Who was the first Asian to play Major League Baseball?

Answer 1

Officially, the first player to play in the major leagues that was born in an Asian country was Harry Kingman, who was born in Tientsin, China, on April 3, 1892. He broke into the big leagues July 1, 1914.

He was not of Asian descent however, being born of, New York Congregationalist missionary, Henry Kingman and wife Anna.

Another possible answer is Henry "Prince" O'ana, who was of Native Hawaiian descent, but since the Pacific Islands are not truly part of Asia, he may not qualify. He debuted in the majors in April 1934.

Native Japanese relief pitcher Masanori Murakami became the first Asian player to come to the United States and play in the major leagues. He worked his way up through the minor leagues. He debuted for the San Francisco Giants on September 1, 1964.

Answer 2

Masanori Murakami, Pitcher for the San Francisco Giants(1964-65)

Answer 3

Masanori Murakami, who pitched for the San Francisco Giants in the 60s. Hideo Nomo and Chang Ho Park both signed in the same year and Hideo became # 2.

Answer 4

Masanori Murakami was the first player to come from Asia (Japan) in order to play major league baseball:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/m/murakma01.shtml

Answer 5

I think it was a pitcher named Maroski Markamuri with the Gaints in 1965