behalf of the Dodger organization, congratulations on this prestigious honor. We wish you and your wonderful family many happy and healthy years.”

Former Dodger owner Peter O’Malley sent this message to Nomo: “Congratulations, Hideo, I am very happy for you. You deserve this extraordinary recognition by the Baseball Hall of Fame. Ever since we first met in 1995, I have admired your professionalism and courage facing baseball’s finest hitters. Everyone in the Dodger organization respected you. You are a pioneer and have opened the door for others to follow you in Major League Baseball. Well done.”

Postscript: For those who have forgotten, the unusual boxscore of Nomo’s MLB debut.