On December 20, 2001, Hideo Nomo signed a 2-year, $13.75 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The previous season, Nomo had led the American League with 220 strikeouts.
Leading the National League in strikeouts, Dodger right hand pitcher Hideo Nomo was selected for the All-Star Game on July 2, 1995. This made Nomo the first player from Japan to receive the honor.