Shinji Hamazaki Explained

Shinji Hamazaki
Position:Pitcher, Manager
Birth Date:10 December 1901
Birth Place:Kure, Hiroshima, Japan
Bats:Left
Throws:Left
Debutleague:JBL
Debutyear:1947
Debutteam:Hankyu Braves
Finalleague:NPB
Finalteam:Hankyu Braves
Finalyear:1950
Statyear:1950
Statleague:NPB
Stat1label:Win–loss record
Stat1value:5–5
Stat2label:ERA
Stat2value:4.03
Stat3label:Strikeouts
Stat3value:23
Teams:As Player:

As Manager:

Hoflink:Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame
Hoftype:Japanese
Hofdate:1978
Hofmethod:Selection Committee for Players.

Shinji Hamazaki (浜崎 真二, 10 December 1901 – May 6, 1981) was a former Japanese baseball player and manager. Thought short in stature, Hamazaki was well known for his forceful personality.[1] He is a member of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.

Hamazaki attended Hiroshima Shogyo High School and Keio University.

Hamazaki was signed at age 45 by the Hankyu Braves in 1947 prior to the draft, having previously played for the Chinese mainland Industrial League Mantetsu Club. He began as a player-manager for the Braves.

In 1950, at age 48 years, 4 months, Hamazki became the oldest Japanese pitcher to win a professional game. That record stood until September 5, 2014, when Masahiro Yamamoto, aged 49 years, 25 days, defeated the Hanshin Tigers.[2]

Finally retiring as a player in 1950, Hamazaki continued managing the Braves through 1953. He later managed the Takahashi/Tombo Unions and the Kokutetsu Swallows. His career managing record was 535-639, a .456 winning percentage.

Notes and References

  1. http://english.baseball-museum.or.jp/baseball_hallo/detail/detail_058.html HAMAZAKI, Shinji,"
  2. Web site: Dragons lefty Yamamoto sets NPB record for oldest winning pitcher at age 49. The Japan Times. September 5, 2014. 2014-09-08.