Warren Cromartie

Warren debuted in Major League Baseball with the Montreal Expos during the 1974 season. After playing a few games with the Expos again in the 1976 season, he became a regular in the 1977. He was a part of what the legendary Duke Snider called "the best young outfield in baseball" with Andre Dawson and Ellis Valentine. He was hugely popular in Montreal because of his steady hitting which allowed him to bat over .300 in the 1981 season. For his 10 year Major League career, Warren, or "Cro" as he was called, hit a robust .281. But that is not what most people remember him for.

In 1984, Warren signed a lucrative contract with the Yomiuri Giants of the Japan Central League and immediately felt the burden of stardom. Cro's burden, coupled with culture shock and success, made his six years in Japan a bittersweet experience.

Upon his arrival he was called the "Messiah" of the Giants. Messiah was not a label Warren was used to, nor was it one his teammates respected. Cro learned quickly that he was expected to produce while conforming to and respecting Japanese tradition. The pressure to succeed was enormous as he was the first American star ballplayer to play in Japan while at the peak of his career - most players went to Japan after when their Major League careers was in its twilight. In the end, Warren was accepted by the Japanese people. He enjoyed a very lucrative career, making commercials and signing large contracts.

Today, Cro hosts a radio show in Florida and is a popular and outspoken personality. His career with the Expos make him a popular figure in Canada to this day, and the Japanese language skills he learned during his time with the Giants makes him a very popular speaker and celebrity among Japanese business people.