So Taguchi

1.1. Childhood and Amateur Career

Taguchi was born in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, on July 2, 1969, and grew up in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo. His father, Yoshiyuki, worked for Kuraray and had played as an outfielder for the Kuraray Okayama industrial league baseball team (which disbanded in 1973). Influenced by his father and his older brother, a catcher, Taguchi began playing baseball at the age of three. From ages two to eight, his family resided in Chiba Prefecture, then moved to Okayama, Okayama for eight years, where he played as a shortstop for a softball team at Okayama Municipal Hirafuku Elementary School, winning numerous tournaments. From middle school through university, he lived in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo.

He attended Nishinomiya Municipal Hiraki Junior High School and Hyogo Prefectural Nishinomiya Kita High School, graduating without playing at Koshien Stadium. He then enrolled in Kwansei Gakuin University and joined its baseball team. During his university career in the Kansai Big6 Baseball League, he played in 101 games, achieving a total of 123 hits from 376 at-bats, with a batting average of .327, 10 home runs, and 46 RBIs. He received the Batting Champion award once, was named Most Valuable Player once, and was selected for the Best Nine team four times. His 123 career hits remain the league's all-time record as of November 2019. Taguchi remained a shortstop exclusively from the age of nine until his second year with the Orix BlueWave.

1.2. NPB Draft and Professional Entry

In the 1991 NPB Draft, So Taguchi was a first-round pick for both the Orix BlueWave and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Orix won the negotiation rights through a lottery, and Taguchi officially joined the team, signing a contract for an estimated 100.00 M JPY and an annual salary of 12.00 M JPY. The team initially offered him uniform number `7`, which had been long worn by former Orix second-team manager Yutaka Fukumoto. Taguchi, however, respectfully declined, stating it was "too daunting" to wear such a legendary number. He instead chose number `6`, which he had worn in his amateur career and which had become available after Terumitsu Kumano's transfer.

During the draft, the Hanshin Tigers, seeking a successor to shortstop Katsuo Hirata, had also desired to draft Taguchi. However, in a press conference, Taguchi read a "Ten Reasons Not to Go to Hanshin" document, which he later retracted. This incident was reportedly instigated by the Kwansei Gakuin University baseball team and school authorities, who had a strained relationship with Hanshin, and an Orix scout who was a university alumnus, to prevent Taguchi from joining the Tigers. The then-head coach of the university's baseball team, who was not involved in this action, reportedly reprimanded Taguchi, who later recalled it as the first time he was scolded for something unrelated to baseball. This statement drew criticism from Hanshin Tigers' Akinobu Okada, who remarked that Hanshin offered superior conditions and advised against making careless statements without knowing the club. Despite the controversy, Hanshin again attempted to acquire Taguchi through free agency in 2001, but he instead chose to move to the MLB with the St. Louis Cardinals, thus never wearing a Hanshin Tigers uniform.

2.1. Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)

Taguchi began his professional career in Japan, where he established himself as a prominent outfielder before venturing into the major leagues.

2.2. Major League Baseball (MLB)

Following a successful decade in Japan, Taguchi embarked on an eight-year career in Major League Baseball, achieving significant success including two World Series titles.

2.2.1. St. Louis Cardinals (2002-2007)

On January 9, 2002, So Taguchi signed a three-year, 3.00 M USD contract with the St. Louis Cardinals at the age of 32. He began his journey through the minor league system, playing for the New Haven Ravens and the Memphis Redbirds, where he compiled a .262 batting average with 6 home runs and 51 RBIs. Taguchi earned his first call-up to the major leagues on June 10 against the Seattle Mariners, but went hitless in his four appearances before being sent back to the minors. He was recalled on September 7, and in his first game back, against the Chicago Cubs, he recorded his first major league hit in the second inning. He became the first, and to date only, Japanese-born player in Cardinals history. Taguchi initially requested to wear number `6` but it was retired for Stan Musial. He also considered `9`, but that was retired for Enos Slaughter, and number `1` (which he wore in the Olympics) was retired for Ozzie Smith. As Rick Ankiel was on the roster that year, doubling `6` was also not an option, so he ultimately chose to wear number `99`.

Taguchi received another brief call-up in 2003. He secured more significant playing time with the Cardinals in 2004, appearing in 109 games and establishing himself as a regular major leaguer. He recorded a .291 batting average with a .341 batting average with runners in scoring position (RISP), earning the team's Rookie of the Year award. The Cardinals advanced to the 2004 World Series, where Taguchi started in Game 1 and recorded a hit, but the team was swept by the Boston Red Sox. His performance in 2004 significantly raised his profile, with manager Tony La Russa frequently expressing high regard for him. An unofficial team website poll asking "Who is the most needed player on the team?" ranked Taguchi first. Despite receiving offers from multiple teams during the offseason, Taguchi chose to re-sign with the Cardinals for a one-year, 550.00 K USD deal, stating his desire to learn more about baseball under La Russa.

In 2005, Taguchi appeared in 143 games, the third-highest on the team. He recorded a 12-game hitting streak in August, batting .361 with an OPS of .912, and was even considered for the Monthly MVP award. Injuries to outfielders Larry Walker and Reggie Sanders opened up opportunities for him to start more frequently, and he even batted third in games when Albert Pujols was rested. He finished the season with a .288 batting average, 8 home runs, 53 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases, notably achieving a .407 batting average with RISP (37 hits in 91 at-bats). His stellar defense across all three outfield positions contributed to the Cardinals winning 100 games and securing the best record in the National League. Cardinals radio announcer Mike Shannon nicknamed Taguchi "the So-man," praising his diligent work ethic and extreme personal courtesy. Taguchi's habit of bowing to the umpire before each at-bat, coupled with his modest and cheerful demeanor and initial shyness due to struggling with English in interviews, endeared him to St. Louis fans.

In 2006, Taguchi's playing time saw a slight decrease, with his at-bat total falling to 316 from 396 the previous year. He was nonetheless included on the Cardinals' playoff roster for the third consecutive year and delivered a heroic postseason moment. On October 13, 2006, in the top of the 9th inning of Game 2 of the NLCS against the New York Mets, Taguchi hit a go-ahead home run off of the formidable closer Billy Wagner, giving the Cardinals a 7-6 lead in a game they would win 9-6. He appeared in four of the five games of the 2006 World Series for the Cardinals, batting .182, and earned his first World Series ring as the Cardinals defeated the Detroit Tigers four games to one. Following the season, Taguchi agreed to a one-year deal worth 925.00 K USD for the 2007 season.

Taguchi had another solid season with the Cardinals in 2007, batting .290 as a part-time player in 130 games with 307 at-bats. He was one of manager Tony La Russa's most valuable pinch hitters, recording 15 hits in 46 games where he had just one at-bat, including a .406 batting average (12 hits in 32 at-bats) as a pinch-hitter. He played 617 innings in the field, making 41 starts (and 22 other appearances) in center field due to Jim Edmonds' injuries, and 21 starts (20 other appearances) in left field before the Cardinals settled on a player there in 2008. Taguchi also played sparingly in right field (2 starts, 6 other appearances) and part of one game at second base. After the 2007 season, the Cardinals declined his option for 2008 and released him on December 5, 2007, after his agent requested his release earlier that week.

2.2.2. Philadelphia Phillies (2008)

On December 23, 2007, Taguchi signed a one-year, 1.00 M USD deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, with an option for 2009. In 2008, his performance declined significantly, with his batting average dropping from .290 in 2007 to .220, and he only managed 91 at-bats for the entire season. Although he reached 1,500 career hits (NPB/MLB combined), he was primarily used as a pinch-runner and defensive substitute. Opportunities were limited, especially as Eric Bruntlett, who also transferred to the Phillies, often took his position in the second half of the season. Despite the team winning the division title for two consecutive years, Taguchi did not play in the Division Series or the World Series. He appeared in four games of the NLCS exclusively as a pinch-hitter, going 0-for-4. Nevertheless, he earned his second championship ring when the Phillies won the 2008 World Series, their first in 28 years. Shortly after the World Series victory, the Phillies decided to decline Taguchi's option, making him a free agent.

2.2.3. Chicago Cubs (2009)

On January 15, 2009, Taguchi agreed to a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs and was invited to spring training. Part of the reason for his signing was to provide a Japanese teammate for Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. Despite batting .263 in spring training, Taguchi did not make the Cubs' Opening Day roster and was optioned to Triple-A. He spent most of the season with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, where he hit .248 with four home runs and 24 RBIs in 85 games. He was called up to the Cubs on September 16, 2009, replacing the injured Sam Fuld. At 40 years and two months old, he became the oldest Japanese position player to appear in a major league game at that time. However, he had limited playing opportunities, appearing in only 12 games and getting three hits in 11 at-bats. After the regular season, he was released as a free agent.

2.3. Return to Japan and Retirement

After his MLB career, Taguchi returned to his former team in Japan, where he played for two more seasons before announcing his retirement.

4.1. Baseball Commentator and Media Appearances

On September 6, 2012, roughly a month after his retirement announcement, Taguchi formally declared his retirement and simultaneously announced a new management contract with Horipro, a prominent entertainment agency. He began his new career as a baseball commentator. On October 2, 2012, he debuted as a regular radio host for MBS Radio's live program "with... Yor wa Radio to Kimetemasu" (with...夜はラジオと決めてます_{with... Yoru wa Rajio to Kimetemasu (Night is Decided with Radio)}^Japanese), which aired during the 2012 off-season. He was even appointed as the "Special Week PR Ambassador" for MBS Radio's listener rating week in December 2012. Additionally, on November 25, 2012, he participated in the second Kobe Marathon as part of a program organized by Asahi Broadcasting, completing his first full marathon in 5 hours, 51 minutes, and 20 seconds. During this period, he made numerous guest appearances as a sports commentator on various television and radio programs, including sports news segments.

From the 2013 professional baseball season, Taguchi also began working as a baseball commentator for NHK, Japan's national public broadcasting organization, primarily covering Major League Baseball games.

4.2. Coaching Career

On October 1, 2015, it was announced that Taguchi would return to the Orix Buffaloes as the manager of their minor league team for the 2016 season. This announcement coincided with the formal appointment of his former Orix BlueWave teammate, Jyunichi Fukura, who had been serving as the interim first-team manager, as the permanent first-team manager. Taguchi was assigned uniform number `81`.

His first year as minor league manager in 2016 saw both the first and second teams struggle, finishing at the bottom of their respective leagues. During this season, Taguchi experienced temporary visual and speech impairments in July, leading to a temporary hospitalization (MRI results showed no abnormalities). He also openly discussed the challenges of adapting his coaching style to younger players whose mindsets differed significantly from his own playing days, describing his role as a "middle manager" in professional baseball.

In 2017, Taguchi took on a dual role, serving as both the minor league manager and the batting coach. On March 30 of that year, he published a book titled "The Mystery of Professional Baseball's Minor League" through Gentosha, which expanded on his experiences from the previous year. In 2018, he returned to his sole role as minor league manager. For the 2019 season, he was promoted to the first team as the general field coach and batting coach. In 2021, his role was re-assigned to outfield defense and baserunning coach. On October 7, 2024, it was announced that Taguchi would be departing the Orix Buffaloes coaching staff.

5.1. Family and Relationships

So Taguchi married Emiko Kagawa, a former TBS announcer, in March 2001. Emiko is fluent in English, and Taguchi learned the language from her, also practicing by watching films such as Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc. The couple has one son, Kan, who was born on December 24, 2003. Kan Taguchi currently plays baseball for Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Despite returning to Japan, the Taguchi family still maintains a home in St. Louis. Prior to his marriage to Emiko, Taguchi had divorced his first wife in 1999.

5.2. Character and Philosophy

So Taguchi is recognized for his sincere and honest personality, and his strong character earned him considerable respect and popularity, especially during his time with Orix, where he served as a player representative. A notable example of his selflessness occurred during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Despite the national team's strong desire for Ichiro Suzuki's participation, Taguchi understood Ichiro's reluctance, believing the Olympics should primarily be a stage for amateur athletes. He advocated for Ichiro's exemption from the team, offering himself as a replacement, and subsequently participated in the Olympics. Taguchi has also maintained a close mentor-mentee relationship with Tomotaka Sakaguchi since his MLB days, with whom he often conducted joint off-season training sessions.

During his playing career, Taguchi gained a reputation as a "pro baseball player who can write" due to his skill as an author. He regularly penned a column titled "Nani Kuso Diary" on his official website. In 2004, a compilation of these writings was published under the same title by Shufunotomo Co., Ltd. Initially, while playing in the minor leagues for the Cardinals, he was jokingly called "a minor leaguer who can only write a diary," but this evolved into "a major leaguer who can also write a diary" upon his major league success. The phrase "Nani Kuso" (何苦楚_{Nani Kuso (What a Tough)}^Japanese) became his personal motto, bestowed upon him by his mentor, Futoshi Nakanishi, a saying also adopted by Akinori Iwamura, who was also coached by Nakanishi. After becoming the Orix minor league manager in 2016, Taguchi continued to write columns, including "The Baseball Person, So Taguchi's New Chapter: First Time as a Minor League Manager" for Hobonichi and "Minor League Manager So Taguchi!" for the online edition of Nikkei Inc. (日本経済新聞_{Nihon Keizai Shinbun}^Japanese). His 2017 book, "The Mystery of Professional Baseball's Minor League," was an expanded version of his "Minor League Manager So Taguchi!" column from 2016.

Given Kwansei Gakuin University's Christian-based educational philosophy, Taguchi frequently attended church with his teammates after moving to MLB. While he has not been baptized and is not strictly a Christian, he stated, "It resonated with my heart. I could understand and feel it. I knew this was real... I now believe that Jesus Christ helps me in my relationship with my wife and when life gets difficult." He noted that some Cardinals teammates, like John Rodriguez and Braden Looper, were deeply religious, and praised Albert Pujols for his kindness and as a role model of faith, stating, "Pujols is very kind to me. He understands the difficulty of not understanding the language, and he is a Christian who sets an example of faith. Everyone is very kind to me."

6.1. Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Awards

Taguchi earned multiple accolades during his tenure in NPB:

• Best Nine (Outfielder): 1 time (1996)
• Golden Glove Award (Outfielder): 5 times (1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001)
• Monthly MVP: 1 time (September 1998)
• JA Zen-noh Go-Go Award (Strong Arm Award): 1 time (September 2000)
• East-West All-Star Game Excellence Award: 1 time (2000)

6.2. Major League Baseball (MLB) Awards

While in MLB, Taguchi received recognition for his dedication and performance:

• Heart and Hustle Award: 2007 (team-level award; he was not selected as the final national recipient)

6.3. Other Honors

• Best Father Yellow Ribbon Award in Kansai (Professional Baseball category): 2010

7.1. Batting and Fielding Statistics

7.2. Notable Records and Milestones

Taguchi achieved several significant personal milestones during his playing career:

• First Appearance & Start:** April 4, 1992, vs. Chiba Lotte Marines (Chiba Marine Stadium), as 9th batter and shortstop.
• First Hit:** April 11, 1992, vs. Kintetsu Buffaloes (Green Stadium Kobe), a left-field double off Izumi Takayanagi in the 5th inning.
• First Stolen Base:** May 1, 1992, vs. Nippon-Ham Fighters (Green Stadium Kobe), stealing second base in the 8th inning (pitcher: Akihito Kaneseki, catcher: Fujio Tamura).
• First RBI:** September 8, 1992, vs. Fukuoka Daiei Hawks (Kitakyushu Citizens Stadium), a 2-run RBI double off Chikaaki Ikeda in the 8th inning.
• First Home Run:** September 23, 1992, vs. Kintetsu Buffaloes (Green Stadium Kobe), a solo home run to left field off Izumi Takayanagi in the 3rd inning.
• 1000th Career Hit (NPB):** October 6, 2000, vs. Seibu Lions (Green Stadium Kobe), a center-field hit off Fumiya Nishiguchi in the 4th inning (203rd player in NPB history).
• 1000th Career Game (NPB):** April 28, 2001, vs. Nippon-Ham Fighters (Green Stadium Kobe), starting as 6th batter and left fielder (367th player in NPB history).
• All-Star Game Appearances (NPB):** 4 times (1995, 1996, 1997, 2001).
• Season Batting Average with RISP Leader (MLB):** .407 (2005).

8.1. Publications

So Taguchi has authored five books, showcasing his writing prowess and insights into baseball and life:

• Nani Kuso Diary (何苦楚日記_{Nani Kuso Nikki}^Japanese, 2004, Shufunotomo Co., Ltd.): Based on his popular online column, this book compiles his reflections and experiences during his career. The title incorporates his personal motto, "Nani Kuso" (What a Tough).
• Tagu Bana. (タグバナ。_{Tagu Bana.}^Japanese, 2007, Sekai Bunka Publishing Inc.): This book delves into more of his baseball stories and thoughts.
• Wakijikara (脇役力_{Wakijikara (Supporting Role Power)}^Japanese, 2010, PHP Institute, Inc.): Focuses on the importance and strength of being a supporting player, drawing from his experience as a "super-sub" in MLB.
• Baseball and Digressions and Baseball (野球と余談とベースボール_{Yakyū to Yodan to Bēsubōru}^Japanese, 2013, Mynavi Corporation): Offers a broader perspective on baseball, combining professional insights with personal anecdotes.
• The Mystery of Professional Baseball's Minor League (プロ野球・二軍の謎_{Puro Yakyū Nīgun no Nazo}^Japanese, 2017, Gentosha): This book, an expanded version of his column "Minor League Manager So Taguchi!" for the Nikkei electronic edition, provides a unique look into the world of minor league baseball from a manager's perspective.

8.2. Media and Other Appearances

Taguchi has been a regular presence in Japanese media following his playing career:

• Television:** He has frequently appeared as a commentator for Major League Baseball broadcasts on NHK BS1, including World Sports MLB, where he served as a major league commentator.
• Radio:** From October 2, 2012, to March 26, 2013, he was a regular Tuesday host for MBS Radio's with... Yor wa Radio to Kimetemasu (with...夜はラジオと決めてます_{with... Yoru wa Rajio to Kimetemasu (Night is Decided with Radio)}^Japanese), marking his first regular radio program. He also provided commentary for NHK Professional Baseball broadcasts, primarily focusing on home games for the Hanshin Tigers and Orix Buffaloes.
• Film:** He appeared as himself in the 2001 film Go! Ichiro (走れ!イチロー_{Hashire! Ichirō}^Japanese), directed by Kazuki Ōmori and distributed by Toei.