Lesley, Former Reds Pitcher, Discovers a New Life in Japan

Brad Lesley, former Cincinnati Reds pitcher, is trying to make the adjustment to the Japanese version of baseball.

Lesley, the pitcher nicknamed “The Animal” during his his career with the Reds, was noted for thrusting his fist in the air following a strikeout, stomping around the mound and other antics. He pitched for the National League club from 1982 through 1984.

Reds fans, unaccustomed to the losing ways of the Reds during those years, enjoyed Lesley’s mannerisms. But his statistics, an 0-3 record with six saves in three seasons, resulted in the 6-6, 220-pound pitcher being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in 1985.

Last season, Lesley was offered a contract with the Hankyu Braves of the Japanese Pacific League and jumped at the opportunity. The Japanese fans, used to impeccable behavior by the players, at first were taken aback by Lesley’s antics.

“It’s different,” Lesley said during a recent visit to Cincinnati. “No hard slides into second base, no brushing back the hitters. If a pitcher comes close to a hitter, he doffs his cap and bows in apology.”

Lesley said he did not adapt to Japan’s baseball manners.

“After they found out it was part of my intensity, an act of intimidation, they loved it,” Lesley said. “I haven’t toned down any part of my act.”

Lesley also found his pitching touch in Japan. He was 5-3 with 19 saves last year and was the winning pitcher in the All-Star game.

He also is learning the Japanese language. He’s made a video, “The Champion Animal,” sung in Japanese, and also was the American hero in a Samurai movie called, “The Animal Goes To Japan.”

“I killed 12 people and won the girl in the end,” he said.

Lesley is in no hurry to return to the United States, but he didn’t rule out a comeback attempt in the major leagues.

“Unless I get a great deal, though, I see no reason to come back,” he said. “I’ve got another year on my contract, and I’ve learned the language. I’ve learned the customs, and I’ve immersed myself in the culture.”