Masanori Hayashi (林 昌範, Hayashi Masanori; born September 19, 1983) is a former professional Japanese baseball player.…Masanori Hayashi (林 昌範, Hayashi Masanori; born September 19, 1983) is a former professional Japanese baseball player. He played as a pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Yomiuri Giants (2002–2008), the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (2009–2011) and the Yokohama DeNA BayStars (2012–2017).
Yasuyuki Kataoka (片岡 保幸, Kataoka Yasuyuki; born February 17, 1983 in Hanamigawa-ku, Chiba, Japan) is a Japanese former…Yasuyuki Kataoka (片岡 保幸, Kataoka Yasuyuki; born February 17, 1983 in Hanamigawa-ku, Chiba, Japan) is a Japanese former Nippon Professional Baseball player. He played for the Seibu Lions in Japan’s Pacific League and the Yomiuri Giants in the Central League. His wife is Japanese talent artist Becky. On 17 March 2020 the couple announced the birth of their first child, and their second child was born on 20 August 2021.
Takehiko Oshimoto (押本 健彦, Oshimoto Takehiko; born October 28, 1982 in Nagareyama, Chiba, Japan) is a former…Takehiko Oshimoto (押本 健彦, Oshimoto Takehiko; born October 28, 1982 in Nagareyama, Chiba, Japan) is a former professional Japanese baseball player.
Ryo Kawashima (川島 亮, Kawashima Ryo; born September 9, 1981 in Inage-ku, Chiba, Chiba Prefecture, Japan) is a former…Ryo Kawashima (川島 亮, Kawashima Ryo; born September 9, 1981 in Inage-ku, Chiba, Chiba Prefecture, Japan) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan's Pacific League.
Manabu Iwadate (岩舘 学, Iwadate Manabu; born April 14, 1981) is a Japanese professional baseball manager and former…Manabu Iwadate (岩舘 学, Iwadate Manabu; born April 14, 1981) is a Japanese professional baseball manager and former infielder who is a coach for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball. He played for the Yomiuri Giants and the Fighters during his playing career.
Shinnosuke Abe (阿部 慎之助, Abe Shinnosuke; born March 20, 1979) is a Japanese former professional baseball player and…Shinnosuke Abe (阿部 慎之助, Abe Shinnosuke; born March 20, 1979) is a Japanese former professional baseball player and manager. He spent his entire 19-year career with Nippon Professional Baseball's Yomiuri Giants, serving as the team's captain from 2007 to 2014. He has twice been named the MVP of the Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star Series, in 2007 (Game 1) and 2010 (Game 1). Currently, he serves as the manager for the Giants.
Takahiko Sato (佐藤 隆彦, Satō Takahiko; born August 9, 1978, in Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan), also known as G. G. Sato, is a…Takahiko Sato (佐藤 隆彦, Satō Takahiko; born August 9, 1978, in Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan), also known as G. G. Sato, is a former professional player for the Philadelphia Phillies organization, Saitama Seibu Lions, Chiba Lotte Marines, and Fortitudo Baseball Bologna.
Ryosuke Sawai (born March 9, 1978, in Choshi, Chiba, Japan) is a Japanese former baseball infielder in Nippon…Ryosuke Sawai (born March 9, 1978, in Choshi, Chiba, Japan) is a Japanese former baseball infielder in Nippon Professional Baseball. He played for the Chiba Lotte Marines in 1998 and from 2000 to 2003. Prior to playing professionally, he attended Choshi Shogyo High School. In 1997, at 19 years old, he played briefly in the minor league system of the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball. With the AZL Padres, he hit .100 in 10 at-bats. He assumed a utility role upon joining the Marines and was used infrequently. In his first year with the club, he was hitless in two at-bats. In 2000, he hit .200 with a home run in 10 at-bats and in 2001, he hit .263 in 19 at-bats. He hit .176 with three home runs and eight RBI in 68 at-bats in 2002 and in 2003, his final season, he hit .279 with two home runs and nine RBI in 61 at-bats. Overall, Sawai hit .225 with six home runs and 19 RBI in 160 at-bats spread over 90 games in five seasons.
Hirotoshi Ishii (石井 弘寿, born September 14, 1977) is a Japanese baseball coach and former relief pitcher for the Tokyo…Hirotoshi Ishii (石井 弘寿, born September 14, 1977) is a Japanese baseball coach and former relief pitcher for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. He has repeatedly expressed a desire to play in the majors, and several teams have shown an interest in the left-hander. The Swallows were reluctant to release Ishii in the 2005 off-season, but promised they would allow him to come to the majors if he was able to play another full season in Japan (a similar promise was made to Akinori Iwamura, who signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays). Ishii was expected to sign with a major league team during the 2006 off-season, but injured his left shoulder, and decided to remain with the Swallows. He joined the Japanese national baseball team for the 2004 Summer Olympics, and won a bronze medal.
Takashi Ogasawara (小笠原 孝, born November 29, 1976) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher who currently serves as…Takashi Ogasawara (小笠原 孝, born November 29, 1976) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher who currently serves as the second squad pitching coach for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He played in NPB for the Chunichi Dragons from 1999 to 2012.
Ryoji Aikawa (相川 亮二, Aikawa Ryōji; born July 11, 1976) is a Japanese former professional baseball catcher who currently…Ryoji Aikawa (相川 亮二, Aikawa Ryōji; born July 11, 1976) is a Japanese former professional baseball catcher who currently serves as the manager for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He played in NPB for the BayStars, Tokyo Yakult Swallows, and Yomiuri Giants from 1995 to 2017.
Shigeyuki Furuki (古城 茂幸, Furuki Shigeyuki; born January 12, 1976 in Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan) is a Japanese Nippon…Shigeyuki Furuki (古城 茂幸, Furuki Shigeyuki; born January 12, 1976 in Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan) is a Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball player for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan's Central League. Before playing for the Giants he was a member of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. When he comes to bat, his fans often sing a cheer that goes to the tune of a song from the Super Nintendo Entertainment System game EarthBound.
Kazuya Fukuura (福浦 和也, born December 14, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball first baseman for the Chiba…Kazuya Fukuura (福浦 和也, born December 14, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball first baseman for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. His play and build drew comparisons to former Chicago Cubs player Mark Grace.
Makoto Kaneko (金子 誠, born November 8, 1975) is a Japanese professional baseball player and manager. He is an infielder…Makoto Kaneko (金子 誠, born November 8, 1975) is a Japanese professional baseball player and manager. He is an infielder for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Kaneko won the Pacific League rookie of the year award in 1996. He won two golden glove awards at second base before being converted to shortstop. He joined the Japanese olympic baseball team for the 2004 Summer Olympics, and won a bronze medal.
Takashi Tachikawa (立川 隆史, Tachikawa Takashi; born October 7, 1975 in Shinjuku, Tokyo) is a Japanese former baseball…Takashi Tachikawa (立川 隆史, Tachikawa Takashi; born October 7, 1975 in Shinjuku, Tokyo) is a Japanese former baseball outfielder in Nippon Professional Baseball. He played for the Chiba Lotte Marines (1996–2004) and the Hanshin Tigers (2004). Prior to playing professionally, he attended Takudai Koryo High School and before playing in NPB, he played for the Visalia Oaks of the California League in 1995, hitting .176 in 47 games. The Oaks were a Single-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's California Angels. Tachikawa joined the Marines in 1996, hitting .172 in 29 at-bats. The following year, he hit .274 (a career-high) with a career-high seven home runs, six stolen bases and .401 slugging percentage in 252 at-bats and in 1998, he hit .216 in 153 ABs, setting a career-high in triples with three. He hit .136 in 22 at-bats in 1999 and in 2000, he hit .244 in 160 at-bats. After hitting .250 in 92 at-bats in 2001 (with a career-high .361 on-base percentage and .742 OPS), Tachikawa hit .238 in 269 ABs in 2002. He had the most playing time of his career in 2003, hitting .240, setting career highs in RBI (31), total bases (111), games played (94), at-bats (292), plate appearances (332), runs (34), hits (70), doubles (14), walks (29) and strikeouts (72). He tied previously set career highs in home runs and triples. He began 2004, with the Marines, but hit only .094 in 32 at-bats. The Marines cut ties with him and he finished out the year with Hanshin, hitting .171 in 35 ABs there. In total, he hit .136 in 67 at-bats his final campaign. Overall, Tachikawa hit .236 with 28 home runs, 117 RBI and 315 hits in 530 games over nine seasons.
Yoshinobu Takahashi (高橋 由伸, born April 3, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball player and manager. He spent…Yoshinobu Takahashi (高橋 由伸, born April 3, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball player and manager. He spent his entire playing career with the Yomiuri Giants and served as the team's manager for three seasons. He graduated from Keio University. A superb contact hitter, he is also known for his exemplary defensive play. He won the Golden Glove award for six consecutive years between 1998 and 2003. Despite his brilliant records, Takahashi has injured himself numerous times over the years going after fly balls. The injuries primarily resulted from his play style, in which he does not give up on fly balls until they hit the ground. His first injury was on September 14, 1999, at a Chunichi Dragons game, where he jumped diagonally against the outfield fence, causing a fractured shoulder bone. He was selected to be part of the Japanese Olympic baseball team for the 2004 Summer Olympics and contributed to the team's bronze medal. Takahashi served as the Giants' manager from 2016 to 2018. After his departure, he stayed on with the Giants as a special adviser.
Toshikazu Sawazaki (澤﨑 俊和, Sawazaki Toshikazu; born March 16, 1973 in Chiba, Chiba, Japan) is a professional Japanese…Toshikazu Sawazaki (澤﨑 俊和, Sawazaki Toshikazu; born March 16, 1973 in Chiba, Chiba, Japan) is a professional Japanese baseball player.
Michihiro Ogasawara (小笠原 道大, born October 25, 1973, in Mihama-ku, Chiba, Chiba Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese former…Michihiro Ogasawara (小笠原 道大, born October 25, 1973, in Mihama-ku, Chiba, Chiba Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese former professional baseball player. His career spanned 18 years with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, Yomiuri Giants, and the Chunichi Dragons where he won two Japan Series, two MVP awards in both the Pacific and Central leagues; only one of two people to do so and the first to do it in consecutive seasons. He was an NPB All-Star 11 times. He was also a part of the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classic winning Japan sides.
Kazuhisa Ishii (石井 一久 Ishii Kazuhisa) (born September 9, 1973) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher and…Kazuhisa Ishii (石井 一久 Ishii Kazuhisa) (born September 9, 1973) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher and manager and general manager. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Yakult Swallows and Saitama Seibu Lions and in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets.
Nobuaki Arai (荒井 修光, Arai Nobuaki; born August 11, 1973 in Abiko, Chiba) is a Japanese former professional baseball…Nobuaki Arai (荒井 修光, Arai Nobuaki; born August 11, 1973 in Abiko, Chiba) is a Japanese former professional baseball catcher. He played for Nippon Ham Fighters in the Japan Pacific League in parts of five seasons from 1996 to 2002.
Hirobumi Watarai (度会 博文, Watarai Hirobumi; born January 26, 1972) is a Japanese former professional baseball infielder.…Hirobumi Watarai (度会 博文, Watarai Hirobumi; born January 26, 1972) is a Japanese former professional baseball infielder. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows from 1994 to 2008.
Akinori Otsuka (Japanese: 大塚 晶則, Hepburn: Ōtsuka Akinori; born January 13, 1972) is a Japanese former baseball pitcher…Akinori Otsuka (Japanese: 大塚 晶則, Hepburn: Ōtsuka Akinori; born January 13, 1972) is a Japanese former baseball pitcher who coaches for the Chunichi Dragons in Nippon Professional Baseball. He was the setup man for the San Diego Padres and the Texas Rangers. He was also the closer for Japan's 2006 World Baseball Classic–winning team. Otsuka threw a low-90's 4-seam fastball (tops out at about 94 mph) that is very straight, along with a hard, late-breaking slider. He employed an unorthodox pitching delivery wherein he lifted his lead leg up very slowly, tapped his glove, then fired to home plate, making his pitches look faster coming out of his hand and thus harder to pick up.
Toshihiro Noguchi (野口 寿浩, Noguchi Toshihiro; born June 24, 1971) is a Japanese professional baseball catcher and coach.…Toshihiro Noguchi (野口 寿浩, Noguchi Toshihiro; born June 24, 1971) is a Japanese professional baseball catcher and coach. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball from 1991 to 2010. He was a catching coach for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
Takashi Miwa (三輪 隆, born December 1, 1969) is a former professional baseball player from Chiba, Japan. He was drafted…Takashi Miwa (三輪 隆, born December 1, 1969) is a former professional baseball player from Chiba, Japan. He was drafted by the Orix BlueWave in the second round of the 1993 amateur draft, and played with the team until 2004. He was the team representative for the BlueWave in the Japanese baseball players union during the 2004 Japanese baseball strike. He won a bronze medal in the 1992 Summer Olympics before entering the Japanese professional leagues.
Katsuyuki Dobashi (土橋 勝征, Dobashi Katsuyuki; born December 5, 1968 in Funabashi, Chiba, Japan) is a former Nippon…Katsuyuki Dobashi (土橋 勝征, Dobashi Katsuyuki; born December 5, 1968 in Funabashi, Chiba, Japan) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball infielder.
Koji Tokunaga (徳永 耕治, Tokunaga Koji; born September 3, 1968, in Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese baseball player. He…Koji Tokunaga (徳永 耕治, Tokunaga Koji; born September 3, 1968, in Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese baseball player. He won a bronze medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Takeshi Shimazaki (島崎 毅, Shimazaki Takeshi; born March 3, 1967 in Narita, Chiba) is a retired Japanese professional…Takeshi Shimazaki (島崎 毅, Shimazaki Takeshi; born March 3, 1967 in Narita, Chiba) is a retired Japanese professional pitcher.
Tsuyoshi Yoda (与田 剛, Yoda Tsuyoshi; born December 4, 1965 in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan) is a Japanese professional…Tsuyoshi Yoda (与田 剛, Yoda Tsuyoshi; born December 4, 1965 in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan) is a Japanese professional baseball player and manager. He managed of the Chunichi Dragons in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) between 2019 and 2021. Although born in Fukuoka prefecture, Yoda grew up in Kimitsu, Chiba Prefecture. His wife is Tokyo Broadcasting System Television announcer, Hiroko Kiba.
Hideki Hashigami (橋上 秀樹, born November 4, 1965) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder and current interim…Hideki Hashigami (橋上 秀樹, born November 4, 1965) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder and current interim manager of the Yomiuri Giants.
Satoru Komiyama (小宮山 悟, Komiyama Satoru), born September 15, 1965, is a former professional baseball player from…Satoru Komiyama (小宮山 悟, Komiyama Satoru), born September 15, 1965, is a former professional baseball player from Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan. He last played with the Chiba Lotte Marines, and played in the major leagues with the New York Mets in 2002. He is currently the manager for the Waseda University baseball team.
Hironori Suguro (勝呂 壽統, Suguro Hironori; born September 23, 1963) is a former Japanese professional baseball player. He…Hironori Suguro (勝呂 壽統, Suguro Hironori; born September 23, 1963) is a former Japanese professional baseball player. He was the number 5 draft pick for the Yomiuri Giants in 1987.
Yutaka Wada (和田 豊; born September 2, 1962 in Matsudo, Chiba, Japan) is a retired Japanese baseball player for the…Yutaka Wada (和田 豊; born September 2, 1962 in Matsudo, Chiba, Japan) is a retired Japanese baseball player for the Hanshin Tigers. He previously worked as a hitting coach for the Hanshin Tigers prior to the 2012 season. After the team failed to make the 2011 play-offs, team manager Akinobu Mayumi was fired, and Yutaka Wada was giving the position to replace him less than a week later. He is notable for various accomplishments, which include the following: 1500 games played 1500 hits 24 game hitting streak from opening game (1997) 3 straight seasons with playing every game Golden Glove (2nd baseman) All star player (1989, 1992–1996, 1999)
Hiroshi Ogawa (小川 史, Ogawa Hiroshi; born June 6, 1960) is a former Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball shortstop, and…Hiroshi Ogawa (小川 史, Ogawa Hiroshi; born June 6, 1960) is a former Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball shortstop, and current the third squad manager for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He played for the Seibu Lions in 1980, and the Nankai Hawks/Fukuoka Daiei Hawks from 1983 to 1995.
Masaru Uno (宇野 勝, Uno Masaru; born May 30, 1958) is a Japanese former professional baseball infielder. He played in…Masaru Uno (宇野 勝, Uno Masaru; born May 30, 1958) is a Japanese former professional baseball infielder. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Chunichi Dragons from 1977 to 1992, and the Chiba Lotte Marines from 1993 to 1994.
Junji Ogawa (小川 淳司, Ogawa Junji; born August 30, 1957) was a Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball player. He played…Junji Ogawa (小川 淳司, Ogawa Junji; born August 30, 1957) was a Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball player. He played for the Yakult Swallows and Nippon-Ham Fighters.
Hiromichi Ishige (石毛 宏典, born September 22, 1956) is a retired Japanese professional baseball player and manager in…Hiromichi Ishige (石毛 宏典, born September 22, 1956) is a retired Japanese professional baseball player and manager in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. He played most of his career for the Seibu Lions. Ishige was the 1986 Pacific League Most Valuable Player, a seven-time Best Nine Award-winner, and a ten-time Gold Glove winner. A 14-time All-Star, he left a track record in 16 years as a shortstop and third baseman in the Pacific League. Ishige was drafted by the Lotte Orions in the third round of the 1974 NPB draft, but went to college instead. He won a Tokyo Metropolitan University League batting title and made six Best Nines in college. He was then picked in the first round of the 1980 NPB draft by the Seibu Lions. Ishige made the All-Star team as a rookie with Seibu and would make it all 14 seasons he was with them. He hit .311/.380/.531 that first year with 21 homers and 25 steals (in 34 tries). He won a Gold Glove, made his first Best Nine and won Rookie of the Year honors. Ishige's production slipped to a .259/.337/.401 line in 1982 though he stole 22 in 26 tries and won a Gold Glove and Best Nine. He hit .296/.321/.370 in his first Japan Series, to help Seibu take the 1982 Series but was thrown out in two of three steal attempts. In 1983, Ishige hit .303/.593/.503 with 29 steals in 34 tries, hit 16 homers, scored 86 runs, won another Gold Glove, earned a third Best Nine spot and tied Yutaka Fukumoto and Hiromi Matsunaga for the PL lead with 7 triples. He hit .276/.276/.379 as Seibu won another Japan Series, but was 0 for 1 in steals. The next year, Ishige batted .259/.338/.498 with 91 runs, 26 homers and 26 steals (in 36 tries); Keijiro Yumioka beat him out for the Best Nine that time. While he only stole 11 bases (in 14 tries) in 1985, Ishige remained a potent offensive force, chipping in at a .280/.386/.508 clip with 96 runs, 27 homers and 88 walks. His 26 doubles led the league and he won another Gold Glove and Best Nine. In the 1985 Japan Series, Hiromichi hit .208/.296/.583 with 3 home runs in a losing effort. Ishige won his MVP in 1986, when he batted .329/.386/.531, won another Gold Glove at short, scored 91 runs, drove in 89, smacked 27 home runs and stole 19 bases. He set a Nippon Pro Baseball record by leading off eight games with home runs and set a Seibu club record with a 23-game hitting streak. He hit .297/.297/.405 as Seibu won a hard-fought 1986 Japan Series over the Hiroshima Carp. In '87, Hiromichi hit .269/.331/.370 in an off-year but still won a Gold Glove and made the Best Nine. He batted .348/.423/.652 in the 1987 Japan Series to win his fourth ring. That winter, he assumed chairmanship of the board of directors of the Japan Professional Baseball Players Association, replacing Hiromitsu Ochiai; two years later, Akinobu Okada would take the role. The 31-year-old had his third and last 20-20 year in 1988 (21 HR, 22 SB in 26 tries; he would never hit 20 homers again) and batted .283/.364/.441 and won his 7th Gold Glove. He had his best Series, the 1989 Japan Series, hitting .389/.389/.944 with 3 HR, 5 runs and 6 RBI in five games to win the Series MVP award. In '89, Ishige stole 28 in 33 tries for his final 20-steal season and batted .270/.395/.428. He drew 98 walks, a career-best and led the PL in that category. Ishige hit .298/.364/.429 in 1990 and was 7 for 8 in steals. Now a third baseman, he fielded .991, a Pacific League record for the position. He went 1 for 12 in the 1990 Japan Series but drew four walks as his club won a sixth Series. At one point, he had hit in 17 straight games in a Japan Series, a record. In '91, the veteran still produced at a .269/.331/.424 rate and he hit .280/.333/.440 in the 1991 Japan Series, Seibu's seventh victory in his time with the club. He won his first Gold Glove in three years. In 1992, Ishige batted .297/.359/.413, won a Gold Glove and made his seventh Best Nine, the first in five years. He hit .240/.286/.440 as Seibu took the 1992 Japan Series for their eighth Series win in his 12 seasons, marking it as the greatest Pacific League dynasty ever — other key contributors in the run had included Koji Akiyama, Kimiyasu Kudoh, Hisanobu Watanabe, Orestes Destrade, Kazuhiro Kiyohara, Taigen Kaku, Osamu Higashio, and Tetsuya Shiozaki. Ishige was the captain of the team during the last stretch of Series victories at least. Destrade recalls that Ishige was the team's motivator. Ishige continued to produce as the 36-year-old put up a .306/.389/.479 batting line in 1993, won his last Gold Glove and made his final Best Nine. He hit .304/.385/.304 in the 1993 Japan Series as Seibu fell in 7 games to the Yakult Swallows to end their dynastic run. In '94, Hiromichi hit .266/.335/.397 and made his last All-Star appearance. He went 1 for 12 with three walks in the 1994 Japan Series. Leaving Seibu after 14 All-Star seasons and 8 titles in 14 years, Ishige moved on to the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks, where the 38-year-old hit .200/.260/.275 to signal that his glory days were definitely gone. Fellow faded star Matsunaga was the primary third baseman that year. In 1996, Ishige concluded his playing career by going 3 for 23 for Daiei. Overall, Ishige hit .283/.362/.450 in 7,570 plate appearances, cracked 236 homers and stole 243 in 314 tries. Through 2006, Hiromichi ranks 25th all-time in NPB in runs (1,049, 10 behind Matsunaga), 18th in sacrifice bunts (218; manager Masahiko Mori often had him bunt as he felt Ishige hit into too many double plays in the clutch. Destrade, on the other hand, described him as a timely player who drove in key runs, showing how different perceptions of "clutch play" can be) and 22nd in strikeouts (1,127). With one more year as a regular, he likely would have been in the top 30 in walks as well. After retiring as a player, Ishige was a minor league manager for Seibu for two years then spent a year as a commentator for NHK in 1999. When manager Akira Ohgi was let go after the 2001 season, the Orix BlueWave hired Ishige to replace him as manager. The club fell from above-.500 in '01 to 50-87-3 and last place. The next year, they started poorly and Ishige lambasted high-strikeout sluggers Fernando Seguignol and Scott Sheldon. After a 7-12-1 start, Ishige was let go and they brought in Leon Lee as the new manager, the first African-American manager in NPB history. Lee fared no better with the sorry lot and they finished last again. In 2005, Ishige founded the independent Shikoku Island League (now known as Shikoku Island League Plus).
Masayuki Kakefu (掛布 雅之, Kakefu Masayuki) (born May 9, 1955) is a Japanese former professional baseball third baseman.…Masayuki Kakefu (掛布 雅之, Kakefu Masayuki) (born May 9, 1955) is a Japanese former professional baseball third baseman. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hanshin Tigers from 1974 to 1988. Known as “Mr. Tigers”, the popular slugger batted .292 lifetime for the Tigers in his career while hitting over 300 home runs and driving 1,019 runs batted in to go along with three home run titles and seven selections to the Best Nine Award. In 1985, he hit 40 home runs and batted .300 as the Tigers went all the way to the Japan Series and won it for the first time in team history. Kakefu took part in what has been called one of the most famous moments in Tiger history on the game played on April 17, 1985 when he hit the second of three consecutive home runs (Randy Bass hit the first while Akinobu Okada hit the third) against the Yomiuri Giants. He was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025.
Shigekazu Mori (森 繁和, born November 18, 1954, in Chosei, Chiba Prefecture) is a former Japanese professional baseball…Shigekazu Mori (森 繁和, born November 18, 1954, in Chosei, Chiba Prefecture) is a former Japanese professional baseball pitcher who played for the Seibu Lions in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. He has held coaching positions at 4 different teams most notably including a 10 years stint at the Seibu Lions and 10 years at current employers, the Chunichi Dragons. On 9 August 2016 it was announced that Mori would become the interim manager of the Dragons following the dismissal of Motonobu Tanishige. On 29 September 2016, following the end of the 2016 NPB season where the Dragons finished last in the Central League, Mori was announced as permanent full-time manager for the 2017 season.
Katsuhiro Nakamura (中村 勝広, Nakamura Katsuhiro; June 6, 1949 - September 23, 2015) was a professional Japanese baseball…Katsuhiro Nakamura (中村 勝広, Nakamura Katsuhiro; June 6, 1949 - September 23, 2015) was a professional Japanese baseball player, coach, and manager.
Shigeo Nagashima (長嶋 茂雄 or 長島 茂雄, Nagashima Shigeo; February 20, 1936 – June 3, 2025) was a Japanese professional…Shigeo Nagashima (長嶋 茂雄 or 長島 茂雄, Nagashima Shigeo; February 20, 1936 – June 3, 2025) was a Japanese professional baseball player and manager. Nagashima first began playing baseball in elementary school, before playing at his high school in Chiba Prefecture, part of Kanto Region, just before he played as a third baseman for Rikkyo University. After winning the batting title for two straight years in Tokyo Big6 Baseball League, Nagashima made his professional debut in 1958 with the Yomiuri Giants. In his rookie season, he led the Central League in home runs and runs batted in, with 29 and 92 respectively and ultimately received Rookie of the Year honors. With the arrival of Sadaharu Oh in 1959, the two would both become a dual force in being the best hitters in the game that earned the nickname "O-N Cannon" for one of the most dominant dynasties in NPB history, and Nagashima won league MVP five times while being named to the Best Nine Award in every season he played; his four Japan Series MVP award wins is still the most in NPB history. After retiring in 1974, he became as a manager of the Giants from 1975 to 1980, and again from 1993 to 2001; during this time, he won the Japan Series twice. His nicknames includes "Mr. Pro Baseball", "Mr. Giants", and "Hot Man" of Japan. Nagashima is regarded as a beloved national figure of postwar Japan, on par with Hibari Misora and Yujiro Ishihara.
Ayatsugu Yamashita (山下 斐紹, Yamashita Ayatsugu; born November 16, 1992) is a Japanese professional baseball catcher. He…Ayatsugu Yamashita (山下 斐紹, Yamashita Ayatsugu; born November 16, 1992) is a Japanese professional baseball catcher. He has played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles and Chunichi Dragons.
