Manabu Mima

1.1. High School and University

During his time at Fujishiro Town Municipal Fujishiro Junior High School (now Toride City Municipal Fujishiro Junior High School), Mima was a member of the soft baseball club, contributing to their achievement of reaching the Best 8 in the 23rd National Junior High School Soft Baseball Tournament. Notably, he once faced Kisenosato Yutaka, who would later become the 72nd Yokozuna in sumo, during his junior high school baseball days. Kisenosato reportedly decided to give up baseball after witnessing Mima's talent.

Mima continued his baseball journey at Ibaraki Prefectural Fujishiro High School, where he became a regular player from his first year. In the spring of his second year, he participated in the 75th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament. However, from that summer onward, he suffered from recurring injuries, which sometimes led to him being deployed as a first baseman. His decision to attend Chuo University was influenced by his two-year senior, Ryohei Isaka, who also attended the university.

At Chuo University, Mima joined the hardball baseball club but continued to be plagued by injuries, undergoing elbow surgeries in both his second and fourth years. In the spring of his fourth year, under manager Yoshimasa Takahashi, he made 10 relief appearances out of 13 games, significantly contributing to the team's second-division championship and earning the MVP award. Although he could not pitch in the promotion series due to injury, the team successfully advanced to the first division. In the autumn of his fourth year, he only made one appearance, pitching 1 1/3 innings in the first division. His teammates included Kazuya Murata (one year senior), Takuichi Sawamura and Issei Endo (two years junior), and Seiya Inoue (three years junior).

After graduating from university, Mima joined the Tokyo Gas baseball club. His start was delayed due to injuries, but he eventually contributed to the team's qualification for the main tournament of the Intercity Baseball Tournament by pitching four scoreless games as a closer in the qualifiers. He maintained a close relationship with his Tokyo Gas teammate Daiki Enokida, with whom he continued to train independently even after turning professional.

On October 28, 2010, Mima was selected by the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in the second round of the 2010 Nippon Professional Baseball draft. He signed a contract with an estimated value of 70.00 M JPY and an estimated annual salary of 12.00 M JPY. His jersey number was set as 31. Immediately after being drafted, he represented Japan as a member of the Japanese national baseball team at the 2010 Asian Games, where he helped the team secure a bronze medal.

2.1. Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles

Mima debuted with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in 2011. The season's start was delayed to April 12 due to the Great East Japan Earthquake. He made the opening day roster as a relief pitcher, making his professional debut in the second game of the season against the Chiba Lotte Marines on April 13, where he pitched a scoreless eighth inning. His first professional loss occurred on April 17 against the Orix Buffaloes, where he allowed three runs in 0 1/3 innings after entering in the seventh. However, he quickly bounced back, earning his first professional win on April 23 against the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters by pitching a scoreless ninth inning in relief, followed by a walk-off victory for his team. On May 17, he recorded his first hold against the Yomiuri Giants. Mima continued to be a key part of the bullpen until June 29, when he suffered a right elbow injury against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and was diagnosed with inflammation. He did not return to the first team that season, finishing his rookie year with 23 appearances, 2 wins, 1 loss, 5 holds, and a 3.08 ERA.

In 2012, Mima transitioned to a starting pitcher role, a move advised by manager Senichi Hoshino due to his history of right elbow surgeries. After pitching 25 2/3 innings in four games in the minor leagues, he made his first professional start on April 26 against the Orix Buffaloes, filling in for the injured ace, Masahiro Tanaka. He pitched 5 innings, allowing 3 runs, but received a no-decision. On May 13, in his third start, he earned his first professional starting victory, pitching 7 innings and allowing only 1 run against the Buffaloes. On May 28, he threw his first professional complete game victory against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, allowing just 1 run over 9 innings. Despite often pitching well, he frequently lacked run support, leading to many no-decisions or losses. He maintained his spot in the starting rotation until the end of the season, reaching the qualified innings mark for the first time. He finished the year with 23 appearances (22 starts), 8 wins, 10 losses, and a 3.08 ERA. His salary was increased to an estimated 31.00 M JPY.

The 2013 season saw Mima make his first opening day rotation. He secured his first win of the season on March 31 with 8 scoreless innings against the SoftBank Hawks. However, he struggled in May, allowing a career-high 9 runs in 5 innings on May 3 against the Nippon-Ham Fighters, and his shortest outing of 1 inning with 6 runs allowed on May 23 against the Giants. His performance declined, and he was removed from the roster on May 24 due to right elbow pain. He returned to the first team on July 28 against the Marines. On October 4, he left a game against the Saitama Seibu Lions due to right elbow discomfort, diagnosed as arthritis. He ended the regular season with 18 starts, 6 wins, 5 losses, and a 4.12 ERA, falling short of qualified innings. In the postseason, he made a strong return in Game 3 of the Pacific League Climax Series Final Stage against the Marines, pitching a 9-inning, 4-hit, 0-run complete game shutout. In the 2013 Japan Series against the Giants, he started Game 3, pitching 5 2/3 scoreless innings despite being hit by a batted ball on his right foot (which was later confirmed to be fine). He then started and won Game 7, pitching 6 scoreless innings, leading the Eagles to their first-ever Japan Series championship. For his outstanding performance, he was named the Japan Series MVP. Across the postseason, he accumulated a 3-0 record with 0 runs allowed over 20 2/3 innings. His salary was increased to an estimated 40.00 M JPY.

In 2014, Mima started the season's fourth game (the home opener) against the Orix Buffaloes but took the loss after allowing 4 runs in 4 1/3 innings. After a rough start, he pitched well on April 22 against the Seibu Lions, allowing only 1 unearned run over 9 innings. However, on April 29, he was hit in the groin by a batted ball and had to leave the game, leading to his removal from the roster. He returned on May 24 against the Chunichi Dragons, pitching 6 2/3 innings with 2 runs allowed but again received no run support. He finally earned his second win of the season on June 22 against the Hanshin Tigers. Due to further injuries, he ended the season in the minor leagues, finishing with 14 starts, 2 wins, 9 losses, and a 4.83 ERA. His salary was reduced to an estimated 37.00 M JPY.

In 2015, Mima began in the opening rotation for the fifth consecutive year. His first start on April 2 against the Seibu Lions resulted in a loss. Despite pitching well in subsequent games, he struggled to secure wins. On May 5, he suffered his fourth consecutive loss after allowing 4 runs (1 earned) in 4 2/3 innings against the Nippon-Ham Fighters, and was removed from the roster. He returned on May 20, but on August 2, he experienced right elbow discomfort during warm-ups against the Orix Buffaloes and was forced to leave the game. He underwent cleaning surgery on his right elbow on September 1, ending his season. He finished with 16 starts, 3 wins, 7 losses, and a 3.44 ERA. His salary was reduced to an estimated 35.00 M JPY.

In 2016, Mima was part of the opening rotation for the fourth consecutive year. He earned his first professional complete game shutout in his first start of the season on March 30 against the Chiba Lotte Marines, allowing no runs and no walks over 9 innings with just 96 pitches. He went on to win his first four starts, a team record for an opening day starter. Despite a strong first half (6 wins, 3 losses, 3.69 ERA in 14 starts), his performance declined in the second half. He reached the qualified innings mark for the first time in four years, finishing with 26 appearances (25 starts), 9 wins, 9 losses, and a 4.30 ERA. His salary increased to an estimated 50.00 M JPY.

The 2017 season saw Mima deal with a hip injury and lower back pain early in spring training. Despite these issues, he was unexpectedly named the opening day starter for the first time in his career, due to injuries to other key pitchers. He pitched 6 innings, allowing 3 runs, in the opening game against the Orix Buffaloes, receiving a no-decision. He then recorded four consecutive wins to start the season, a first for an opening day starter in Eagles history. By the All-Star break, he had a strong record of 7 wins and 2 losses with a 2.46 ERA in 15 starts, earning his first All-Star Game selection as a manager's recommendation. He pitched in Game 2 of the All-Star series. Although he experienced two stints on the disabled list in August, he pitched his second complete game shutout of the season on September 19 against the Nippon-Ham Fighters, securing his first career double-digit win season with 10 wins. He finished the season with 26 starts, 11 wins, 8 losses, and a 3.26 ERA, helping the Eagles reach the Climax Series. In the CS, he started Game 3 of the First Stage against the Seibu Lions, allowing 1 run in 4 2/3 innings. He also started Game 5 of the Final Stage against the SoftBank Hawks, but struggled, allowing 5 runs in 3 innings. Off-season, his salary increased to an estimated 80.00 M JPY, and his jersey number was changed to 15, a tribute to his mother's birthday.

In 2018, Mima made his sixth consecutive opening rotation. His first start on March 31 against the Chiba Lotte Marines was disastrous, as he allowed 5 runs in just 2 innings and took the loss. He struggled through April, going 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA in his first four starts, leading to his removal from the roster on April 24. He returned on May 16 but continued to struggle, taking a loss after allowing 6 runs in 4 1/3 innings against the SoftBank Hawks. He finally earned his first win of the season on June 17 against the Hanshin Tigers, pitching 7 scoreless innings. On July 18, he was removed from the roster due to right elbow strain, diagnosed as pronator flexor attachment inflammation. He underwent arthroscopic cleaning surgery on his right elbow on August 16, ending his season. He finished with 14 starts, 2 wins, 6 losses, and a 4.56 ERA. His salary was reduced to an estimated 65.00 M JPY.

Mima again made the opening rotation in 2019. He was selected for his second All-Star Game (manager's recommendation) and pitched in Game 2. On July 19, against the SoftBank Hawks, he pitched 8 perfect innings before giving up a walk and a single in the ninth, losing his bid for a perfect game and no-hitter. He still completed the game, allowing just 1 run for the win. He was the only pitcher on the Eagles to remain in the starting rotation for the entire season, reaching the qualified innings mark for the second time in three years. He finished with 25 starts, 8 wins, 5 losses, and a 4.01 ERA. In Game 2 of the Climax Series First Stage against the SoftBank Hawks, he allowed 5 runs in 4 innings. On October 27, he declared his intent to exercise his domestic FA rights.

2.2. Chiba Lotte Marines

On November 25, 2019, Mima officially signed with the Chiba Lotte Marines on a three-year contract, retaining his jersey number 15. His decision to move to the Marines was influenced by personal reasons; his first child, a son born in October 2019, was diagnosed with a right wrist deficiency, and Mima desired to be closer to his family in the Kanto region. The Marines' affiliation with Juntendo University Hospital and Urayasu Hospital also provided crucial medical support, which was important given Mima's history of six right elbow surgeries. This move was notable as he was the first homegrown player from the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles to transfer via FA, and it was often described as a "de facto trade" given that Daichi Suzuki moved from the Marines to the Eagles around the same time.

In 2020, Mima was initially slated to be the Marines' opening day starter, but the season was shortened to 120 games and delayed to June 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also suffered a left oblique strain, leading to Ayumu Ishikawa being named the opening day starter. Mima made his Marines debut and first start on June 21 against the SoftBank Hawks, earning his first win with his new team by pitching 5 innings and allowing 1 run. He struggled in July, with a 1-2 record and a 7.15 ERA in four starts, which temporarily raised his season ERA to 5.71. However, he improved significantly from August, recording seven consecutive wins, which tied the longest winning streak for a first-year FA transfer pitcher (matching Toshiya Sugiuchi in 2012). He reached the qualified innings mark for the second consecutive year, finishing the season with 19 starts, 10 wins, 4 losses, and a 3.95 ERA. He was also the only pitcher in the Pacific League among qualified pitchers to not hit any batters. His performance was crucial in leading the Marines to their first A-class finish in four years and a second-place finish, their highest in 13 years. In Game 1 of the Climax Series against the SoftBank Hawks, he pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing 3 runs (2 earned), and received a no-decision. In the off-season, his salary increased to an estimated 120.00 M JPY.

The 2021 season began with Mima starting the second game against the SoftBank Hawks on March 27, pitching 6 innings with 1 run allowed but receiving a no-decision. He continued to pitch effectively in many games but often lacked run support. On June 5, he had a historically bad outing against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, allowing 11 runs in 5 innings. In his very next start on June 12 against the Yomiuri Giants, he allowed 10 runs in just 2 0/3 innings. This marked the first time in 72 years and only the fourth instance in NPB history (and the first in the two-league era) that a pitcher allowed double-digit runs in consecutive starts. He was removed from the roster the following day. After the Olympic break, he returned on August 14 against the Orix Buffaloes, pitching 5 innings and allowing 2 runs in a rain-affected game to earn a win. He remained in the rotation for the rest of the season but struggled in critical late-season games, including a 4 1/3 inning, 3-run outing against the Orix Buffaloes on September 29 and a 1 2/3 inning, 7-run (0 earned) outing against the SoftBank Hawks on October 25, which contributed to the team losing the league championship. He finished with 21 starts, 6 wins, 7 losses, and a 4.92 ERA, falling short of qualified innings. In Game 2 of the Climax Series Final Stage against the Orix Buffaloes, he pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings before being hit on the right knee by a sharp liner, forcing him out of the game. The Marines went on to lose the game. His salary remained an estimated 120.00 M JPY.

In 2022, Mima started the fifth game of the season against the SoftBank Hawks on March 31, taking a loss after allowing 2 runs in 5 innings. He continued to struggle with run support, receiving only 1 run of support in his first four starts, resulting in an 0-4 record despite pitching relatively well. On May 12, he finally earned his first win of the season against the Rakuten Eagles, and then went on a four-game winning streak. By the All-Star break, he had a 5-6 record with a 4.15 ERA in 13 starts. On July 22, he tested positive for COVID-19, leading to his removal from the roster. He returned on August 16 against the Orix Buffaloes, pitching a rain-shortened 7-inning complete game shutout, his first in five years. He finished the season on a six-game winning streak (including games before his COVID-19 absence). In the second half, he had an ace-like performance with 5 wins, 0 losses, and a 0.82 ERA in seven starts. Overall, he made 20 starts, recording 10 wins, 6 losses, and a 2.91 ERA, though he did not reach qualified innings. In the off-season, he signed a new two-year contract, and his salary increased to an estimated 140.00 M JPY.

Mima entered the 2023 season in the opening rotation. His first start on April 2 against the SoftBank Hawks resulted in a loss, as he allowed 4 runs in 4 innings. He took another loss on April 11 against the Seibu Lions, allowing 3 runs in 4 1/3 innings, leading to his removal from the roster. After one minor league appearance, he returned on April 25 against the Seibu Lions but again took a loss, allowing 3 runs in 4 innings. Following this outing, manager Masato Yoshii decided to send him to the minor leagues indefinitely. He returned to the first team on June 6 against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, but took his fourth consecutive loss of the season, allowing 4 runs in 6 1/3 innings. On July 8, in his seventh start of the season, he finally earned his first win, pitching 7 innings and allowing 2 runs against the Nippon-Ham Fighters. He remained in the starting rotation for the rest of the season, showing improvement in September and October with a 3.18 ERA in five starts. However, he finished the season with a disappointing 3 wins, 9 losses, and a 4.76 ERA in 18 starts, not reaching qualified innings. In Game 1 of the Climax Series Final Stage against the Orix Buffaloes, he allowed 3 runs in 4 innings, taking a no-decision. His salary remained an estimated 140.00 M JPY.

In 2024, Mima was again part of the opening rotation. His first start on April 4 against the SoftBank Hawks was difficult, as he allowed 6 earned runs and 7 total runs in 4 innings, taking the loss. He was removed from the roster the next day. He returned on May 30 against the Hanshin Tigers, pitching 6 innings and allowing 3 runs, but received a no-decision. On June 7, against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, he allowed 2 runs in 4 innings and took the loss in a game where the Marines were no-hit by Daichi Osera. He was removed from the roster again on June 8. After three minor league appearances, he suffered a right knee ligament injury in August, ending his season. He finished 2024 with only 3 first-team starts, 0 wins, 2 losses, and a 7.43 ERA, marking the first time in his professional career he did not record a win. In the off-season, his salary was significantly reduced by 71% to an estimated 40.00 M JPY.

3.1. Pitching Style

Standing at 67 in ^{(169 cm)}, Mima is considered a compact pitcher. In high school, his fastball velocity was in the 81 mph ^{(130 km/h)} range. However, after enrolling in university, he dedicated himself to weight training, successfully gaining over 33 lb ^{(15 kg)}. This physical transformation allowed him to develop into a power pitcher, consistently throwing in the high 87 mph ^{(140 km/h)} range. During his time in the industrial leagues, his fastball reached speeds of up to 95 mph ^{(153 km/h)}, and he primarily relied on his fastball and slider as his main pitches, drawing attention as a closer.

After turning professional, Mima expanded his pitching arsenal, developing a variety of breaking balls. This allowed him to transition into a more crafty pitcher, emphasizing pitch command and deception. His maximum fastball velocity as a starter has been recorded at 94 mph ^{(151 km/h)}.

3.2. Pitch Repertoire

Mima's pitching repertoire is diverse, allowing him to strategically attack hitters. His primary pitches include a four-seam fastball, a slider, a forkball, a curveball, a two-seam fastball (also known as a shuuto), and a changeup.

According to pitching data from his 2019 season (25 starts, 143.2 innings pitched):

4.1. Family

Manabu Mima married Japanese singer and actress Anna Mima (also known as Anna Santos) on January 12, 2014.

In October 2019, the couple welcomed their first child, a son. It was later publicly revealed that their son was born with a right wrist deficiency, a form of congenital limb deficiency. This personal circumstance significantly influenced Mima's decision to sign with the Chiba Lotte Marines in 2019, as he sought to be closer to his family in the Kanto region and ensure access to specialized medical support.

Mima's mother passed away on December 8, 2017. The change of his jersey number from 31 to 15 in 2018 was a tribute to his mother, as 15 corresponds to her birthday, January 5. His wife, Anna, publicly shared that this gesture was Mima's final act of gratitude to his mother.

In August 2023, Mima and Anna welcomed their second child, a daughter, born on August 22.

5.1. Major Awards

• Japan Series MVP: 1 time (2013)
• All-Star Game selection: 2 times (2017, 2019)

5.2. Career Milestones

• First appearance: April 13, 2011, against Chiba Lotte Marines (QVC Marine Field), as 4th relief pitcher in 8th inning, 1 scoreless inning.
• First strikeout: April 17, 2011, against Orix Buffaloes (Hanshin Koshien Stadium), striking out Hikaru Ito looking in 7th inning.
• First win: April 23, 2011, against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (Hotto Motto Field Kobe), as 3rd relief pitcher in 9th inning, 1 scoreless inning.
• First hold: May 17, 2011, against Yomiuri Giants (Nippon Paper Kobo Stadium Miyagi), as 4th relief pitcher in 8th inning, 1 scoreless inning.
• First start: April 26, 2012, against Orix Buffaloes (Nippon Paper Kobo Stadium Miyagi), 5 innings, 3 runs, no decision.
• First start win: May 13, 2012, against Orix Buffaloes (Kyocera Dome Osaka), 7 innings, 5 hits, 1 run, 6 strikeouts.
• First complete game and first complete game win: May 28, 2012, against Tokyo Yakult Swallows (Meiji Jingu Stadium), 9 innings, 5 hits, 1 run, 6 strikeouts.
• First complete game shutout: March 30, 2016, against Chiba Lotte Marines (QVC Marine Field), 9 innings, no walks, no runs, 2 strikeouts.
• First hit: June 16, 2016, against Yomiuri Giants (Tokyo Dome), a single off Hirokazu Ohtake in the 2nd inning.
• First RBI: June 16, 2016, against Yomiuri Giants (Tokyo Dome), an infield RBI single off Kentaro Nishimura in the 3rd inning.
• 1000 innings pitched: July 5, 2020, against Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles (Rakuten Seimei Park Miyagi), against Hideto Asamura in the 1st inning (155th player in NPB history).
• 1000 strikeouts: August 17, 2023, against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (ES CON Field Hokkaido), striking out Go Matsumoto swinging in the 1st inning (155th player in NPB history).

5.3. Notable Records

• Two consecutive starts allowing double-digit runs: This occurred on June 5, 2021 (5 innings, 11 runs allowed vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars) and June 12, 2021 (2 0/3 innings, 10 runs allowed vs. Yomiuri Giants). This was the first time in 72 years and the fourth instance in NPB history (and the first in the two-league era) for a pitcher to allow double-digit runs in consecutive starts.
• First opening day starter in Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles history to record 4 consecutive wins to start the season (2017).

6.1. Pitching Statistics

• Statistics as of the end of the 2024 season.
• Bold indicates league leader.

6.2. Fielding Statistics

• Statistics as of the end of the 2024 season.
• Bold indicates league leader.