1. Early Life and Amateur Career
Hirokazu Ibata's baseball journey began in his formative years, leading him through successful amateur careers in both high school and university before his professional debut.
1.1. Early Life and Youth
Born in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Ibata initially played as a pitcher during his time at Kawasaki City Kawanakajima Junior High School. He had considered attending a prefectural high school, but his path was significantly altered after a game where he played against Port Higashi Moos, a youth baseball team. Baseball legend Katsuya Nomura, who was observing the game, directly contacted Ibata. Nomura advised him to switch from pitching to shortstop and to enroll in Horikoshi High School. This pivotal advice led Ibata to Horikoshi High School, where he began to refine his skills as an infielder. Throughout his youth, particularly during his time at Horikoshi High School and later at Asia University, Ibata was profoundly influenced by coaches such as Hidenori Kuwahara and Toshio Uchida, both alumni of Hiroshima Commercial High School. They instilled in him the principles of small ball, emphasizing precise execution of fundamental skills and mental toughness, a philosophy that became deeply ingrained in his playing style.
1.2. High School and University Years
During his high school career at Horikoshi High School, Ibata participated in two significant national tournaments: the 64th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament (Spring Koshien) in his second year and the 75th National High School Baseball Championship (Summer Koshien) in his third year. Following high school, he enrolled in Asia University, where he continued to develop his baseball prowess in the Tohto University Baseball League. Over 81 appearances in the Tohto University First Division League, he recorded 78 hits in 269 at-bats, achieving a batting average of .290, along with 4 home runs and 33 runs batted in. He was recognized for his outstanding performance, earning Best Nine honors as a second baseman for three consecutive seasons starting from the autumn of his third year. In the Second Division League, where he played for one season (spring of his second year), he appeared in 11 games, accumulating 14 hits in 48 at-bats with a .291 batting average, 1 home run, and 5 runs batted in. During his first year at Asia University, he formed a double play combination with fourth-year player Yoshinori Okihara, and his team won the league championship in the autumn of his third year, a team that also included senior teammates such as Toshiyuki Busaka and Eiichi Nakano (who would later become his professional teammates), and junior teammate Norihiro Akahoshi. In 1997, Ibata's dedication and skill earned him a fifth-round selection by the Chunichi Dragons in the NPB Draft.
2. Professional Playing Career
Hirokazu Ibata embarked on a distinguished professional baseball career spanning 17 years, primarily with the Chunichi Dragons, where he became a cornerstone of their infield, before concluding his playing days with the Yomiuri Giants.
2.1. Chunichi Dragons (1998-2013)
Ibata joined the Chunichi Dragons in 1998. In his rookie season, he was called up to the first team in the latter half of the year, appearing in 18 games. However, with the Dragons drafting and establishing another promising shortstop, Kosuke Fukudome, as a regular in 1999, Ibata did not make any first-team appearances that season. This challenge motivated him. In the 2000 spring training, he observed that the team lacked players proficient in bunting and strong defensive skills. He resolved to master these techniques to secure a spot in the first team. He successfully joined the first team from the start of the 2000 season. In his sixth game of the season, against the Yomiuri Giants, manager Senichi Hoshino asked him about his hitting compatibility with Giants' rookie starting pitcher Takahisa Takahashi. Ibata, exaggerating, claimed to have hit for a .500 average against him. In the eighth inning of that game, he was brought in as a pinch-hitter and delivered a crucial single to center field. A month later, during a three-game series against the Giants, he made his first start of the year, recording two hits and one RBI in each of the three games. From then on, he gradually increased his playing opportunities, often serving as a defensive replacement or pinch-runner in late-game situations, and eventually establishing himself as a regular.
In 2001, Ibata became the regular second batter and shortstop, playing in all 140 games of the season. His consistent performance earned him his first Best Nine award in 2002, and he subsequently changed his jersey number to 6. In 2004, he was appointed the player's association chairman and played a crucial role in leading the Dragons to a league championship. That year, he received his second Best Nine award (which he would continue to win for four consecutive years until 2007), achieved his first career batting average above .300, and won his first Golden Glove Award. He maintained a batting average above .300 in 2005 for the second consecutive year and recorded the highest batting average with runners in scoring position among all qualified batters in the league. On August 27, 2005, in a game against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp at Nagoya Dome, Ibata hit his first career grand slam off of Kōichi Amano with two outs and the bases loaded in the sixth inning.
Ibata also represented Japan in several international competitions during his time with the Dragons. His international career began with the 2001 IBAF World Cup in Taiwan, where Japan finished fourth, followed by an appearance in the 2002 IBAF Intercontinental Cup in Cuba. In 2003, he was part of the "Nagashima Japan" team that won the Asia Baseball Championship, securing a spot in the Athens Olympic Games. In 2007, he again contributed to Japan's qualification for the Beijing Olympic Games through the 2007 Asia Baseball Championship. Despite his strong international performances, he was not selected for the 2006 or 2009 World Baseball Classic (WBC) rosters.
On August 3, 2008, Ibata acquired free agency rights but publicly announced his intention to remain with the Dragons in the Chunichi Sports newspaper that morning. On December 16, he signed a five-year contract, the longest in the team's history. On December 22, he married Akiko Kono, a former TV Asahi announcer.
In early 2009, during off-season training in Guam, Ibata developed a severe eye condition (epithelial corneal herpes) and experienced shoulder discomfort. A planned conversion to second base was postponed due to his delayed recovery and an injury to his double-play partner, Masahiro Araki, just before the season began. Despite these setbacks, Ibata played in all regular season games, primarily as the leadoff hitter, and achieved a batting average above .300 for the first time in four years. On December 3, he was appointed chairman of the Japan Professional Baseball Players Association, a position he held until December 2013.
In 2010, Ibata was officially converted to second base as planned, and due to team strategy, he frequently batted in the sixth spot. On June 5, he achieved his 1,500th career hit against the Chiba Lotte Marines. However, he was placed on the disabled list on June 11 due to his worsening eye condition, which caused blurred vision. He briefly returned to the first team on July 15 for three games but was delisted again on July 25, only returning for the final game of the season on October 2. The prolonged absence meant he failed to reach the required number of plate appearances for the first time since 2000 and missed out on the Golden Glove Award, which he had won for six consecutive years. He also lost his regular second base position to Naomichi Donoue. On November 26, he accepted a 40% salary reduction, the maximum allowable under the NPB's salary cap, from 300.00 M JPY to 180.00 M JPY (estimated). Due to the persistent pain and lack of improvement in his eye, he even considered retirement at the end of this season.
In 2011, Ibata was once again used as the second batter. On July 26, his first son was born. Despite the personal joy, his batting performance was the lowest of his professional career. On September 1, he received a reprimand from NPB for a violation of anti-doping rules. However, the NPB acknowledged that this was largely due to a lapse by the Chunichi Dragons organization in failing to renew the permit for medication he was using for his eye condition, resulting in the lightest possible disciplinary action.
In 2012, Ibata began the season batting sixth but shifted to the fifth spot mid-season. Defensively, he returned to shortstop, with Araki moving back to second base, a decision influenced by new manager Morimichi Takagi and Ibata's own preference for shortstop. He finished the season with a .284 batting average and earned his seventh Golden Glove Award, his first in three years. In November, he was selected for the "Samurai Japan Match 2012: Japan vs. Cuba" series, and in December, he was named as a candidate for the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
In 2013, Ibata was officially selected for the 2013 WBC 28-man roster, wearing jersey number 3. He delivered a crucial game-tying hit against Brazil and an unforgettable game-tying hit with two outs in the ninth inning against Chinese Taipei on March 8, a moment he later described as one he would "never forget." He recorded the highest batting average among all players who advanced to the knockout rounds, hitting an impressive .556. He also played as a designated hitter and was named the Tokyo Round MVP, as well as being selected for the WBC Best Nine in the designated hitter category. For the regular season, he played in 100 games, batting .236 with one home run. After the season, he underwent surgery on his right ankle and right elbow, as recommended by the team. However, following the surgery, the team's management structure changed dramatically under Hiromitsu Ochiai as general manager and Motono Tanishige as manager. Ibata was offered a drastic salary reduction that exceeded the league's allowable limit. As a result, he was the only player not to participate in the autumn camp and, on November 4, the team announced that they would not renew his contract for the following year, effectively releasing the WBC star.
2.2. Yomiuri Giants (2014-2015)
On November 26, 2013, it was announced that Hirokazu Ibata had reached an agreement with the Yomiuri Giants, and he officially joined the team on December 3, wearing jersey number 2. On December 13, his second daughter was born.
In 2014, Ibata primarily served as an infielder and defensive specialist, stepping in as a second baseman when Hayato Kataoka needed rest or as a shortstop when regular shortstop Hayato Sakamoto was sidelined by injury. On July 6, he hit his first home run against his former team, the Chunichi Dragons, off of Tatsuro Hamada. He finished the season with three home runs, his highest total in five years, and also hit a two-run home run off of Minoru Iwata in the seventh inning of Game 2 of the Central League Climax Series Final Stage against the Hanshin Tigers.
In 2015, Ibata was in the opening day lineup and played as a regular early in the season. On June 12, his third daughter was born. He ultimately appeared in 98 games, benefiting from Kataoka's injury-related absence. On October 24, at the Yomiuri Giants' office, he held a press conference to announce his retirement from professional baseball at the end of the season. His decision was influenced by the appointment of his contemporary and friend, Yoshinobu Takahashi, as the new Giants' manager. Ibata stated, "I never thought I would play longer than him. When I received the call, I immediately decided to retire." He concluded his career with 1,912 hits, just 88 shy of the 2,000 hits required for induction into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.
2.3. Player Profile
Hirokazu Ibata was renowned for his distinctive and highly effective playing style, characterized by exceptional defensive prowess, strategic baserunning, and a tenacious batting approach.
2.3.1. Defense and Baserunning
Ibata's defensive skills were his primary strength throughout his career. While he occasionally played outfield early in his professional career due to limited opportunities at shortstop, he had minimal prior experience in the outfield. This temporary assignment was a strategic move by then-minor league manager Toru Nimura, who reported to the first-team staff that Ibata was originally an outfielder, allowing him to be called up as a versatile utility player.
From 2001, Ibata solidified his position as the regular shortstop for the Chunichi Dragons. He famously formed the "Araiba Combo" with Masahiro Araki, playing together as the double-play combination at second base and shortstop, and often batting first and second in the lineup. Their partnership was legendary, known for numerous artistic defensive plays. A notable example involved Araki fielding ground balls headed for the outfield, then deftly tossing the ball to Ibata to complete the throw to first base, rather than attempting the difficult throw himself. This collaborative defensive excellence earned both Ibata and Araki six consecutive Golden Glove Awards from 2004 to 2009. In December 2021, Ibata was voted first place in the shortstop category for the "Mitsui Golden Glove Legends," a testament to his lasting impact as a defensive maestro.
In 2010, considering the physical demands of playing shortstop, Ibata was converted to second base, swapping positions with Araki. However, in 2012, under new manager Morimichi Takagi, who believed Ibata was not fully comfortable at second base, and with Ibata's expressed desire to return to shortstop, the two players again switched positions. That season, Ibata recorded a UZR of 15.9, ranking second among all shortstops in both leagues with over 1,000 innings played, further demonstrating his exceptional defensive capabilities. Ibata credited fellow infielders Teruyoshi Kuji and Tadaharu Sakai as inspirations for their "flashy" defensive styles, though he primarily adopted the sturdy, reliable approach of Masahiro Kawai. He maintained that while his everyday style was conservative, he could execute more spectacular plays when the situation demanded it.
In terms of baserunning, Ibata recorded over 20 stolen bases in three different seasons. Despite being a right-handed batter, he occasionally exhibited exceptional speed, reaching first base in as quickly as 3.98 seconds. However, his first-base times often varied, typically ranging from the low-4 to low-6 second range, indicating some inconsistency. His career stolen base success rate was 62%, considered relatively low.
2.3.2. Batting
Beyond his defensive prowess, Ibata was also a skilled hitter, known for his "tenacious batting" style, accumulating 1,912 career hits. From 2001 to 2011, he primarily batted second in the lineup, occasionally leading off when Araki was struggling. Under different managers, he also batted in the third, fifth, or sixth positions. His batting strength lay in his excellent bat control, utilizing flexible wrist work. Despite employing a large left-leg kick in his batting stance, he possessed high adaptability, allowing him to make subtle adjustments to his timing and step.
Ibata displayed a notable proficiency against left-handed pitchers, maintaining a .307 batting average against them from 2006 to 2010, and still hitting .285 in 2011 and 2012, even after the introduction of the regulated baseball which generally suppressed hitting. He had a low strikeout rate, rarely swinging and missing. He was particularly adept at hitting pitches on the outer half and even tough inside pitches to the right field with a compact swing. In clutch situations with runners in scoring position, over 80% of his batted balls went to the right side, demonstrating his ability to adjust his hitting based on the game situation. Furthermore, he was considered one of the league's best at fouling off pitches.
As a player, Ibata was not a power hitter, with a career total of 56 home runs. He once stated after retirement that he was relieved after hitting his first professional home run, preferring to hit "two or three singles rather than one home run."
3. Post-Retirement Coaching Career
After concluding his playing career, Hirokazu Ibata transitioned into coaching, taking on various roles in both professional and amateur baseball, eventually ascending to the top managerial position for the Japan national baseball team.
3.1. Professional and Amateur Coaching Roles
On November 5, 2015, Hirokazu Ibata was officially announced as voluntarily retired by Nippon Professional Baseball. In 2016, he immediately joined the Yomiuri Giants as the first team infield defense and baserunning coach. He served in this capacity until his departure on October 22, 2018.
Following his Giants' coaching stint, Ibata became a baseball commentator for various media outlets starting in 2019, including Nippon Television, TBS Channel, Fuji TV ONE, Tokai Television, Nippon Broadcasting System, and Tokai Radio. He also began his career as a baseball critic for Chunichi Sports and Tokyo Chunichi Sports. In October 2019, Nippon Television Service launched his official YouTube channel, "IbaTV ~ Hirokazu Ibata Official Channel," where he shares behind-the-scenes stories from his playing days, discusses issues facing the baseball world, and comments on notable players, with new videos typically posted weekly alongside assistant MC Michi.
In 2020, through his connection with Tomohiro Iizuka, a contemporary from his Asia University days who became the manager of the NTT East Japan Baseball Club, Ibata took on a temporary coaching role with the team. From 2022, he began wearing the NTT East Japan uniform with jersey number 88 and was seen in the dugout during games. From October 4 to 17, 2022, he also served as a guest coach for the TSG Hawks in Taiwan for two weeks. On August 1, 2023, Ibata, along with Tomohiro Iizuka, was appointed as an external coach for his alma mater, the Asia University baseball club.
3.2. National Team Coaching and Managerial Roles
Parallel to his club and amateur coaching engagements, Ibata has held several significant positions within the Japan national baseball team, "Samurai Japan." Under former manager Atsunori Inaba, he served as the infield defense and baserunning coach for the top team in the 2017 Asia Professional Baseball Championship and the 2018 Japan-US Baseball Series.
In January 2019, Ibata was appointed to the reinforcement headquarters organizational strategy department of Samurai Japan. He continued his role as infield defense and baserunning coach for the 2019 WBSC Premier12 and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, contributing to Japan's success in these major international tournaments.
In 2022, Ibata took on his first managerial role within the national team system, becoming the manager for the U-12 team. Under his leadership, the U-12 team finished seventh in the 6th WBSC U-12 World Cup in 2022 and fourth in the 7th WBSC U-12 World Cup in 2023.
On October 3, 2023, Ibata was appointed as the manager of the Samurai Japan top team, succeeding Hideki Kuriyama, who had led the team to victory in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Simultaneously, he stepped down from his U-12 managerial role but took on the additional responsibility of managing the U-15 team. His debut as the top team manager came in November 2023, at the 2nd Asia Professional Baseball Championship held at Tokyo Dome. Under his command, the team achieved a perfect 4-0 record, securing back-to-back championships in the tournament.
In 2024, Ibata led the U-15 team in his first tournament as their manager, the 6th WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup. The team achieved Japan's first championship in the tournament since its reorganization in 2012, highlighting Ibata's ability to develop and lead younger talent to success. On October 9, it was announced that Ibata's contract as the top team manager would be extended to include the 6th WBC, scheduled for 2026, affirming his long-term commitment to leading the national team. However, in the 2024 WBSC Premier12, the team lost to Taiwan in the final, finishing as runner-up. This result ended Japan's streak of three consecutive world tournament victories, which included the 2019 WBSC Premier12, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
4. Personal Life and Public Image
Hirokazu Ibata maintains a public persona that reflects his dedication to baseball, his family life, and his interactions with fans and the media.
Within the Chunichi Dragons team, Ibata was affectionately known by the nickname "Ibachin", a moniker given to him by his then-manager, Senichi Hoshino.
Outside of baseball, one of Ibata's known hobbies is boat racing. It has become a regular tradition for him to participate in talk shows at BOAT RACE Gamagori in Aichi Prefecture during the year-end and New Year holidays. He is also known to be good friends with fellow boat racer Yukia Harada.
Ibata has shared anecdotes from his university baseball days, revealing the strict discipline within the team. For instance, first and second-year students were not permitted to sit on train seats. He once cautiously sat down after checking that no seniors were in the adjacent train cars, only to be startled when he realized seniors were standing by the railroad crossing outside, keeping watch.
He deeply respects his former Chunichi Dragons teammates, Teruyoshi Kuji and Tadaharu Sakai, for their exceptional "flashy" and "showy" defensive styles. While he acknowledged he couldn't replicate their flamboyant glove work as a full-time style without appearing "light" in his play, he meticulously practiced their techniques. He stated that he always aimed to be able to execute such plays "when the moment called for it," largely adopting the more fundamental and sturdy style of Masahiro Kawai as his primary approach.
Ibata is also active in community engagement. From 2004 to 2018, he regularly participated in the "Ibata Festival" held at his alma mater, Kawasaki City Kawanakajima Elementary School, engaging with children. From 2006 to 2015, he sponsored the "Hirokazu Ibata Cup" for youth baseball players in Kawasaki City, demonstrating his commitment to fostering young talent in his hometown.
Several public figures have openly declared themselves fans of Hirokazu Ibata, including his wife, Akiko Kono, Akane Takayanagi of the idol group SKE48, and Olympic medalist Saori Yoshida.
In August 2021, following the Japan national baseball team's gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics (where Ibata served as a coach), he appeared with his two daughters on "Otosan to Issho" (Father and I Together), a children's program on NHK Educational TV. During his introduction, the theme song "Moe yo Dragons" sung by Ichiro Mizuki was played, a nod to his long career with the Dragons.
Ibata's relationship with former Dragons manager Hiromitsu Ochiai was one of intense mentorship. Ochiai was known for being demanding, and Ibata was one of the players who received rigorous training. While Ochiai acknowledged Ibata's exceptional defensive abilities, stating that he "often saved the team," Ibata himself admitted that he "often made a pissed-off face" due to Ochiai's demanding nature.
His family's connection to baseball continues through his son. In 2022, his eldest son, while in fifth grade, was selected for the BayStars Junior team, notably wearing jersey number 6, the same number his father wore for the Chunichi Dragons. The following year, in 2023, his son was again selected for the BayStars Junior team and served as team captain, leading them to a championship victory.
5. Awards and Honors
Hirokazu Ibata's exceptional performance throughout his career earned him numerous awards and recognitions in both domestic and international baseball.
5.1. NPB Awards
- Best Nine (Shortstop): 5 times (2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
- Golden Glove Award: 7 times (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012). His 7 awards as a shortstop rank second all-time, trailing only Daisuke Yamashita.
- Mitsui Golden Glove Legends (Shortstop Division): Voted 1st place in 2021.
- Monthly Skaper! Dramatic Sayonara Award: 1 time (June 2015)
- All-Star Game Excellent Player Award: 1 time (Game 2, 2007)
- All-Star Game Best Batter Award: 1 time (Game 2, 2009), for achieving 5 consecutive hits, following Ichiro Suzuki (then with Orix BlueWave) and Seiichi Uchikawa (then with Yokohama BayStars).
- Asia Series MVP: 1 time (2007)
- Monthly At Home Hero Award: 1 time (June 2015)
5.2. International Honors
- World Baseball Classic Second Round MVP: 1 time (2013)
- WBC Best Nine (Designated Hitter): 1 time (2013)
6. Records and Milestones
Throughout his distinguished career, Hirokazu Ibata achieved several significant records and milestones.
6.1. Firsts
- First appearance and first start: September 8, 1998, vs. Hanshin Tigers (Game 23) at Nagoya Dome, starting as the 7th batter and shortstop.
- First at-bat: Same game, bottom of the 1st inning, a pitcher's groundout against Darrell May.
- First hit and first RBI: Same game, bottom of the 3rd inning, a two-run single to center field against Darrell May.
- First sacrifice bunt: September 15, 1998, vs. Tokyo Yakult Swallows (Game 23) at Meiji Jingu Stadium, top of the 5th inning, a sacrifice bunt to the pitcher against Kenjiro Kawasaki.
- First stolen base: September 17, 1998, vs. Tokyo Yakult Swallows (Game 25) at Meiji Jingu Stadium, top of the 1st inning, stealing second base (pitcher: Futoshi Yamabe, catcher: Atsuya Furutani).
- First home run: June 8, 2000, vs. Tokyo Yakult Swallows (Game 9) at Meiji Jingu Stadium, top of the 1st inning, a solo home run to left field against Donald Lemon.
6.2. Major Milestones
- 1,000th hit: April 1, 2007, vs. Tokyo Yakult Swallows (Game 3) at Nagoya Dome, bottom of the 1st inning, a double to left-center field against Shugo Fujii. This marked the 243rd player in NPB history to achieve this feat.
- 1,000th game appearance: July 16, 2007, vs. Tokyo Yakult Swallows (Game 12) at Nagoya Dome, starting as the 3rd batter and shortstop. This was the 419th player in NPB history to reach this milestone.
- 1,500th hit: June 5, 2010, vs. Chiba Lotte Marines (Game 4) at Nagoya Dome, bottom of the 2nd inning, a two-run double to right-center field against Yuji Yoshimi. This was the 105th player in NPB history to reach this milestone.
- 200th sacrifice bunt: September 1, 2011, vs. Hanshin Tigers (Game 18) at Nagoya Dome, bottom of the 6th inning, a sacrifice bunt to the pitcher against Jason Standridge. This was the 32nd player in NPB history to achieve this and tied the franchise record for career sacrifice bunts with Morimichi Takagi.
- 1,500th game appearance: May 3, 2012, vs. Hanshin Tigers (Game 6) at Nagoya Dome, starting as the 6th batter and shortstop. This was the 174th player in NPB history to reach this milestone.
6.3. Other Notable Records
- All-Star Game appearances: 8 times (2001, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
- Cycle: September 21, 2002, vs. Yokohama BayStars (Game 25) at Nagoya Dome. This was the 53rd player in NPB history to hit for the cycle.
7. Career Specifics
Certain details contribute to Hirokazu Ibata's unique professional baseball identity, from the numbers he wore to the music that accompanied his at-bats.
7.1. Uniform Numbers
- 48 (1998-2002) - Chunichi Dragons
- 6 (2003-2013) - Chunichi Dragons
- 3 (2013) - 2013 WBC Japan national team
- 2 (2014-2015) - Yomiuri Giants
- 82 (2016-2018) - Yomiuri Giants (coach)
- 89 (2023-present) - Japan national baseball team (manager)
7.2. Walk-up Songs
- "Bad City" by SHŌGUN (2002)
- "HERO (Hero ni Naru Toki, Sore wa Ima)" by Kai Band (2002) - used during scoring opportunities
- "James Bond Theme" by Paul Oakenfold (2003)
- "One Night Carnival" by Kishidan (2004-2006)
- "Swingin' Nippon" by Kishidan (2005) - used during scoring opportunities
- "Age Age EVERY Knight" by DJ OZMA (2006-2008)
- "Cho!" by DJ OZMA (2007)
- "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by The Beatles (2009-2010)
- "Ato Hitotsu" by Funky Monkey Babys (2011-2015)
8. Detailed Statistics
Hirokazu Ibata's career is marked by comprehensive statistical data across his batting, international tournament performances, and fielding.
8.1. Career Batting Statistics
| Year | Team | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | TB | RBI | SB | CS | SH | SF | BB | IBB | HBP | SO | GDP | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Chunichi | 18 | 60 | 49 | 2 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 0 | .245 | .339 | .265 | .605 |
| 2000 | 92 | 270 | 242 | 35 | 74 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 90 | 16 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 16 | 0 | 2 | 22 | 1 | .306 | .351 | .372 | .723 | |
| 2001 | 140 | 625 | 531 | 53 | 139 | 25 | 3 | 1 | 173 | 32 | 14 | 12 | 37 | 2 | 49 | 2 | 6 | 60 | 10 | .262 | .330 | .326 | .656 | |
| 2002 | 135 | 596 | 531 | 67 | 154 | 25 | 1 | 4 | 193 | 25 | 6 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 53 | 1 | 6 | 77 | 11 | .290 | .361 | .363 | .724 | |
| 2003 | 105 | 447 | 386 | 44 | 103 | 14 | 0 | 5 | 132 | 27 | 5 | 3 | 30 | 1 | 28 | 0 | 2 | 50 | 9 | .267 | .319 | .342 | .661 | |
| 2004 | 138 | 642 | 562 | 81 | 170 | 30 | 2 | 6 | 222 | 57 | 21 | 10 | 18 | 3 | 54 | 0 | 5 | 74 | 16 | .302 | .367 | .395 | .762 | |
| 2005 | 146 | 659 | 560 | 87 | 181 | 22 | 5 | 6 | 231 | 63 | 22 | 8 | 19 | 2 | 72 | 3 | 6 | 77 | 11 | .323 | .405 | .413 | .817 | |
| 2006 | 146 | 666 | 573 | 97 | 162 | 19 | 2 | 8 | 209 | 48 | 17 | 12 | 27 | 1 | 61 | 0 | 4 | 72 | 13 | .283 | .355 | .365 | .720 | |
| 2007 | 144 | 665 | 588 | 87 | 174 | 34 | 4 | 5 | 231 | 45 | 23 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 63 | 1 | 5 | 74 | 13 | .296 | .368 | .393 | .761 | |
| 2008 | 106 | 466 | 408 | 51 | 113 | 16 | 3 | 5 | 150 | 23 | 8 | 3 | 16 | 2 | 37 | 1 | 3 | 56 | 7 | .277 | .340 | .368 | .708 | |
| 2009 | 144 | 657 | 569 | 80 | 174 | 24 | 2 | 5 | 217 | 39 | 13 | 7 | 8 | 2 | 72 | 0 | 6 | 66 | 13 | .306 | .388 | .381 | .770 | |
| 2010 | 53 | 212 | 180 | 18 | 47 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 53 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 21 | 1 | 3 | 28 | 13 | .261 | .345 | .294 | .639 | |
| 2011 | 104 | 434 | 376 | 28 | 88 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 102 | 29 | 3 | 3 | 31 | 2 | 25 | 1 | 0 | 53 | 10 | .234 | .280 | .271 | .551 | |
| 2012 | 140 | 553 | 489 | 35 | 139 | 17 | 0 | 2 | 162 | 35 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 52 | 2 | 3 | 58 | 14 | .284 | .356 | .331 | .687 | |
| 2013 | 100 | 376 | 326 | 30 | 77 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 89 | 18 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 38 | 0 | 4 | 51 | 13 | .236 | .323 | .273 | .596 | |
| 2014 | Yomiuri | 87 | 187 | 164 | 16 | 42 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 54 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 11 | .256 | .328 | .329 | .657 |
| 2015 | 98 | 321 | 269 | 20 | 63 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 75 | 19 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 2 | 37 | 0 | 3 | 36 | 4 | .234 | .331 | .279 | .610 | |
| Career: 17 years | 1896 | 7836 | 6803 | 831 | 1912 | 270 | 23 | 56 | 2396 | 510 | 149 | 90 | 248 | 24 | 702 | 12 | 59 | 886 | 169 | .281 | .352 | .352 | .706 | |
8.2. International Tournament Batting Statistics
| Year | Team | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | TB | RBI | SB | CS | SH | SF | BB | IBB | HBP | SO | GDP | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Japan | 6 | 23 | 18 | 6 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | .556 | .652 | .611 | 1.263 |
| Total: 1 appearance | 6 | 23 | 18 | 6 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | .556 | .652 | .611 | 1.263 | |
| Year | Team | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | TB | RBI | SB | CS | SH | SF | BB | IBB | HBP | SO | GDP | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | NPB | 6 | 13 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | .100 | .100 | .231 | .331 |
| Total: 1 appearance | 6 | 13 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | .100 | .100 | .231 | .331 | |
8.3. Career Fielding Statistics
; Infield
| Year | Team | First Base | Second Base | Third Base | Shortstop | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | PO | A | E | DP | FPct | G | PO | A | E | DP | FPct | G | PO | A | E | DP | FPct | G | PO | A | E | DP | FPct | ||
| 1998 | Chunichi | - | 6 | 5 | 10 | 1 | 2 | .938 | - | 12 | 23 | 34 | 0 | 10 | 1.000 | ||||||||||
| 2000 | - | 23 | 15 | 22 | 0 | 7 | 1.000 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | 51 | 70 | 122 | 5 | 16 | .975 | ||||||
| 2001 | - | 15 | 9 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 1.000 | - | 134 | 193 | 381 | 4 | 66 | .993 | |||||||||||
| 2002 | - | - | - | 134 | 237 | 387 | 6 | 69 | .990 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2003 | - | - | - | 104 | 150 | 319 | 2 | 62 | .996 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2004 | - | - | - | 138 | 213 | 472 | 4 | 90 | .994 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2005 | - | - | - | 146 | 204 | 480 | 5 | 97 | .993 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2006 | - | - | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ---- | 146 | 242 | 475 | 4 | 77 | .994 | |||||||||||
| 2007 | - | - | - | 144 | 222 | 465 | 6 | 97 | .991 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2008 | - | - | - | 106 | 139 | 311 | 8 | 50 | .983 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2009 | - | - | - | 144 | 218 | 477 | 8 | 92 | .989 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2010 | - | 45 | 114 | 114 | 1 | 27 | .996 | - | 8 | 15 | 18 | 2 | 1 | .943 | |||||||||||
| 2011 | - | 102 | 260 | 328 | 5 | 54 | .992 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | - | |||||||||||
| 2012 | - | - | - | 140 | 186 | 450 | 4 | 94 | .994 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2013 | - | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | - | 93 | 118 | 248 | 6 | 40 | .984 | |||||||||||
| 2014 | Yomiuri | 14 | 36 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 1.000 | 42 | 84 | 84 | 1 | 21 | .994 | 16 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1.000 | 14 | 9 | 18 | 0 | 4 | 1.000 |
| 2015 | 26 | 154 | 10 | 1 | 9 | .994 | 33 | 63 | 55 | 1 | 10 | .992 | 39 | 23 | 35 | 2 | 2 | .967 | 11 | 11 | 28 | 1 | 4 | .975 | |
| Career | 40 | 190 | 12 | 1 | 16 | .995 | 268 | 551 | 626 | 9 | 124 | .992 | 61 | 30 | 47 | 2 | 3 | .975 | 1525 | 2250 | 4685 | 65 | 869 | .991 | |
; Outfield
| Year | Team | Outfield | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | PO | A | E | DP | FPct | ||
| 2000 | Chunichi | 21 | 18 | 0 | 1 | 0 | .947 |
| 2001 | 11 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | |
| Career | 32 | 34 | 2 | 1 | 0 | .973 | |
9. Media Appearances and Publications
Beyond his on-field and coaching roles, Hirokazu Ibata has extended his influence through various media appearances and authored several publications.
9.1. Media Appearances
- Radio: He was a regular guest, typically via telephone once a week (mostly Mondays), on CBC Radio programs such as "Kuno Makoto no Dragons World" and "Miyabe Kazuhiro no Dragons EXPRESS." After retirement, he became a commentator for Nippon Broadcasting System's "Showup Nighter" (2019-2023) and Tokai Radio's "Guts Nighter" (2019-2023).
- Commercials: Appeared in regional advertisements for Sky PerfecTV! e2 (now Sky PerfecTV!) for their 2009 professional baseball coverage.
- Advertisements: Featured on posters for Nagoya Railroad's Meitetsu Limited Express μ-SKY and in advertisements for Otsuka Pharmaceutical's W Amino Value alongside Masahiro Araki.
- Columns: Contributed to the irregular column "Hirokazu Ibata no Ichi no Yakyu" (Hirokazu Ibata's Baseball) for Chunichi Sports' mobile website "Dragons Joho." This column included "Current Reports," a "Anything Q&A" section where he answered fan questions, and original content like "My Boom" (though less frequently updated).
- Blogs: Started blogging with "Takumi no Kotoba" (Words of a Master) in 2019.
- Video Streaming: Launched the "IbaTV ~ Hirokazu Ibata Official Channel" on YouTube in 2019, with weekly updates. The channel features Ibata discussing behind-the-scenes stories from his playing career, problems facing the baseball world, and his insights on notable players, with assistant MC Michi.
- Other: Appeared in television shopping and online sales pages for "Hot Aojiru" (green juice), sold by Tokado, along with his former teammate Masahiro Araki.
9.2. Publications
- Dotanbaryoku: Kuyashisa to Akogare ga Mugen no Chikara wo Umu (土壇場力: 悔しさと憧れが無限の力を生み出す; Clutch Power: Regret and Admiration Create Infinite Strength), Takeshobo, July 2013, ISBN 978-4812495964
- Shobuzuyosa (勝負強さ; Clutch Hitting), Kadokawa One Theme 21, July 2013, ISBN 978-4041105160
- Shubi no Chikara (守備の力; The Power of Defense), Kobunsha Shinsho, December 2014, ISBN 978-4334038328
- Naiyashubi no Shin Joushiki 4 Position no Tessoku Gyakusetsu & Battery Gaiya Kougeki to no Kankei (内野守備の新常識 4ポジションの鉄則・逆説&バッテリー・外野・攻撃との関係; New Common Sense of Infield Defense: Iron Rules and Paradoxes of 4 Positions & Relation to Battery, Outfield, and Offense), Kosaido Publishing, August 2019, ISBN 978-4331522387
- Hirokazu Ibata no Yugekishu "Cho" Senmon Koza (井端弘和の遊撃手「超」専門講座; Hirokazu Ibata's "Super" Specialized Shortstop Lecture), Baseball Magazine Sha, September 2019, ISBN 978-4583112350
- Araiba no Tessoku (アライバの鉄則; The Iron Rules of Araiba), Kosaido Publishing, July 2020, ISBN 978-4-331-52296-7 (co-authored with Masahiro Araki)
- Yakyuukan: Shobu wo Wakeru Zunou to Kansei (野球観 ~勝負をわける頭脳と感性~; Baseball Sense: The Brain and Instincts that Determine a Game), Nihon Bungeisha, June 2022, ISBN 978-4-537-21994-4
- Saikyo Niyuumonron (最強 二遊間論; The Strongest Double Play Combination Theory), Excia Publishing, October 2022, ISBN 978-4-910-88401-1
- Shonen Yakyu Dekiru Senshu wa Yatteru "Utsu Hashiru Nageru Mamoru" (少年野球 デキる選手はやっている「打つ・走る・投げる・守る」; Youth Baseball: What Good Players Do "Hitting, Running, Throwing, Fielding"), Nihon Bungeisha, July 2023, ISBN 978-4-537-22122-0
10. Legacy and Assessment
Hirokazu Ibata's career has left a significant and enduring legacy in Japanese baseball, marked by his exceptional defensive skill, tenacious playing style, and dedication to the sport across various roles. He is widely regarded as one of the finest defensive shortstops in NPB history, as evidenced by his seven Golden Glove Awards and his top ranking in the "Mitsui Golden Glove Legends" poll for shortstops. His partnership with Masahiro Araki as the "Araiba Combo" not only defined an era for the Chunichi Dragons but also set a high standard for defensive synergy in professional baseball.
Beyond his playing statistics, Ibata's resilience, particularly in overcoming debilitating eye injuries and returning to an elite level of play, serves as an inspiration. His willingness to adapt to new positions and managerial changes, as seen in his transition from shortstop to second base and back, highlights his commitment to team success.
In his post-retirement career, Ibata has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing the next generation of baseball talent. His coaching roles with the Yomiuri Giants and his temporary positions with amateur and professional teams like NTT East Japan and TSG Hawks reflect his desire to share his extensive knowledge. His leadership in youth baseball, especially as the manager of the U-12 and U-15 national teams, and leading the U-15 team to their first World Cup title since 2012, underscores his practical impact on player development at foundational levels.
His ascension to the manager of the Samurai Japan top team solidifies his status as a key figure in Japanese baseball. His successful debut as manager, leading Japan to victory in the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championship, quickly affirmed his leadership capabilities at the highest level. Despite the team's second-place finish in the 2024 WBSC Premier12, ending a streak of world titles, Ibata's continued appointment as manager through the next WBC indicates confidence in his vision and ability to guide the national team in the long term.
Ibata's overall impact extends beyond the field through his media appearances, comprehensive publications on baseball strategy, and community engagement initiatives like the "Ibata Festival" and "Hirokazu Ibata Cup." These efforts illustrate his dedication to fostering a love for baseball from the grassroots level to the professional stage, ensuring his legacy as a player, coach, and leader in Japanese baseball continues to evolve.