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Former MLB pitcher Kuroda bids farewell to baseball in Japan

Joy R. Absalon / USA TODAY Sports

Hiroki Kuroda, who spent seven seasons in Major League Baseball as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, officially announced his intent to retire from baseball in October, and he recently made sure to end his storied career right where it started: Japan.

The 41-year-old Hiroshima Carp hurler, who returned to pitch in Japan in 2015, thanked his fans on Nov. 5 during a touching ceremony at Mazda Stadium, which was the end of a pennant parade for the Central League champions.

"This is the best way to leave as I am able to take off my uniform in front of fans who are the best in the world,” said Kuroda.

After his speech, Kuroda shed tears as he knelt on the pitcher's mound in front of 30,810 fans.

The Carp plan to retire Kuroda's No. 15.

Kuroda only played for the Carp during his 13 seasons in Japan, winning 124 games to go along with a 3.55 ERA.

The right-hander was also successful during his time in the big leagues, posting a 3.45 ERA along with 79 wins.

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