Japanese baseball legend who played professionally from 1952 to 1967 and later managed several teams, earning a spot in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. He's revered for his impressive pitching career and successful coaching stints.
Kazumi Saito, born on November 30, 1977, is a former professional baseball starting pitcher and current fourth squad manager for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. He is best known for winning the prestigious Eiji Sawamura Award twice, in 2003 and 2006, cementing his status as one of Japan's top pitchers in the early 2000s.
Saito was marked as a top prospect by NPB scouts from his days at South Kyoto High School, alongside other notable players Masayuki Hasegawa and Tomoki Hoshino, dubbed the "Big Three" of their age group. The Fukuoka Daiei Hawks, currently known as the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, selected Saito with their first-round pick in the 1995 NPB amateur draft.
Saito made his professional debut in 1997, but his development was often hindered by injuries, particularly a chronically loose shoulder joint. Despite undergoing surgery and missing the entire 1998 season, Saito persevered and finally posted his first win with the ichigun (Japanese equivalent of the major league level) in 2000. He went on to win five games that season, four of which were crucial in the pennant race, but was not called upon to start in the Japan Series when the Hawks eventually won the league title.
Saito's hard work and determination paid off when he won the Eiji Sawamura Award in 2003, followed by a second win in 2006. This prestigious award is given to the best pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and Saito's wins solidified his reputation as one of Japan's top pitchers.
After retiring from professional baseball in 2007 due to chronic shoulder injuries, Saito transitioned into coaching and is currently the fourth squad manager for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. His experience and expertise have been invaluable to the team, and he continues to inspire and mentor young players.
Saito's legacy as one of Japan's top pitchers in the early 2000s is cemented, and his story serves as a testament to perseverance and dedication in the face of adversity.
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.
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A Japanese professional baseball pitcher known for his unique pitching style, which features a wide range of pitches and exceptional control. He has played for several MLB teams, including the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs.
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Japanese right-handed pitcher who played for the New York Yankees, known for his exceptional control and splitter pitch. He's a two-time All-Star and has pitched in the World Baseball Classic.
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