The most recognizable industrial leaguer on the Olympic team was Nihon Life Insurance right hander Masanori Sugiura. Sugiura pitched Japan to an 11-2 upset win over Kris Benson and Team USA in the semifinals of the 1996 Olympics, then started again the next day in the gold-medal game versus Cuba. Sugiura gave up five runs in 1 2/3 innings, receiving a no-decision as Cuba won 13-9.
