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Shintaro Fujinami

Shintaro Fujinami is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher, currently with the Seattle Mariners, noted for his powerful fastball and a career marked by both dominance and control issues.

1. Early Life and Amateur Career

Shintaro Fujinami's early life and amateur career laid the foundation for his future in professional baseball, showcasing his exceptional talent from a young age.

1.1. Childhood and Education

Fujinami was born on April 12, 1994, in Minami-ku, Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. He began playing Little League Baseball at the age of six, joining the Takeshirodai Club. During his junior high school years at Miyayamadai Junior High, he played for the Osaka Senboku Boys, where he primarily served as a pitcher and recorded a top speed of 88 mph (142 km/h). Fujinami was notably tall for his age, measuring 71 in (180.2 cm) upon graduating elementary school and 76 in (194 cm) by the time he finished junior high. Beyond baseball, Fujinami was a diligent student with a particular aptitude for English, having attended English classes from a young age and achieving a pre-2nd grade English proficiency test certification in junior high. He also developed a strong interest in reading, enjoying novels by authors like Keigo Higashino and Yusuke Yamada. A skilled swimmer, he began swimming at two years old and competed through junior high, earning a 1st grade swimming certification. Despite his Osaka roots, Fujinami was an avid fan of the Yomiuri Giants in his childhood, a passion he shared with his father, Susumu.

1.2. High School Career (Osaka Toin High School)

In 2010, Fujinami enrolled in Osaka Toin High School, where he quickly rose to prominence in their baseball program. He joined the varsity team as a freshman in the summer and became the ace pitcher by his sophomore spring. In his senior year (2012), he formed a formidable battery with his junior, Tomoya Mori. During the Spring Koshien (Senbatsu), Fujinami made history by consistently throwing over 93 mph (150 km/h) in all five games, leading Osaka Toin to a championship victory. This marked the first time a pitcher had achieved such a feat in the tournament.

Later that year, at the Summer Koshien, Fujinami delivered two consecutive 2-hit complete shutouts in the semi-finals against Meitoku Gijuku High School (with 8 strikeouts) and the finals against Kosei Gakuin High School. In the final match, he recorded a tournament record-tying 14 strikeouts and threw the fastest pitch in a Koshien final at 95 mph (153 km/h). These dominant performances secured Osaka Toin their seventh-ever Spring/Summer consecutive championships, a feat not achieved in 20 years. Throughout his Koshien career, Fujinami pitched 76 innings, maintaining a 1.07 ERA and accumulating 90 strikeouts. His exceptional talent earned him the nickname "Naniwa no Darvish," comparing him to the renowned pitcher Yu Darvish. In the fall, Osaka Toin also achieved the "High School Triple Crown" by winning the Gifu Seiryu National Sports Festival, marking the third school in history to do so since Yokohama High School with Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Fujinami with Osaka Toin High School in 2012
Fujinami with Osaka Toin High School in 2012
Fujinami's batting form in 2012
Fujinami's batting form in 2012

1.3. International Amateur Career

Fujinami's talent extended beyond the domestic high school circuit to the international stage. In 2009, he was selected for the national team to participate in the U-16 World Championship. His success continued in 2012 when he was again chosen to represent Japan at the 2012 18U Baseball World Championship in Seoul, South Korea. In this tournament, he pitched a total of 24 and one-third innings across four games, including three consecutive appearances in the second round, achieving a 1.11 ERA. He led the tournament with 26 strikeouts while issuing 8 walks and was selected to the "All-Star Team," equivalent to the Best Nine. Furthermore, his outstanding performance in this championship led to him being named the International Baseball Federation's 2012 U-18 Male Player of the Year.

2. Professional Career

Shintaro Fujinami's professional career spans both Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and Major League Baseball (MLB), marked by periods of remarkable success and significant challenges.

2.1. Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)

Fujinami spent ten seasons with the Hanshin Tigers in NPB, establishing himself as a top prospect and later a league leader, before facing a period of decline and ultimately transitioning to MLB.

2.1.1. Hanshin Tigers Entry

In the 2012 Nippon Professional Baseball draft, Shintaro Fujinami was one of the most highly coveted prospects, receiving first-round nominations from four NPB teams: the Hanshin Tigers, Orix Buffaloes, Tokyo Yakult Swallows, and Chiba Lotte Marines. The Hanshin Tigers won the four-way lottery, securing his negotiation rights. On October 26, the day after the draft, Hanshin General Manager Katsuhiro Nakamura and Manager Yutaka Wada personally met with Fujinami, offering him jersey number 19, a number historically associated with "Yomiuri Killers" like Shigeru Kobayashi, symbolizing a challenge to the Yomiuri Giants. On November 15, he officially signed with the Tigers for a substantial contract, including a signing bonus of 100.00 M JPY plus 50.00 M JPY in incentives, and an annual salary of 15.00 M JPY. His primary scout for the Tigers was Shunji Hatayama.

2.1.2. Rookie Season (2013)

Fujinami made his NPB debut on March 31, 2013, as a starter in the third game of the season against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows at Meiji Jingu Stadium. This was the earliest-ever appearance by a rookie drafted directly out of high school, surpassing the record held by Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideaki Wakui. Although he pitched well, allowing only 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits with 7 strikeouts over 6 innings, the Tigers' offense was shut out, resulting in a loss for Fujinami. He recorded his first NPB strikeout against Akinori Iwamura in the first inning.

His next scheduled start on April 7 against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp was affected by rain, leading to a slide start for Minoru Iwata, and Fujinami made his first professional relief appearance instead. On April 14, in his second start against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars at Hanshin Koshien Stadium, Fujinami earned his first professional win, pitching 6 scoreless innings with 5 hits and 4 strikeouts. He became the first high school pitcher in Hanshin Tigers history to record his first professional victory at Koshien. In April, he achieved 3 wins, tying the record for most wins by a high school rookie in April set by Yukio Ozaki in 1962, and became the first high school rookie since the draft system's inception to do so.

Fujinami quickly gained popularity and was selected for the 2013 Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star Series through a manager's recommendation, receiving the third-highest votes among Central League starting pitchers. In the second game of the All-Star series, he pitched two scoreless innings. During this game, he playfully threw two very slow pitches over the head of his former Osaka Toin senior, Sho Nakata, prompting a humorous reaction from Nakata. On August 11, against the Chunichi Dragons at Nagoya Dome, he pitched a career-high 9 innings, allowing only 2 hits and no runs over 132 pitches. The Tigers won in the 10th inning, making Fujinami the first high school rookie in the Central League since Yutaka Enatsu in 1967 to defeat all five other league teams. On August 31, he secured his 10th win against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp at Koshien, becoming the first high school rookie in the Central League to achieve 10 wins in a season since Yutaka Enatsu in 1967, a 46-year gap. For his performance in August, where he recorded 4 wins with a 1.09 ERA, he was named the Monthly MVP. This marked the second time a high school rookie had won the Monthly MVP in the Central League, following Shinichi Kondo in August 1987. His win also contributed to Hanshin pitchers winning the Monthly MVP for four consecutive months, a first in NPB history, shared with Masahiro Tanaka of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.

Despite his strong start, Fujinami's performance declined in September, and a team-imposed pitch count limit prevented him from reaching the regulation innings (144 innings) by 6 and one-third innings. He finished his rookie year with a 10-6 record, 125 strikeouts, and a 2.75 ERA in 23 starts. Following the season, the Central League announced a special award for Fujinami if he wasn't selected as Rookie of the Year, which ultimately went to Yasuhiro Ogawa. In the Climax Series First Stage, Fujinami started Game 1 against Hiroshima, making him the first high school rookie to start a postseason opener. He pitched 5 innings, allowing 4 runs, and the Tigers lost the game. After the season, he received multiple awards, including the Yanase Hanshin Tigers MVP Award, Fresh Grand Prize, Hanshin Tigers Rookie Special Award, and Fighting Spirit Award, which came with 10.00 M JPY in prize money and a Mercedes-Benz. He also received the Mikihouse Sanspo MVP Grand Prize, with an additional 1.00 M JPY. On December 3, his salary was increased threefold to an estimated 45.00 M JPY.

2.1.3. Peak Years (2014-2015)

Fujinami's peak years in NPB saw him consistently deliver strong performances, earning him recognition as one of the league's top pitchers.

In 2014, Fujinami pitched his first career complete game on July 15 against the Chunichi Dragons, striking out 13 batters and allowing only a single unearned run. On September 15, during a game against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp at Koshien, he recorded a fastball velocity of 98 mph (157 km/h), setting a new personal best and tying the franchise record for velocity, originally set by Tomoyuki Kubota in 2005. Four days later, he earned his 10th victory of the season, becoming the first high school pitcher since Daisuke Matsuzaka (1999-2000) to record double-digit wins in his first two NPB seasons. In the Central League and Hanshin Tigers history, the last pitcher to achieve this feat was Yutaka Enatsu in 1967-1968. In the same game, he recorded his sixth RBI of the season, tying Tetsuro Kawajiri's 1996 record for RBIs by a Hanshin pitcher.

Fujinami finished the 2014 season with 11 wins, a 3.53 ERA, and 172 strikeouts in 163 innings. His fastball averaged 93 mph (149.7 km/h), second only to Shohei Ohtani among starters. His cutter had an 18.7% swinging strike rate, while his forkball generated an even higher rate of 26%, with batters hitting only .222 off it. His 2.81 FIP was the best in the Central League. In the postseason, he pitched in the Climax Series Final Stage against the Yomiuri Giants, earning his first postseason win at 20 years and 6 months, making him the youngest winning pitcher in Central League Climax Series history and the youngest in Hanshin Tigers postseason history. He was selected for the 2014 MLB Japan All-Star Series and the NPB 80th Anniversary Game. His salary was increased by 40.00 M JPY to an estimated 85.00 M JPY.

In 2015, Fujinami was selected for the GLOBAL BASEBALL MATCH 2015 against the Europe All-Stars, pitching 2 innings. On May 20, he achieved his first career complete game shutout against the Yomiuri Giants at Koshien, allowing only 2 hits and striking out 10. On May 27, against the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, he pitched a career-high 10 scoreless innings. He maintained a 32-inning scoreless streak from mid-May to early June before it was broken by an unearned run. He was selected for his third consecutive All-Star Game via manager's recommendation. In the first game, he pitched 3 perfect innings and became the youngest pitcher to win the All-Star MVP award at 21 years and 3 months. On August 14, he secured his 10th win against the Yakult Swallows, marking his third consecutive season with double-digit wins since graduating high school. This made him the 9th pitcher in NPB history (and 3rd in the Central League since Enatsu) to achieve this feat since Matsuzaka in 2001. On September 15, he reached 200 strikeouts for the season against the Chunichi Dragons, a milestone for a high school pitcher in his third year, last achieved by Darvish Yu. Fujinami led the league with 221 strikeouts, 7 complete games, and 4 shutouts in 2015. He finished tied for second in the league with 14 wins against just 7 losses, with a 2.40 ERA (fifth in the Central League). He set several career bests, including wins, strikeouts, complete games, shutouts, 28 starts, 199 innings pitched, and 10 strikeouts per 9 innings. Following the season, he was selected for the 2015 WBSC Premier12 but withdrew due to right shoulder inflammation. On December 19, his salary doubled to an estimated 170.00 M JPY, the highest for a 4th-year player in Hanshin Tigers history.

2.1.4. Decline and Rebuilding Efforts (2016-2022)

Following his peak years, Fujinami experienced a period of significant struggles, marked by control issues, demotions, and a transition to a relief role, as he worked to regain his form.

Fujinami with the Tigers in 2016
Fujinami with the Tigers in 2016


In 2016, Fujinami's season was less successful. He made his season debut on March 29 against the Yakult Swallows, pitching 9 innings with 2 runs (1 earned) for a win. He started the season well with 3 wins in his first 3 starts, including his first career triple on April 12 against the DeNA BayStars. However, he then went winless for six consecutive games. A controversial outing on July 8 against Hiroshima saw manager Akinobu Kanemoto have him throw 161 pitches over 8 innings, allowing 8 runs, sparking debate. He was selected for his fourth consecutive and final NPB All-Star Series. On July 29, he achieved a rare feat of 4 strikeouts in a single inning against the Chunichi Dragons, the 19th in NPB history. On August 5, he earned his 40th career win against the Yakult Swallows, becoming the fastest high school pitcher in Hanshin history to reach this milestone. Despite showing signs of recovery late in the season, he finished with only 7 wins against 11 losses, a 3.25 ERA, and 176 strikeouts in 169 innings, ending his streak of double-digit wins. His salary decreased by 10.00 M JPY to an estimated 160.00 M JPY.

2017 marked a significant downturn. He was selected for the 2017 World Baseball Classic (WBC) Japan national team. He made his WBC debut on March 10 against China, striking out four consecutive batters but also issuing two walks and hitting a batter, and did not pitch again in the tournament. Concerns about his conditioning due to limited WBC appearances proved valid. In his season debut on April 4 against the Yakult Swallows, he allowed 9 walks/hit batters in 5 innings, taking a loss. Control became a major issue, with Fujinami walking 6.9 batters per 9 innings. On May 27, he was demoted to Hanshin's minor league team for the first time in his career due to poor performance. He returned in August but continued to struggle with command, particularly against right-handed batters, hitting multiple batters and sparking a bench-clearing incident. He finished the season with a 3-5 record and a 4.12 ERA in 11 starts. His salary decreased by 40.00 M JPY to an estimated 120.00 M JPY.

In 2018, Fujinami continued to battle control issues, fluctuating between the first and minor leagues. On June 15, he earned his first win in 407 days against the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. On September 16, he hit a grand slam against the DeNA BayStars, the first by an NPB pitcher since Balvino Gálvez in 1999, securing his third win of the season. On September 29, he pitched his first complete game shutout in 849 days against the Chunichi Dragons, earning his fifth win and reaching 50 career wins in NPB. He became the second pitcher in Hanshin history (and fastest right-hander) to reach 50 wins within six years of high school graduation, following Yutaka Enatsu. His salary decreased by 36.00 M JPY to an estimated 84.00 M JPY.

2019 was described by Fujinami as the "worst year of his career." He started the season in the minor leagues for the first time. He made only one appearance in the Central League on August 1 against the Chunichi Dragons, failing to complete the fifth inning and issuing 8 walks/hit batters. He was immediately demoted back to the minors and finished the season without a single win in the first league. His salary decreased by the maximum 21.00 M JPY (25%) to an estimated 63.00 M JPY.

2.2. Major League Baseball (MLB)

Fujinami transitioned to Major League Baseball, joining multiple teams and experiencing both the highs of high velocity and the continued challenges of control.

2.2.1. MLB Entry and Initial Adaptation

After being posted by the Hanshin Tigers, Shintaro Fujinami signed a one-year, 3.25 M USD contract with the Oakland Athletics on January 13, 2023. He was assigned jersey number 11. His move to MLB marked a new chapter, requiring adaptation to a different league, environment, and pitching philosophy.

2.2.2. Oakland Athletics

Fujinami made his MLB debut as a starter on April 1, 2023, against the Los Angeles Angels at Oakland Coliseum. It was a challenging debut, as he allowed 8 runs over 2 and one-third innings, taking the loss. After making four losing starts with a 14.40 ERA in 15 innings, Fujinami was moved to the bullpen on April 25. He fared better as a reliever, recording a 3.32 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 21 and two-thirds innings in his final 20 games with the Athletics. His improved performance as a reliever, particularly from June onwards, included a 3.26 ERA over 19 and one-third innings with 20 strikeouts, and an 11-game streak without a walk from June 20. In July, he had a 2.25 ERA with 2 wins and 1 hold in 7 appearances.

2.2.3. Baltimore Orioles

On July 19, 2023, the Athletics traded Fujinami to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for pitcher Easton Lucas. He was assigned jersey number 14. In his Orioles debut on July 21 against the Tampa Bay Rays, he allowed a leadoff first-pitch solo home run to José Siri in the 7th inning. On August 7 against the New York Mets, he recorded his first hold with the Orioles and threw a fastball at 103 mph (165.1 km/h), which became the fastest pitch ever recorded by a Japanese pitcher in professional baseball. On August 13, he earned his first MLB save in a 5-3 win over the Seattle Mariners, pitching a perfect 10th inning. He earned his second save on September 5 against the Los Angeles Angels. Fujinami was not included on Baltimore's postseason roster. In 30 appearances for Baltimore, he posted a 4.85 ERA with 32 strikeouts across 29 and two-thirds innings. He became a free agent on November 2, 2023.

Fujinami with the Orioles on August 6, 2023
Fujinami with the Orioles on August 6, 2023

2.2.4. New York Mets

On February 14, 2024, Fujinami signed a one-year, 3.35 M USD contract with the New York Mets, returning to his original NPB jersey number 19. He struggled with control during spring training, recording a 12.27 ERA in 5 appearances, and was optioned to the Triple-A Syracuse Mets to begin the season. On May 14, he was called up to the major league roster but was immediately placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain, which was later transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 5. In Triple-A, he had a 1-0 record with a 10.95 ERA in 14 appearances, issuing 27 walks/hit batters in 12 and one-third innings. On July 26, Fujinami was activated from the injured list and subsequently designated for assignment (DFA) by the Mets. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Syracuse on July 30. Following his outright assignment, his performance in the minors improved, with a 4.05 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 24 innings during the final two months of the season, compared to an 8.27 ERA through July. He elected free agency on October 31, 2024. During the offseason, he pitched for the Gigantes de Carolina in the Puerto Rican winter league, hoping to improve his results after his shoulder injury, recording a 3.05 ERA in 6 starts with 24 strikeouts and 11 walks in 20 and two-thirds innings.

2.2.5. Seattle Mariners

On January 17, 2025, Fujinami signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners, which included an invitation to spring training. The contract stipulates that he would earn 1.35 M USD if he makes it to the major league roster.

3. International Career

Shintaro Fujinami has represented Samurai Japan at various levels throughout his career, from youth championships to the World Baseball Classic. He first starred as a youth pitcher in the 2009 U-16 World Championship and the 2012 U-18 World Championship, where he earned a spot on the tournament's Best Nine.

He later played for Japan in the 2014 MLB Japan All-Star Series, showcasing his talent against MLB players. In 2017, he was part of the Japanese national team for the 2017 World Baseball Classic. He made one appearance in the tournament, pitching against China on March 10. In that outing, he struck out four batters while issuing one walk and hitting one batter, contributing to Japan's victory. Despite his strong strikeout numbers, his command issues led to him not making further appearances in the tournament.

4. Pitching Style and Characteristics

Shintaro Fujinami's pitching style is defined by his imposing physical attributes, a powerful repertoire of pitches, and persistent control issues that have been a central theme of his career.

4.1. Physical Attributes and Pitching Form

Fujinami possesses a large frame, standing at 78 in (197 cm) and weighing 215 lb (215 lb). He utilizes a three-quarters delivery, a common arm slot that allows for a balance of velocity and movement. While his height and arm angle naturally create a downward plane for his pitches, Fujinami has stated that he focuses more on the perceived closeness to the batter rather than maximizing the angle of the ball.

4.2. Pitch Repertoire and Velocity

Fujinami's primary weapon is his powerful fastball, which has consistently registered high velocities. In the 2023 MLB season, his fastball averaged approximately 98 mph (158.4 km/h), with a career-high recorded velocity of 103 mph (165.1 km/h). He primarily throws a four-seam fastball and a two-seam fastball. In addition to his fastball, his repertoire includes a sharp slider (sometimes referred to as a cut fastball) and a effective splitter. The splitter, in particular, has a high whiff rate, indicating its effectiveness in generating swings and misses. He also occasionally mixes in a curveball. Fastball and slider/cutter account for 90% of his pitches.

4.3. Control Issues and Analysis

A defining characteristic of Fujinami's career has been his persistent struggle with control, which has often overshadowed his impressive velocity and strikeout capabilities. Throughout his ten seasons in NPB, he averaged 4.2 walks per 9 innings, a rate that worsened to 5.1 walks per 9 innings in his 2023 MLB season.

The cause of his control problems has been a subject of extensive debate, with some observers suggesting he suffered from yips, a psychological condition that affects fine motor skills in athletes. However, many baseball experts and former players, including Hanshin Tigers OB Takenori Emoto, Masumi Kuwata, Motonobu Tanishige, Hiromitsu Ochiai, and Masa Yamamoto, have largely dismissed the "yips" theory, attributing his command issues to technical deficiencies rather than mental blocks. Emoto pointed to a lack of conditioning, while Kuwata, after a direct discussion with Fujinami in 2018, stated that Fujinami lacked "technical skill." Ochiai suggested that Fujinami had "abandoned the acquisition of technique."

Fujinami himself has acknowledged that his control problems might stem from a lack of "technical basis" in his pitching, relying too much on "feel." He once confessed during a game in 2017 that he had "no sensation of releasing the fastball." Subsequent in-depth motion analysis revealed that accumulated fatigue and increased muscle mass had led to a "ずれ (zure)" or "deviation in body usage," indicating a lack of proper technique to control his body effectively.

To overcome these challenges, Fujinami has actively engaged in scientific and theoretical approaches to analyze his body mechanics during off-seasons. He has sought to establish a stable "technical basis" for his pitching, including participating in "Driveline Baseball" training. He has also trained with prominent pitchers like Yu Darvish and Clayton Kershaw, focusing on significant physical transformations. Despite these efforts, his control issues have led opposing teams to take precautions, sometimes benching right-handed sluggers or using left-handed pinch hitters when he is on the mound.

5. Personal Life and Other Activities

Outside of his professional baseball career, Shintaro Fujinami is known for his diverse interests, engaging personality, and public presence.

5.1. Family and Hobbies

Fujinami's family background includes his father, Susumu, with whom he shared a childhood passion for the Yomiuri Giants. From a young age, Fujinami demonstrated a diligent and persistent character. He began swimming at two years old and continued competitively until junior high school, achieving a 1st grade swimming certification. His academic strengths included English, a subject he excelled at from childhood, attending English classes and earning a pre-2nd grade English proficiency test certification in junior high. He is also an avid reader, enjoying novels by authors such as Keigo Higashino and Yusuke Yamada. In 2014, he picked up the acoustic guitar as a hobby, even bringing it to spring training camp in 2015.

5.2. Media and Public Activities

Affectionately known as "Fuji," Shintaro Fujinami has a notable public profile. He was the model for the character "Fujimura," the ace pitcher of the powerful Naniwa Nanyo High School, in the baseball manga "Last Inning" serialized in Big Comic Spirits. In 2014, the manga's artist, Yutaka Nakahara, interviewed Fujinami during the Hanshin Tigers' spring training, and the interview was featured in the manga's final issue. Additionally, Masanori Morita, the author of the baseball manga "ROOKIES" and a Hanshin Tigers fan, drew an illustration of Fujinami pitching a 96 mph (155 km/h) fastball for a 2014 collaboration campaign between the manga and the team. Fujinami is also a fan of the manga "H2", appreciating its baseball themes and unique bittersweetness.

A devoted fan of the band Mr. Children, Fujinami has used many of their songs as his entrance music during games. Each off-season, he returns to his alma mater, Osaka Toin High School, for self-training, considering it his "origin" to reflect on both good and challenging experiences. It has become an annual tradition for him to bring Baby Star Ramen snacks as a gift for his former high school baseball coach, Kazuichi Nishitani, with the quantity increasing each year (e.g., 600 bags in 2016, 800 bags in 2019). In 2019, the snack's manufacturer, Oyatsu Company, even sent Fujinami a letter of appreciation and non-commercial gifts for his contribution to their product's visibility.

Fujinami maintains close friendships with several former Hanshin Tigers teammates, including Ryutaro Umeno, Yuta Iwasa, and Yuya Iwakawa. He also has strong ties with players from other teams, such as Kenta Maeda, Daichi Ohsera, Shohei Ohtani, Takahiro Norimoto, and Yu Darvish, often engaging in joint off-season training sessions with them. In 2014, during a practice game against the Korean LG Twins, a radar gun misdisplayed his pitch at 116 mph (186 km/h), to which Fujinami humorously remarked, "The fastest pitch by a human has been recorded." He opened an [https://www.instagram.com/fujinami_shintaro/ Instagram] account on January 26, 2021, further connecting with fans. He has also appeared in commercials for Joshin Denki and Hanshin Electric Railway, and was featured in TV programs like "Athlete's Soul" and "Jounetsu Tairiku."

6. Records and Awards

Shintaro Fujinami has accumulated numerous significant individual achievements, titles, and accolades throughout his amateur and professional baseball careers.

6.1. NPB Records and Awards

  • Most Strikeouts (1): 2015
  • Monthly MVP (1): August 2013
  • Rookie Special Award: 2013 (awarded by the Central League)
  • All-Star Game MVP (1): 2015 Game 1
  • Yanase Hanshin Tigers MVP Award (1): 2013
  • Sanspo MVP Grand Prize (3): 2013, 2014, 2015
  • Kansai Sports Award (1): 2016

NPB Firsts:

  • First appearance, first start: March 31, 2013, vs. Tokyo Yakult Swallows (Meiji Jingu Stadium)
  • First strikeout: March 31, 2013, vs. Akinori Iwamura
  • First win: April 14, 2013, vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars (Hanshin Koshien Stadium)
  • First complete game win: July 15, 2014, vs. Chunichi Dragons (Nagoya Dome)
  • First shutout win: May 20, 2015, vs. Yomiuri Giants (Hanshin Koshien Stadium)
  • First hold: September 29, 2020, vs. Chunichi Dragons (Hanshin Koshien Stadium)
  • First plate appearance: March 31, 2013, vs. Tokyo Yakult Swallows (Meiji Jingu Stadium)
  • First RBI: April 14, 2013, vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars (Hanshin Koshien Stadium)
  • First hit: April 28, 2013, vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars (Yokohama Stadium)
  • First home run: April 15, 2014, vs. Hiroshima Toyo Carp (MAZDA Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima)

NPB Milestones and Other Records:

  • 1,000 strikeouts: September 9, 2022, vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars (Yokohama Stadium) - 8th fastest in NPB history.
  • 7 consecutive strikeouts: August 1, 2014, vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars (Hanshin Koshien Stadium) - Tied Hanshin Tigers franchise record.
  • Youngest Central League Climax Series winning pitcher: 20 years, 6 months (October 15, 2014, vs. Yomiuri Giants).
  • Youngest postseason winning pitcher (Hanshin Tigers): 20 years, 6 months (October 15, 2014, vs. Yomiuri Giants).
  • 32 consecutive scoreless innings: 2015.
  • 4 strikeouts in one inning: July 29, 2016, vs. Chunichi Dragons (Hanshin Koshien Stadium) - 19th in NPB history.
  • Grand slam by a pitcher: September 16, 2018, vs. Yokohama DeNA BayStars (Yokohama Stadium) - First since Balvino Gálvez in 1999, and the first in the 21st century.
  • Opening Day starter (2): 2021, 2022.
  • All-Star Game appearances (4): 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016.

6.2. MLB Records and Awards

MLB Firsts:

  • First appearance, first start: April 1, 2023, vs. Los Angeles Angels (Oakland Coliseum)
  • First strikeout: April 1, 2023, vs. Taylor Ward
  • First win: May 12, 2023, vs. Texas Rangers (Oakland Coliseum)
  • First hold: May 29, 2023, vs. Atlanta Braves (Oakland Coliseum)
  • First save: August 13, 2023, vs. Seattle Mariners (T-Mobile Park)

MLB Other Records:

  • Fastest pitch by a Japanese pitcher: 103 mph (165.1 km/h) on August 7, 2023.

6.3. Amateur Awards

  • U-18 Male Player of the Year: 2012
  • 25th AAA World Baseball Championship All-Star Team: 2012

6.4. Career Statistics

YearTeamGPGSCGSHOSVWLHLDPCTBFIPHHRBBIBBHBPSOWPBKRERERAWHIP
2013Hanshin242300010600.625563137.21191044021268048422.751.18
2014252520011800.579704163.01506640111726079643.531.31
2015282874114700.667840199.01629820112219070532.401.23
2016262621071100.389734169.01521170081766178613.251.31
201711110003500.37527159.05354508415030274.121.66
201813131105300.62532671.07054704705045425.321.65
2019110000000.000234.140602300112.082.31
202024110001607.14334176.17154012854047344.011.45
20212160003304.50023848.14744004528129285.211.80
202216100003500.37527666.25862113655028253.381.19
2023OAK3470005803.38523149.15263015514048478.571.66
BAL30000020221.00012629.22131502324017164.851.21
'23 Total6470007825.46735779.07394517838065637.181.49
NPB: 10 years18915412615754011.5144316994.18866145925510115624553773.411.35
MLB: 1 year6470007825.46735779.07394517838065637.181.49
  • Statistics as of the end of the 2024 season.
  • Bold indicates league leader.

6.5. WBC Pitching Statistics

YearTeamGPGSCGSHOBB/9WLSVHLDPCTBFIPHHRBBIBBHBPSOWPBKRERERAWHIP
2017Japan100000000---8200101400000.000.50

6.6. Defensive Statistics

YearTeamPitcher
GPPOAEDPFPCT
2013Hanshin2452325.933
201425102662.857
201528103342.915
201626103032.930
2017115922.875
20181371032.850
2019102001.000
20202451621.913
20212154001.000
20221601120.846
2023OAK3431001.000
BAL3030001.000
'23 Total6461001.000
NPB: 10 years189571642416.902
MLB: 1 year6461001.000
  • Statistics as of the end of the 2024 season.

6.7. Jersey Numbers

  • 19 (2013-2022, 2014 MLB Japan All-Star Series, 2024 with Mets)
  • 11 (2023 with Athletics)
  • 14 (2023 with Orioles)
  • 17 (2014 MLB Japan All-Star Series, 2017 WBC)

6.8. Entrance Music

Pitching Appearances:

  • "PADDLE" by Mr. Children (2013-2016)
  • "Boku ga Boku de Aru Tame ni" by Mr. Children (2017-2018)
  • "Owarinaki Tabi" by Mr. Children (2019-present)

Batting Appearances:

  • "every" by GReeeeN (2013)
  • "Worlds end" by Mr. Children (2014)
  • "HOWL" by Mr. Children (2015)
  • "Tomorrow never knows" by Mr. Children (2016-2017)
  • "I'LL BE" by Mr. Children (2018)
  • "Hana -Mémento-Mori-" by Mr. Children (2019)
  • "HANABI" by Mr. Children (2020-present)