PEORIA, Ariz. — Two decades ago, Hideo Nomo became the first Japanese player to permanently relocate to the majors. "Nomomania" swept baseball as the then-Dodgers right-hander proved an instant hit, earning both an All-Star berth and the 1995 National League Rookie of the Year Award. His success spawned a wave of fellow countrymen who established their own careers stateside.
In addition to learning the inner workings of a major league front office and sharing his own extensive knowledge, Nomo is hoping to continue what he started. The Padres are his new allegiance; the club recently hired the 47-year-old as an advisor for baseball operations.