Japanese professional baseball player who played for the Tampa Bay Rays and Pittsburgh Pirates, known for being the first Japanese position player to play in the MLB.
Akinori Iwamura, also known as "Aki" in MLB and "Ganchan" in NPB, is a former Japanese baseball infielder who made his mark in both Japanese and American professional baseball leagues. Currently, he manages the Fukushima Red Hopes in Japan's Baseball Challenge League, inspiring a new generation of players.
Iwamura was born on February 9, 1979, in Uwajima, Japan, in Ehime Prefecture. He attended Uwajima Higashi High School and played in the Philippines on the Japan National high school baseball team. His older brother, Takashi Iwamura, was also a professional baseball player who spent two seasons in the Kintetsu Buffaloes farm system.
Iwamura's professional career began in 1998 with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in the Japanese Central League. During his nine-year stint with the team, he established himself as a talented third baseman, winning six Golden Glove awards and hitting 106 home runs in his last three seasons. His best season was 2004, when he hit 44 home runs with 103 RBI and a .300 batting average, setting a Japanese baseball record for strikeouts with 173.
In 2006, Iwamura opted to be posted for Major League Baseball, and on November 14, 2006, it was announced that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays had won the right to negotiate a contract with him. Iwamura signed a three-year, $7.7 million contract with the Devil Rays, becoming the first Japanese position player to join the team.
Iwamura made his Major League debut on April 2, 2007, and played for the Devil Rays until 2009. During his time in MLB, he played 344 games, hitting .281 with 14 home runs and 112 RBIs. He also became known for his impressive defensive skills, earning a .970 fielding percentage at third base.
After his MLB career, Iwamura returned to Japan and played for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in the Nippon Professional Baseball league. He retired from professional baseball in 2014 and began his coaching career, eventually becoming the manager of the Fukushima Red Hopes in 2018. Iwamura's legacy continues to inspire young players in Japan and around the world, serving as a testament to his dedication and passion for the game.
Iwamura married his wife, Misaki, in 2006, and they have a son, Taiki, born in 2007. He is known for his strong family values and commitment to his community, often participating in charity events and initiatives.
Iwamura's remarkable career, from his early days in Japan to his time in MLB and beyond, serves as an inspiration to baseball fans everywhere. His dedication to the sport and his community continues to have a lasting impact on the world of baseball.
52 Years Old
A legendary Japanese baseball player who holds numerous records, including most career hits, and is revered for his incredible speed, agility, and batting prowess.
51 Years Old
A legendary slugger from Japan who brought excitement to the MLB with his powerful hitting and clutch performances, earning him a World Series MVP award.
51 Years Old
A dominant closer with a unique split-finger fastball, earning numerous accolades, including the 2013 ALCS MVP and a World Series championship. Noted for his exceptional control and deceptive pitching style.
57 Years Old
Japanese baseball trailblazer who became the first Japanese-born player to succeed in MLB, pitching a no-hitter in 1996. Known for his unique wind-up and impressive career stats.
51 Years Old
A skilled second baseman who played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox, known for his clutch hitting and strong defensive skills.
41 Years Old
Japanese infielder who played for the Hanshin Tigers and Minnesota Twins, known for his speed and strong defense.
50 Years Old
A Japanese right-handed pitcher who played in Nippon Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball, known for his unorthodox pitching style and ability to throw a variety of pitches.
