Who was Sachio Kinugasa. Japanese baseball player Sachio Kinugasa biography, baseball player career, awards, accolades and in popular culture.
Sachio Kinugasa (January 18, 1947, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan – April 23, 2018, Tokyo, Japan) is a former Japanese baseball player. He played as a third baseman for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp from 1965 to 1987. He holds the record for most consecutive games played by a position player in professional baseball with 2,215 games. He was elected to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989.
He was born on November 3, 1947 in Hiroshima, Japan. He began his professional career as a third baseman for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 1965 and played for the team until his retirement in 1987. During his career, he established a number of records, including most consecutive games played by a position player in professional baseball with 2,215 games. He also holds the record for most hits in a season by a third baseman with 210, and is one of only four players in NPB history with more than 2,000 hits.
He was a 13-time All-Star, won six Gold Gloves and was named the Central League MVP in 1979. He was elected to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989 and also had a stadium named after him in Hiroshima. After retirement, he worked as a coach and commentator on baseball.
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Playing career
Sachio Kinugasa began his professional baseball career as a third baseman for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 1965. He was known for his defensive skills and consistency at the plate. He played for the Carp for his entire career, from 1965 to 1987.
During his career, Kinugasa established a number of records, including most consecutive games played by a position player in professional baseball with 2,215 games, breaking the record of 2,130 set by Lou Gehrig. He also holds the record for most hits in a season by a third baseman with 210, and is one of only four players in NPB history with more than 2,000 hits. He was a 13-time All-Star, won six Gold Gloves and was named the Central League MVP in 1979.
He was known for his ability to play through injuries and his consistency at the plate, hitting over .300 in 14 seasons. He was considered one of the best third baseman in Japan during his career. He retired from playing in 1987 and was elected to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989.
Retirement
After his retirement from playing baseball, Sachio Kinugasa worked as a coach and commentator on baseball. He was a coach for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp and was part of the team’s coaching staff when they won the Central League championship in 1991 and 1994. He also worked as a commentator for various television and radio broadcasts of baseball games.
He had a stadium named after him in Hiroshima, the Kinugasa Stadium which was the home ground of Hiroshima Toyo Carp until the end of 2015 season. He is still highly regarded in Japan and considered one of the greatest players in Japanese baseball history. He continues to be involved in various charity and community events in Hiroshima.
Awards and accolades
Sachio Kinugasa was a highly decorated player during his career and received many awards and accolades for his performances on the field. Some of the notable awards and accolades he received include:
- 13-time All-Star: Kinugasa was selected as an All-Star 13 times during his career, a testament to his consistency and skill as a player.
- 6-time Gold Glove award: Kinugasa won six Gold Glove awards for his defensive play at third base, a recognition of his skills and reputation as one of the best fielders in the league.
- Central League MVP in 1979: Kinugasa was named the Central League MVP in 1979, a recognition of his outstanding performance that season.
- Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame: Kinugasa was elected to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989, one of the highest honors a player can receive in Japanese baseball.
- Kinugasa Stadium: A stadium was named after him in Hiroshima, the Kinugasa Stadium which was the home ground of Hiroshima Toyo Carp until the end of 2015 season.
- 2,215 consecutive games played: Kinugasa holds the record for most consecutive games played by a position player in professional baseball with 2,215 games, breaking the record of 2,130 set by Lou Gehrig.
- Most hits in a season by a third baseman: Kinugasa holds the record for most hits in a season by a third baseman with 210, and is one of only four players in NPB history with more than 2,000 hits.
In Popular Culture
Sachio Kinugasa is a well-known and respected figure in Japanese baseball, and as such, his career and achievements have been referenced and celebrated in various forms of popular culture in Japan.
- In the anime and manga series, “Touch,” the main character’s older brother is a baseball player who idolizes Sachio Kinugasa.
- In the movie “The Battery” is a story of two former teammates who are now estranged and one of them is played by Kinugasa.
- In video games, Kinugasa is often included as a playable character in baseball games, such as the “Jikkyō Powerful Pro Yakyū” series, and he is also featured in the mobile game “Baseball King.“
- Sachio Kinugasa has also appeared in many TV shows and commercials as a brand ambassador for various products and services.
- Kinugasa is also a popular figure in Japanese baseball card collecting scene, his cards are considered rare and valuable among collectors.
Overall, Sachio Kinugasa’s legacy and impact on Japanese baseball have cemented his status as a cultural icon and his achievements continue to inspire and be celebrated in popular culture.
