Ex-MLB player Laird toast of the town for beer-winning homer

TOKYO (AP) Former major leaguer Brandon Laird won't have to worry about picking up the tab at those pricey bars in Japan for a while.

Laird's solo homer for the Nippon Ham Fighters on Tuesday not only helped the team beat the Orix Bullaloes 4-0, it also hit a Kirin Beer sign, winning him $10,000 and a year's supply of beer.

Several signs adorn the walls above the stands in left and right fields at Tokyo Dome, allowing home run hitters to win everything from cars to electronics.

The 28-year-old Laird, who formerly played for the New York Yankees and Houston Astros and is now in his second season in Japan, said he would share the sudsy prize with his teammates.