Wladimir Balentien is retiring from Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan, the outfielder announced via Twitter. Balentien played for 11 seasons in the NPB, suiting up for the Swallows for nine seasons from 2011-2019 and the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks for the past two seasons. After struggling again through 170 plate appearances the next season, the Mariners traded Balentien to the Reds for 25-year-old right-hander Robert Manuel. In his first season with the Swallows, Balentien led the Central League with 31 home runs. Two seasons later, Balentien broke Sadaharu Oh’s record of 55 home runs in a single season, setting a new record with 60.

Source: Fox News January 23, 2022 06:38 UTC