Hiroki Kuroda is a former professional baseball pitcher from Japan, known for his successful career in both Japanese and Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on February 10, 1975, in Osaka, Japan. Kuroda began his career with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) before moving to the MLB, where he played for teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. Kuroda was recognized for his strong pitching skills, including a reliable fastball and effective breaking pitches. Over his career, he achieved numerous accolades, including multiple All-Star selections in Japan and a reputation for being a consistent performer on the mound. He retired from professional baseball in 2017.