Barnstormers sign pitcher on a two-for-one deal

Mizuki Akatsuka

The Chatham-Kent Barnstormers recently signed Mizuki Akatsuka, from Gifu Japan.

He will be a unique attraction, Mizuki is a 27 years old switch pitcher, as he pitches with both arms, which is a rare ability.

Akatsuka attended Rikkyo University in Tokyo, Japan. He was in high school the first time he attempted to “switch pitch” in a game.

Last year Akatsuka played with the Intercounty Baseball League’s Hamilton Cardinals, pitching 65 innings and earning three wins, and earning an ERA 3.46, with 64 strikeouts. It is believed that he was IBL’s first switch-pitcher in its 106 year history.

Versus the Barnstormers, in his first two appearances, Akatsuka threw 3.2 IP, zero hits, two BB, two K’s and recorded a Hold.

Prior to the IBL, he played with the Japan Islanders of the Empire Professional Baseball League in Japan in 2022-23, 33.2 IP, 2.14 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 32 K. Akatsuka also pitched in the Frontier League in 2022-23 for the Empire State Greys and the New Jersey Jackals and was able to accumulate three wins and 52 K’s over 82 IP.

This past winter (2024-25), Akatsuka pitched in the Nicaraguan Winter League. 26.2 IP, 4.73 ERA and 18 K’s.

In Major League Baseball, there has only been six switch pitchers ever recorded and only two since 1900. Pat Venditte pitched with both arms in the major leagues from 2015 to 2020. Greg A. Harris of the Montreal Expos switch pitched in 1995

According to information provided by the Barnstormers here’s Akatsuka’s repertoire: Pitch selection as a righty: fastball, curve, slider and change (Tops out at 91mph). Pitch selection as a lefty: fastball, curve, slider, change, cutter and two-seam (Tops out at 88mph).