Japanese shortstop who played 17 seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, earning seven Golden Glove Awards and leading his team to two Japan Series championships. He's a celebrated figure in Japanese baseball history.
Takashi Toritani, born on June 26, 1981, is a Japanese former professional baseball player, baseball commentator, baseball critic, and coach, renowned for holding the record for most consecutive games played without missing an inning as a shortstop in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
With an illustrious career spanning over 15 years, Toritani played in every game for the Hanshin Tigers from 2005 to May 27, 2018, amassing a total of 1,939 regular season games, a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and remarkable physical endurance.
Toritani was born in Higashimurayama, Tokyo, as the eldest of three brothers. During his elementary school days, he played for the Higashimurayama Junior Mets and Ozakudai Little League Club. Later, he joined Mizuho Senior in his junior high school days in Hamura.
At Seib Gakuen Senior High School in Saitama, Toritani played both shortstop and pitcher. He participated in the 81st National High School Baseball Championship in 1999, where he clocked an impressive 143 km/h (89 mph) as a relief pitcher, although his team lost 5-3.
Toritani enrolled at Waseda University, majoring in human sciences. During his time at Waseda, he was surrounded by talented teammates, including Norichika Aoki, Toshimitsu Higa, and Shintaro Yoshida, all of whom would later join the professional leagues.
In the spring of 2001, Toritani led the Tokyo Big6 Baseball League in all three Triple Crown categories: batting average, home runs, and runs batted in, tying Taketoshi Gotoh as the fastest player to achieve this feat.
Toritani's professional career was marked by his exceptional durability and consistency. He played for the Hanshin Tigers from 2004 to 2018, earning the nickname "Iron Man" for his record-breaking consecutive games played streak.
Throughout his career, Toritani displayed remarkable skills, earning him multiple awards and honors. He was a seven-time NPB All-Star, won two Golden Glove Awards, and was named the 2007 Central League MVP.
After retiring from professional baseball in 2018, Toritani transitioned into a successful career as a baseball commentator, critic, and coach. He continues to share his expertise and passion for the game with fans and aspiring players alike.
Toritani's remarkable career serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in achieving excellence. His legacy in Japanese baseball is cemented, and his record-breaking streak will continue to be a benchmark for future generations of players.
Toritani's remarkable journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game, his team, and his fans. His enduring legacy in Japanese baseball will continue to inspire and motivate others to strive for excellence.
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