Bauer interested in history of baseball in Japan

Last in a two-part series

TOKYO — Over the years, Trevor Bauer developed a reputation for being blunt and for having a temper. While playing for Cincinnati he openly criticized the Reds’ catcher over his signal calling. Traded to Cleveland, he threw the ball over the center field fence in one game when manager Terry Francona tried to remove him from a game.

He was also suspected of using grip-enhancing substances on the baseballs he pitched to give them increased spin. Nothing was ever proven, although the spin rate on his fastball dropped by more than 200 rpm following an announcement from MLB in mid-season that the league would begin enforcing their rules on pitch doctoring. However, he adamantly denies using any banned substances.