Osamu Higashio

2.1. Entry into Professional Baseball

Upon entering professional baseball in 1969, Higashio struggled to adapt to the high level of play in the Pacific League. He lost confidence in his pitching ability, even requesting the team to convert him to a position player during his first summer. This request was initially accepted but quickly withdrawn due to the eruption of the "Black Mist Scandal" in the 1969 off-season. This widespread gambling scandal led to the permanent banishment of several key players, including the Lions' ace pitcher, Masaaki Ikenaga.

The scandal created a severe pitching shortage for the Nishitetsu Lions, forcing Higashio into the starting rotation as a rookie. Despite his inexperience, he was compelled to pitch a full year. His debut season reflected his struggles, with a high 5.15 ERA in 40 games. He continued to lead the league in losses in 1971 and 1972. In the 1972 season, he pitched over 300 innings pitched, leading the league not only in losses (25, an all-time Pacific League record) but also in hits, runs, and home runs allowed. He also recorded over 100 walks in three consecutive seasons starting from 1971. Higashio later admitted that he secretly welcomed the "Black Mist Scandal" as it presented a crucial opportunity and turning point in his career. Pitching coach Hidefumi Kawamura taught him the sinker and subjected him, along with Hajime Kato, to intense throwing drills of 350 pitches to 400 pitches daily.

2.2. Rise to Ace Pitcher

During the early 1970s, the Nishitetsu Lions faced significant financial instability and declining attendance due to the "Black Mist Scandal." The team was sold by Nishi-Nippon Railroad in 1973, becoming the Taiheiyo Club Lions, and again in 1978, when it was renamed the Crown Lighter Lions. Despite this turbulent period, Higashio emerged as the indispensable ace of the pitching staff, single-handedly carrying the team through its lean years. In the 1975 season, he recorded an impressive 2.38 ERA and led the league with 23 wins, including four shutouts.

In the 1977 off-season, the Yomiuri Giants attempted to acquire Higashio through a trade. However, the Lions' management issued a strong statement, declaring that "Higashio's release would mean the death of the club, and that is impossible as long as we are in charge of management." This demonstrated his critical importance to the franchise.

The Lions finally achieved financial stability in 1979 when the team was sold to Kokudo and rebranded as the Seibu Lions, relocating to Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture. Under the leadership of manager Rikio Nemoto, who also served as general manager, the roster underwent a significant overhaul through trades. Higashio and Takuji Ota were the only two players who remained with the franchise through all its name changes from Nishitetsu to Seibu.

In 1982, Tatsuro Hirooka took over as manager, succeeding Nemoto, who became a full-time general manager. Hirooka implemented a strict, team-oriented defensive style of baseball. This led to clashes with Higashio, such as when Hirooka benched him for a perceived slow first-base cover. In 1983, a sports newspaper reported Hirooka's post-game comment questioning if Higashio was "throwing games," which deeply angered Higashio, who stated he still could not forgive the remark.

Despite these tensions, the Hirooka-led Seibu Lions achieved consecutive league championships and Japan Series titles in 1982 and 1983. Higashio played a crucial role in these victories, often appearing as a long reliever due to Shigeharu Mori's struggles as closer. In the 1982 Japan Series against the Chunichi Dragons, Higashio earned two wins in relief, including the clinching Game 5, where he struck out Yasuyori Ohshima for the final out. He became the first pitcher in Japan Series history to win MVP solely as a reliever, a record that stood until Dennis Sarfate in 2017. In 1983, he had his best season, leading the league with 18 wins and a 2.92 ERA, earning both the Pacific League MVP and Best Nine awards. In Game 7 of the 1983 Japan Series against the Giants, Higashio struck out Tatsunori Hara with a sinker, setting the stage for a game-winning rally.

Higashio reached his 200th career win in 1984. In 1985, he posted an impressive 17-3 record and was selected to the Best Nine, even over Yoshinori Sato of the Hankyu Braves, who had 21 wins. From 1985 to 1988, the Lions won four consecutive Pacific League championships, securing three more Japan Series titles. Higashio earned his second Pacific League MVP award in 1987. He announced his retirement at the end of the 1988 season.

2.3. Pitching Style and "Kenka Throwing"

Higashio was renowned for his aggressive and intimidating pitching style, famously dubbed "Kenka Throwing" (Fighting Pitching). His approach centered on sharp sinkers and sliders, which he used to challenge batters both inside and outside the plate. He consistently pitched towards the inside of the plate to intimidate opposing batters, a tactic that often led to hit batsmen. He holds the all-time NPB record for career hit batsmen with 165, with 132 of those (82%) hitting right-handed batters. His unflappable demeanor on the mound, showing little remorse after hitting batters, further solidified his "fighting" reputation.

Higashio explained that this aggressive style was a result of trial and error, a necessary adaptation to maximize the effectiveness of his sinker and slider. He confessed that he would have preferred to pitch with a powerful fastball, but his fastball, even at its peak, only reached around 88 mph ^{(142 km/h)} to 89 mph ^{(143 km/h)}, which he realized was insufficient for professional success. He considered himself fortunate to have recognized this early in his career, prompting him to focus on breaking pitches during his first autumn camp. He aimed to emulate Masaaki Ikenaga, whom he considered his mentor.

Despite his high hit batsmen count, Higashio consistently maintained that he never intentionally hit a batter. However, he did admit to making exceptions for "retaliation" pitches as a team strategy, for example, after a teammate like Ryuzo Yamamoto was hit. He would only do so when the next batter was statistically less threatening. He was also known for his strong reactions when his own teammates were hit, such as when he confronted Naoyuki Naito for hitting Kazuhiro Kiyohara, ignoring Naito's apology.

Higashio's aggressive style sometimes led to on-field altercations. He had a particularly difficult time with Yutaka Fukumoto of the Hankyu Braves, who frequently stole bases against him due to Higashio's pitching habits. While Higashio temporarily overcame this by learning Fukumoto's tells, Fukumoto quickly found new weaknesses.

Higashio's career was also marked by a high number of losses, especially in his early years. From 1969 to 1972, his first four seasons, he had a losing record each year. Throughout his 20-year career, he finished with a losing record in nine seasons and recorded double-digit losses in 14 seasons. He led the league in losses five times, including a career-high 25 losses in 1972, which remains a Pacific League record. He also reached 200 career losses before 200 career wins (the second pitcher in NPB history to do so after Takao Kajimoto). However, a strong finish to his career, including a 17-3 record in 1985, allowed him to retire with a winning record of 251 wins and 247 losses. As of 2018, Higashio remains the last pitcher in NPB to record over 300 innings pitched and 20 losses in a single season. His primary pitches were a fastball, slider, and sinker, occasionally mixing in a forkball.

2.4. Key Achievements and Awards

Osamu Higashio accumulated numerous accolades throughout his illustrious playing career:

• Most Valuable Player (MVP):** 2 times (1983, 1987)
• Wins Leader:** 2 times (1975, 1983)
• Best Earned Run Average (ERA):** 1 time (1983)
• Strikeout Leader:** 1 time (1975) - *Note: Not an official league award until 1989 in the Pacific League.*
• Best Nine Award:** 2 times (1983, 1985)
• Golden Glove Award:** 5 times (1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987) - *5 consecutive awards is the longest streak for a pitcher in the Pacific League.*
• Japan Series MVP:** 1 time (1982)
• Monthly MVP:** 2 times (August 1980, April 1982)
• Baseball Hall of Fame:** Inducted in 2010 (Player Category)
• Hochi Professional Sports Award:** 1 time (1983)
• Best Father Award in Kansai ("Best Father of the Bride"):** 2010
• Ikumen of the Year (Ikujii Sports Division):** 2014

• Career Milestones:**
  • First Appearance:** April 13, 1969, against Kintetsu Buffaloes (relief appearance).
  • First Start:** August 15, 1969, against Nankai Hawks.
  • First Strikeout:** August 15, 1969, against Sanshiro Nishioka.
  • First Win / First Start Win:** May 16, 1970, against Toei Flyers.
  • First Complete Game Win:** May 24, 1970, against Hankyu Braves.
  • First Shutout Win:** April 22, 1972, against Hankyu Braves.
  • First Save:** May 10, 1975, against Kintetsu Buffaloes.
  • First Home Run:** October 2, 1971, against Yoshinori Toda.
  • 100 Wins:** July 20, 1977, against Hankyu Braves (70th player in NPB history).
  • 1,000 Strikeouts:** August 24, 1978, against Tatsuya Omiya (55th player in NPB history).
  • 150 Wins:** October 3, 1980, against Nippon-Ham Fighters (33rd player in NPB history).
  • 500 Games Pitched:** April 24, 1982, against Hankyu Braves (46th player in NPB history).
  • 200 Wins:** September 15, 1984, against Nankai Hawks (20th player in NPB history).
  • 600 Games Pitched:** June 12, 1985, against Kintetsu Buffaloes (23rd player in NPB history).
  • 1,500 Strikeouts:** August 6, 1985, against Koichi Hada (29th player in NPB history).
  • 250 Wins:** September 4, 1988, against Nankai Hawks (10th player in NPB history).
  • 4,000 Innings Pitched:** 1988 (8th player in NPB history, and the last to achieve this as of 2022).
  • All-Star Game Appearances:** 10 times (1972, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987).

2.5. Notable Incidents and Controversies

Higashio's career was marked by several high-profile incidents and controversies that highlighted his fiery personality and the intense nature of his "Kenka Throwing" style.

One of the most infamous incidents occurred on June 13, 1986, during a game against the Kintetsu Buffaloes at Seibu Stadium. In the sixth inning, Higashio threw an inside sinker that hit Richard Davis on the left elbow. Davis, enraged, charged the mound, landing a right straight punch, kicks, and several more punches on Higashio. Davis was ejected and subsequently suspended for 10 days and fined 100.00 K JPY. Higashio, however, continued to pitch and earned the complete-game victory. Many fans sympathized with Davis, demanding that Higashio also be penalized for his frequent hit batsmen. Rival managers, including Shigeru Takada of the Nippon-Ham Fighters and Toshiharu Ueda of the Hankyu Braves, publicly accused Higashio of intentionally hitting batters, citing his excellent control. Higashio maintained he never threw with the intention to hit, though he later admitted to retaliatory pitches. He was particularly angered by Ueda's comments, accusing Hankyu of using "random number tables" for hit-by-pitch signs. In the subsequent game against Hankyu, Higashio pitched a complete game victory by only throwing outside pitches.

In December 1987, Higashio's career faced another major challenge when it was revealed that he had been questioned by police regarding his involvement in mahjong gambling. This news broke just as he was negotiating a salary increase, potentially making him the second Japanese player (and first pitcher) to earn 100.00 M JPY annually, after Hiromitsu Ochiai. On December 14, Higashio held a press conference, expressing deep remorse for his "immaturity and carelessness" and apologizing to his team and fans. The Seibu Lions investigated the matter and, on December 21, imposed a six-month suspension and a 25.00 M JPY fine. He was allowed to participate in voluntary training and spring camp but was barred from exhibition and official games. His salary was ultimately reduced to 75.00 M JPY.

Higashio's relationship with manager Tatsuro Hirooka was also a source of tension. Higashio referred to Hirooka as his "10th enemy" (after nine opposing batters), claiming Hirooka "tore his pride to shreds." He recounted incidents such as secretly drinking beer with teammate Koichi Tabuchi during a camp where alcohol was forbidden. Beyond the base-cover incident and the "match-fixing" accusation, Higashio stated he celebrated when Hirooka resigned in 1985. However, he also acknowledged that Hirooka's strict guidance was crucial for the team's development and eventual strength, admitting that Hirooka was "indispensable" for the early success of the Seibu Lions. In his 2023 book, "The Power to Lose," Higashio reflected that Nemoto's talent acquisition, Hirooka's technical and tactical instruction, and Mori's maturation of the team were the sequence that built the Lions' golden era.

In 1988, after 20 years with the Lions, Higashio faced trade rumors, including a potential move to the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks (which would have been a return to Fukuoka) or the Taiyo Whales, and even interest from the Giants. However, Lions owner Yoshiaki Tsutsumi stated that no trade would occur unless a better player was acquired in return, effectively making it an unofficial retirement recommendation. Higashio ultimately chose to retire, stating his desire to "burn out with Seibu" and not play against his former teammates. He also expressed regret at not reaching Kazuhisa Inao's 276 career wins, falling short by 25 wins, but felt that his 247 losses better reflected his pitching journey than his 251 wins.

2.6. Career Statistics

Below is a detailed breakdown of Osamu Higashio's pitching statistics throughout his professional playing career.

• Bolded figures indicate league-leading statistics for that season.
• The Nishitetsu Lions changed their name to Taiheiyo Club Lions in 1973, Crown Lighter Lions in 1977, and Seibu Lions in 1979.

3.1. Seibu Lions Manager

Following his retirement as a player, Higashio worked as a sports commentator for various television networks and radio stations before returning to the Seibu Lions as manager in 1995. He inherited a team that had seen its core players from the "Golden Age" either leave or decline, facing immense pressure to succeed after his predecessor, Shigeharu Mori, had led the team to eight league championships in nine years. Higashio's appointment came at a challenging time, as star pitcher Kimiyasu Kudo left via free agency due to conflicts with the front office, despite Higashio's personal plea for him to stay.

Higashio immediately focused on team building, drafting promising young players such as Fumiya Nishiguchi, Hiroyuki Takagi, and Tatsuya Ozeki. He also brought back former Lions slugger Orestes Destrade and acquired Darrin Jackson from Major League Baseball. However, his first season in 1995 saw the team finish in 3rd place, largely due to a dismal 5-21 record against the eventual champions, the Orix Buffaloes. In 1996, despite acquiring players like Yusuke Kawada, Masaji Shimizu, and Hiroyuki Maehara through trades and drafting Taisei Takagi and Susumu Otomo, the team finished 3rd again with a losing record, their first in 16 years. Higashio brought back Masahiro Doi, Kiyohara's former mentor, as a hitting coach to help Kiyohara regain his form, but Kiyohara's performance remained inconsistent, and he eventually left for the Giants. Higashio noted that Kiyohara's presence sometimes intimidated younger players, and his struggles with a dislocated shoulder affected the team's infield defense.

The emergence of young talents like Kazuo Matsui (who Higashio converted to a switch-hitter and moved to cleanup), Nishiguchi (who won 16 games), Kiyoshi Toyoda, and Takashi Ishii proved pivotal. In 1997, Higashio's third year, the Lions secured their first league championship in three years. He recruited Yutaka Sudo, a former Giants coach, as head coach. The offense, despite Kiyohara's departure, became more dynamic with Matsui, Otomo, and Takagi setting the table for Ken Suzuki and Domingo Martinez. The team led the league with 200 stolen bases. The pitching staff, with Nishiguchi (15 wins), Tetsuya Shiozaki (12 wins after converting to a starter), and Toyoda (10 wins), along with relievers Takehiro Hashimoto, rookie Shinji Mori, and Denney Tomori, solidified into a strong unit. However, the Lions lost the 1997 Japan Series to the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. After the season, Higashio personally informed veteran pitcher Hisanobu Watanabe that he would be released due to the team's financial difficulties.

During a game on July 10, 1997, Higashio was ejected after an altercation with umpire Koichi Tanba, whom he pushed and kicked after Tanba ejected Hiroshi Narahara. Higashio received a 3-game suspension and a 100.00 K JPY fine.

In 1998, the team's home stadium was renamed Seibu Dome, though its roof was still incomplete. Higashio further bolstered the roster by acquiring Yukihiro Nishizaki from Nippon-Ham and Satoshi Nakajima via free agency from Orix. He also expanded the pitching coach staff. Despite a slow start, the Lions clinched their second consecutive league championship. However, they again fell short in the Japan Series, losing to the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. After the 1998 season, Higashio made the controversial decision to release slugger Domingo Martinez, despite his two consecutive 30-homer seasons, citing his defensive liabilities in the non-DH Japan Series. This decision backfired in 1999, as Martinez's replacements, Arquimedes Caminero and Greg Blosser, failed to produce, contributing to the team's offensive struggles (league-worst in runs scored) and a second-place finish behind the Daiei Hawks.

In 1999, the arrival of rookie sensation Daisuke Matsuzaka invigorated the team, but they still finished second to Daiei. In 2000, despite a strong pitching staff led by Matsuzaka (2nd consecutive Wins Leader), Nishiguchi, and Ishii, the offense remained weak, with the team's lowest batting average and home run total. They again finished second to Daiei. Recognizing the need for power, the front office acquired Alex Cabrera and Scott McClain for the 2001 season. With Cabrera hitting 49 home runs and McClain 39, along with improved power from Matsui, Suzuki, and Kazuhiro Wada, the offense surged. Matsuzaka continued to dominate, and Toyoda successfully transitioned to closer, recording 28 saves. However, the Lions finished 3rd, losing the pennant race to the Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes and Daiei. Feeling responsible for the team's failure to win a championship for a third consecutive year, Higashio resigned as manager at the end of the 2001 season.

Higashio's managerial style was often contrasted with the more traditional, strict approaches of Hirooka and Mori. He was seen as a "big brother" or "boss" figure who fostered team unity, even appearing on variety shows with his players. Pitching coach Haruki Ihara, who worked under Higashio, noted that Higashio was unwavering in his trust once he delegated responsibilities. Ihara also praised Higashio's pitching guidance, citing an example where he told reliever Denney Tomori to "just throw it down the middle" if he had a 93 mph ^{(150 km/h)} fastball, freeing Tomori from previous rigid instructions and allowing him to excel. However, Higashio's relaxed approach drew criticism from figures like Katsuya Nomura, who, after the 1997 Japan Series, lamented the Lions' perceived lack of discipline and "misunderstanding of freedom," stating that "the old Seibu was not like this." Higashio himself reflected that while he was proud of leading the team to consecutive championships during a transitional period, he was unable to pursue victory with the same "cold-heartedness" as Hirooka or Nomura.

A notable incident during his tenure involved American slugger Reggie Jefferson in 2000. After Jefferson made a defensive error in the 9th inning of a game on August 25, Higashio immediately substituted him. Considering this an insult, Jefferson argued with Higashio, who in turn demoted him to the minor leagues for insubordination. Jefferson promptly returned to the United States.

3.2. Post-Managerial Career

After stepping down as the Seibu Lions manager in 2001, Osamu Higashio resumed his career as a sports commentator and critic for various media outlets, including TV Asahi, Bunka Broadcasting, and Sports Nippon.

From September 2006 to August 2009, he served as the president of the Tokyo Apache, a professional basketball team in Japan's bj league. In 1995, he co-founded the Setagaya Little Senior, a junior high school hardball baseball team, with former teammate Akihiko Horai. What began as a response to the lack of quality youth teams in his area has grown into a strong program, producing professional players and maintaining a roster of around 150 members annually. Higashio currently serves as the honorary chairman and does not directly coach the players.

In 2010, Higashio was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame as a player. In October 2012, he was appointed as the pitching coordinator for the Japan national baseball team for the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Since 2016, he has also served as a commentator for Fukuoka Broadcasting in parallel with his work for Bunka Broadcasting. In 2019, he became the honorary advisor for Wakayama Regina, a women's hardball baseball club team.