IBL's Hamilton Cardinals sign switch-pitcher Akatsuka

The Intercounty Baseball League’s Hamilton Cardinals have signed switch-pitcher Mizuki Akatsuka. Photo: Hamilton Cardinals

April 22, 2024

Official Hamilton Cardinals News Release

Hamilton, Ont. – The Hamilton Cardinals have signed switch-pitcher Mizuki Akatsuka.

Mizuki, who is originally from Gifu, Japan, is one of the rare pitchers in the sport capable of effectively throwing with both his right and left arms, offering a unique tactical flexibility on the mound.

After playing baseball in Japan and attending Rikkyo University in Tokyo, Mizuki took his talents to the Frontier League in North America. Throughout the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he pitched for Empire State and New Jersey.

“Mizuki gives us flexibility and options that we’re excited to explore,” said George Halim, Hamilton Cardinals general manager. “It was a no-brainer to pick up two import arms for the price of one.”

In his Frontier League tenure, Mizuki appeared in 25 games, started four, and racked up 82 innings. He struck out batters at an impressive rate— six strikeouts per nine innings in 2022 and 5.1 in 2023.

Moreover, his time with the Japan Islanders in the Empire League showcased his potential, with a 2.92 ERA over 24 innings in 2022 and nine scoreless innings in 2023.

The Cardinals’ first home game is on Friday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m. against the Guelph Royals.