1. Overview
Shinji Mori (森 慎二Mori ShinjiJapanese, September 12, 1974 - June 28, 2017) was a Japanese professional baseball player, coach, and manager. Born in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, he played as a right-handed pitcher, primarily for the Saitama Seibu Lions in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). After a successful playing career in Japan, where he earned recognition as a two-time Best Middle Reliever, Mori attempted to join Major League Baseball (MLB) via the posting system but suffered a career-ending injury that prevented him from playing in a major league game. He subsequently returned to baseball in Japan's independent Baseball Challenge League, where he served as a player, pitching coach, and later as a highly successful manager for the Ishikawa Million Stars, leading the team to multiple league and Grand Championship titles. He then rejoined the Seibu Lions as a coach until his sudden death in 2017 at the age of 42 due to sepsis. His legacy is remembered through various tributes from the baseball community, notably the permanent retirement of his jersey number 34 by the Ishikawa Million Stars.
2. Life and Career
Shinji Mori's life in baseball spanned from his amateur days to his professional playing career, followed by significant contributions as a coach and manager in both the independent and top professional leagues.
2.1. Early Life and Amateur Career
Shinji Mori was born on September 12, 1974, in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. After graduating from Yamaguchi Prefectural Iwakuni Industrial High School, he joined the industrial league baseball team Shin Nittetsu Hikari. Due to a reorganization of the Shin Nittetsu Group's baseball teams, he transferred to Shin Nittetsu Kimitsu. In 1996, Mori distinguished himself by receiving the Excellent Player Award at the 67th Intercity Baseball Tournament. Later that year, he was selected in the second round of the 1996 Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Draft by the Saitama Seibu Lions. Among his fellow draftees was Kazuhiro Wada.
2.2. Professional Playing Career
Shinji Mori's professional playing career involved significant time in Japan's top league and a brief attempt to play in Major League Baseball, before concluding in the independent league.
2.2.1. Seibu Lions (1997-2005)
Mori began his professional career with the Saitama Seibu Lions in 1997. His rookie season saw him debut as a starting pitcher on April 27 against the Nippon Ham Fighters at Seibu Lions Ballpark, pitching 3 innings and allowing 3 runs. Although he did not find success as a starter, he performed well as a middle reliever and was later chosen as the team's closer in the latter half of the season, replacing Takashi Ishii. He finished his inaugural year with 6 wins, 2 losses, and 9 saves in 38 appearances, contributing to the team's championship title. He also pitched in the 1997 Japan Series.
In 1998, Mori was expected to be the regular closer, but his performance slumped. He was then transitioned into a starting role, swapping positions with Fumiya Nishiguchi, who had been struggling as a starter. Mori filled in as a spot starter and reliever, gradually regaining his form. He appeared in 52 games, including 9 starts, recording 8 wins, 8 losses, and 5 saves (2 wins and 3 losses as a starter with a 3.68 ERA). He contributed to the Lions' second consecutive league championship.
His 1999 season saw him used primarily as a spot starter and middle reliever, but his pitching was inconsistent, leading to a record of 5 wins and 8 losses. In 2000, Mori had a strong start to the season and solidified his position as the team's closer. He achieved a career-high 23 saves and maintained an ERA in the 1.00s. However, in 2001, Mori experienced a downturn in performance and ceded the closer role to Kiyoshi Toyoda. He appeared in only 28 games, recording just one save.
He rebounded in 2002, serving as a setup man for Toyoda. He pitched in a career-high 71 games and was awarded the Best Middle Reliever title. His strong performance contributed to the Lions' league championship. Mori continued his success in 2003, winning the Best Middle Reliever title for the second consecutive year. The combination of Mori leading into Toyoda became the team's reliable "winning formula." Mori's pitching arsenal featured a high-velocity, somewhat wild fastball and a sharp, dropping forkball. He was known for his exceptionally high strikeout rate, consistently recording more strikeouts than innings pitched each year.
The 2004 season saw Mori make his third consecutive appearance in the Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star Game. Despite this, his regular season was hampered by injuries and inconsistent play, limiting him to 34 appearances with 0 wins, 4 losses, and 4 saves, and an ERA of 4.59. This marked his first professional season without a win. On September 24, in a game against the Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes at Osaka Dome, which was the Buffaloes' final home game as a franchise, Mori pitched in the 11th inning of extra innings and gave up a sayonara hit to Osamu Hoshino, becoming the losing pitcher. As the Buffaloes also lost their final franchise game three days later, Mori was notably the last opposing pitcher to lose against the Kintetsu Buffaloes.
In his final season with the Lions in 2005, Mori appeared in 48 games, recording 2 wins, 2 losses, 5 saves, and 17 holds. He occasionally filled in as closer when Toyoda was injured, but his ERA remained in the 4.00s. His jersey back name was "S.MORI". After the 2005 season, Mori declared his intention to challenge Major League Baseball via the posting system. He subsequently signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
2.2.2. MLB Challenge and Injury (2006-2007)
Upon joining the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for the 2006 season, Mori was initially expected to compete for the closer role. However, his adjustment was delayed by a right shoulder injury. During his first spring training appearance with the team, he collapsed on the mound after throwing his third pitch, clutching his right shoulder. He was diagnosed with a dislocated right shoulder and a torn glenoid labrum that required a full year to recover. This severe injury prevented him from playing for the entire 2006 season.
On January 19, 2007, Mori was released by the Devil Rays without having made a single Major League appearance. He subsequently signed a minor league contract but was released again on June 11, 2007. After his release, Mori attempted rehabilitation in Japan, including at Seibu Dome and Shin Nittetsu Kimitsu Baseball Field, hoping to return to MLB. However, he eventually abandoned this goal. Mori became the first Japanese player who was acquired by an MLB team via the posting system and signed a major league contract but ultimately never played in an MLB official game or even in an MLB-affiliated minor league official game.
2.2.3. Independent League Playing Role (2009, 2013-2014)
In 2009, Mori joined the Ishikawa Million Stars of the Baseball Challenge League (BC League), an independent league in Japan, initially as a player-pitching coach. This announcement came after his shoulder condition improved sufficiently for him to consider returning to active play, though he had originally been announced only as a coach. Despite his player status, he did not make any official game appearances in 2009.
He returned to playing again in 2013, when he was officially announced as a player-manager on June 7. He continued in this dual role through the 2014 season. In his playing capacity for the Million Stars in the independent league, he made 9 appearances in 2013 and 14 appearances in 2014. On September 10-11, 2012, he also pitched in an international exhibition game against the Maui Pikake of the North American League, an independent league in the U.S.
2.3. Managerial and Coaching Career
Following his primary playing days, Shinji Mori transitioned into significant leadership roles as both a manager in the independent league and a coach in Nippon Professional Baseball.
2.3.1. Ishikawa Million Stars Manager (2010-2014)
In 2010, Mori officially retired as a player and took over as the manager for the Ishikawa Million Stars, succeeding Eiji Kanamori. His tenure as manager was highly successful:
- His team won either the first or second half of the Hokuriku District championship in all five seasons he was at the helm (from 2010 to the first half of 2013, and the second half of 2014).
- The Million Stars secured three BC League championships (2010, 2011, and 2013).
- They also won two Grand Championship titles (2011 and 2013), which determines the overall independent league champion.
Mori announced his retirement as Ishikawa's manager on October 11, 2014.
2.3.2. Seibu Lions Coach (2015-2017)
In 2015, Mori returned to his former team, the Saitama Seibu Lions, taking on the role of the second-team pitching coach. On May 6, 2016, he was promoted to the first-team pitching coach, specifically managing the bullpen. He served in this capacity until his sudden death in 2017.
3. Death
On June 25, 2017, Shinji Mori reported feeling unwell before a game against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Fukuoka and was hospitalized in a Fukuoka city hospital. On June 27, it was publicly announced that he would be taking a leave of absence for medical treatment. Hisanobu Watanabe, the Seibu Senior Director, stated at the time that Mori's condition was unknown and his return was uncertain.
The following day, June 28, 2017, Mori died at the hospital where he was admitted. He was 42 years old. His father later revealed that the cause of death was sepsis due to a streptococcus infection, specifically necrotizing fasciitis. The news of Mori's death was conveyed to Seibu manager Hatsuhiko Tsuji before their game against the Chiba Lotte Marines at Okinawa Cellular Stadium Naha, and the players were informed after the game concluded.
4. Legacy and Memorial
Shinji Mori's sudden passing left a profound impact on the Japanese baseball community, particularly within the Seibu Lions and Ishikawa Million Stars organizations. Various activities were undertaken to honor his life and career.
4.1. Impact and Commemorative Activities
On June 30, 2017, before the ninth game against the Orix Buffaloes at MetLife Dome (Seibu Dome), a memorial ceremony was held to honor Mori. A condolence flag was hoisted in place of the usual team flag, players from both teams wore armbands, and a moment of silence was observed before the game. A flower stand was set up at the Shishi Building, which is directly connected to the dome, allowing fans to pay their respects. Mori's uniform was displayed in the third base dugout and in the bullpen, where he had regularly been stationed as coach.
In August 2017, a team poster for the Seibu Lions gained attention for a hidden message related to Mori. The poster, which featured the phrase "しンジさんと闘う" (Fight with Shinji-san), was subtly designed to include his name, highlighting the team's commitment to continue fighting in his spirit.
On September 2, a special event titled "Thank You Shinji Mori 3,400 People Gathering" was held at Kanazawa Citizen Baseball Park during a game between the Ishikawa Million Stars and the Toyama GRN Thunderbirds. The number 3,400 was chosen to match Mori's jersey number 34, reflecting the deep affection and gratitude felt for him by the Million Stars organization and its fans. All players in the game wore jersey number 34 to commemorate him. Following the game, the Ishikawa Million Stars announced that Mori's jersey number 34 would be permanently retired, marking a rare honor in Japanese baseball, especially for an independent league team.
5. Detailed Information
This section presents comprehensive statistical data and specific career milestones for Shinji Mori.
5.1. Career Statistics
Detailed numerical records of Shinji Mori's pitching performance throughout his professional career are presented below.
5.1.1. Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)
Shinji Mori's annual and career pitching statistics from his time in Nippon Professional Baseball with the Seibu Lions are as follows:
| Year | Team | G | GS | CG | SHO | GF | W | L | SV | H | WPct | BF | IP | H | HR | BB | HBP | WP | SO | BK | PB | R | ER | ERA | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Seibu | 38 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 9 | -- | .750 | 251 | 57.2 | 61 | 4 | 20 | 3 | 0 | 61 | 3 | 0 | 24 | 21 | 3.28 | 1.40 |
| 1998 | Seibu | 52 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 5 | -- | .500 | 490 | 111.0 | 112 | 9 | 55 | 3 | 0 | 110 | 8 | 0 | 53 | 47 | 3.81 | 1.50 |
| 1999 | Seibu | 41 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 0 | -- | .385 | 505 | 113.1 | 116 | 11 | 54 | 4 | 2 | 128 | 10 | 1 | 62 | 58 | 4.61 | 1.50 |
| 2000 | Seibu | 58 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 23 | -- | .455 | 299 | 78.2 | 51 | 6 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 101 | 4 | 0 | 16 | 16 | 1.83 | 0.90 |
| 2001 | Seibu | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 1 | -- | .556 | 194 | 46.0 | 38 | 9 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 5 | 0 | 21 | 20 | 3.91 | 1.17 |
| 2002 | Seibu | 71 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 1 | -- | .462 | 327 | 78.1 | 61 | 4 | 29 | 5 | 0 | 102 | 9 | 1 | 25 | 18 | 2.07 | 1.15 |
| 2003 | Seibu | 61 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 2 | -- | .700 | 287 | 70.0 | 55 | 6 | 22 | 1 | 2 | 92 | 5 | 0 | 19 | 18 | 2.31 | 1.10 |
| 2004 | Seibu | 34 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | -- | .000 | 235 | 49.0 | 50 | 5 | 38 | 1 | 0 | 49 | 2 | 0 | 35 | 25 | 4.59 | 1.80 |
| 2005 | Seibu | 48 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 17 | .500 | 214 | 49.0 | 44 | 5 | 19 | 0 | 3 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 23 | 4.22 | 1.29 |
| Career: 9 years | 431 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 44 | 44 | 50 | 17 | .500 | 2802 | 653.0 | 588 | 59 | 273 | 19 | 7 | 755 | 46 | 2 | 279 | 246 | 3.39 | 1.32 | |
- Bold indicates league best for that year.
5.1.2. Independent League
Shinji Mori's annual and career pitching statistics from his playing time in the Baseball Challenge League with the Ishikawa Million Stars are as follows:
| Year | Team | G | W | L | SV | CG | WPct | IP | BF | H | HR | SO | BB | HBP | R | ER | WP | BK | E | ERA | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Ishikawa | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 5.1 | 27 | 7 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6.75 | 1.69 |
| 2014 | Ishikawa | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 14.2 | 65 | 19 | 1 | 13 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2.63 | 1.70 |
| Career: 2 years | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 20.0 | 92 | 26 | 1 | 19 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3.60 | 1.70 | |
5.2. Awards and Records
Shinji Mori achieved several individual awards and significant milestones during his playing career.
5.2.1. NPB Titles and First Records
- Best Middle Reliever: 2 times (2002, 2003). His achievement of winning this title for two consecutive years ties the record for the longest consecutive wins, shared with other notable pitchers like Hitoki Iwase, Kyuji Fujikawa, Tomokazu Kubota, Tadashi Settsu, Takuya Asao, Tatsuya Sato, Shinobu Fukuhara, Naoki Miyanishi, and Sho Shimizu.
- First appearance: April 27, 1997, against the Nippon Ham Fighters in the 6th game of the season at Seibu Lions Ballpark.
- First start: Same game as his first appearance.
- First strikeout: Also on April 27, 1997, against Atsushi Kataoka in the top of the 1st inning during his first appearance.
- First win: June 27, 1997, against the Kintetsu Buffaloes in the 13th game of the season at Seibu Lions Ballpark. He entered as the second reliever with one out in the top of the 3rd inning, pitching 3.1 innings and allowing 3 runs.
- First save: August 13, 1997, against the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks in the 17th game of the season at Fukuoka Dome. He entered as the fourth reliever with two outs in the bottom of the 8th inning, completing the game and allowing no runs over 1.2 innings.
- First start win: May 24, 1998, against the Kintetsu Buffaloes in the 10th game of the season at Seibu Dome, pitching 6 innings without allowing a run.
- First complete game: June 13, 1998, against the Kintetsu Buffaloes in the 11th game of the season at Osaka Dome. He pitched 8 innings, allowing 4 runs, and was the losing pitcher.
- First hold: April 3, 2005, against the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in the 3rd game of the season at Fullcast Stadium Miyagi. He entered as the third reliever in the bottom of the 8th inning, pitching 1 inning without allowing a run.
5.2.2. Other Notable Records
- All-Star Game appearances: 5 times (1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004).
5.3. Jersey Numbers
Shinji Mori wore several jersey numbers throughout his professional playing and coaching career:
- 19 (1997-2002) - Seibu Lions
- 11 (2003-2005) - Seibu Lions
- 34 (2009-2014) - Ishikawa Million Stars. This number was permanently retired by the Ishikawa Million Stars on September 2, 2017, in his honor.
- 89 (2015-2017) - Saitama Seibu Lions (as coach)