Takeya Nakamura Sets Strikeout Record in NPB
Takeya Nakamura is a unique figure among NPB hitters. The 40-year-old Seibu Lions infielder has hit 478 career home runs, which ranks ninth in Japan’s top league. However, he has also struck out 2,118 times, the highest total in Japanese baseball history.
How is Nakamura perceived in a baseball culture that typically values contact over power? To find out, I spoke with Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, who played alongside Nakamura with the Seibu Lions for eight seasons.
“He’s a former teammate of mine and I really respect him as a player and a human being,” Kikuchi said through translator Yusuke Oshima. “There aren’t a lot of hitters with pop over there. I think those kind of players should be more respected in Japan, because it’s natural for home run hitters to strike out a lot. It’s a tradeoff. He’s said that he’s not worried about it. People should be more open-minded when it comes to those things.”
Kikuchi also noted that many coaches in Japan frown upon players who strike out a lot, and emphasized that the statistical categories valued most in Japan are hits, batting average, runs scored, and RBIs.
However, the rise of players like Shohei Ohtani and Munetaka Murakami, who have shown power hitting prowess, may be starting to change the game in Japan. “Some guys there who are envisioning themselves playing overseas, so they’re trying to gain some more power and hit more home runs,” Kikuchi explained.
Changes in NPB?
Kikuchi believes that as more players focus on power hitting and as the league begins to utilize more data, there could be a shift in the way players are valued in NPB in the future.
Noteworthy Adjustments for Pitcher Cade Smith
In a recent article, Ben Clemens highlighted the highly-effective fastball of Cleveland Guardians rookie right-hander Cade Smith. Smith’s unique arm slot and elite extension have contributed to his success as one of the top relievers in MLB.
Smith discussed the adjustments he made to improve his mechanics and his splitter grip prior to last season. These changes have significantly enhanced his performance on the mound.
Random Hitter-Pitcher Matchups
- Whit Merrifield is 10 for 25 against Carlos Rodón.
- Alan Trammell went 9 for 13 against Jerry Reuss.
- Bubba Trammell went 8 for 12 against Kelvim Escobar.
- Steve Whitaker went 7 for 18 against Dave Boswell.
- Lou Whitaker went 6 for 10 against Juan Berenguer.
Padres Quiz Answer
The answer to the quiz is Garry Templeton, who ranks second to Tony Gwynn in plate appearances, hits, singles, and doubles for the San Diego Padres. Templeton led the National League in triples multiple times during his career.
News Notes
Full schedule for the 2022 national SABR convention has been released and will be held in Minneapolis from August 7-11.
John Schuerholz and Cedric Tallis were inducted into the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame. Orlando Cepeda, a Hall of Fame first baseman, passed away at age 86.
David Hamilton’s Success with the Red Sox
David Hamilton, acquired by the Red Sox from the Brewers in 2021, has seen a resurgence in his performance this season. The infielder attributes his success to improved preparation and focus on his routines. Mechanical adjustments, including a modified splitter grip, have also played a role in his improved play.
