Birth of the Flame Stopper
Drafted first by Hiroshima in 1981, Tsuda converted to closer in 1986 and his 150+ km/h fastball, rare in 1980s NPB, became his signature weapon. The 'Flame Stopper' nickname captured both his velocity and the burning competitive fire he displayed on the mound.
Carp's Guardian
From 1986 to 1991, Tsuda served as Hiroshima's closer, recording 20 saves in the 1986 pennant-winning season. His philosophy of challenging hitters with fastballs in crucial moments, daring them to hit it, defined his aggressive style. His 90 career saves were impressive for the era.
Battle with Brain Cancer
Diagnosed with malignant brain tumor in 1991, Tsuda fought to return to the mound through surgery and rehabilitation. Despite his determination and the prayers of teammates and fans, the disease progressed. He died on July 20, 1993, at 32, a tragedy that shook the baseball world.
Legacy
His 286 games, 49-41, 90 saves, and 3.31 ERA understate his impact. Hiroshima treats his number 14 as semi-retired. Tsuda's fierce, fastball-only approach and his courage in facing terminal illness make his brief career one of NPB's most emotionally powerful stories.