Tadashi Sugiura

1.1. Early Life and Amateur Career

Sugiura was born on September 17, 1935, in Agemo (present-day Toyota, Aichi), Aichi Prefecture. He was the fourth of five sons, named "Tadashi" from the "Nanso Satomi Hakkenden" epic, with his father, Teiji, naming all his sons with virtues (Jin, Chi, Kō, Tadashi, Gishin). He attended Agemo Town First Elementary (now Toyota City Koromo Elementary), Agemo City East Junior High (now Toyota City Sokaido Junior High), and Koromo High School (now Aichi Prefectural Toyota Nishi High School). He began playing baseball in the fourth grade of elementary school and, in junior high, primarily played as the fifth batter and center fielder. During his time at Koromo High School, he was an obscure hard-throwing overhand pitcher with poor control, whose team was eliminated in the third round of the Aichi prefectural tournament during his senior year.

Sugiura's baseball career gained prominence after he enrolled at Rikkyo University (now Rikkyo University baseball team). There, he became known as one of the "Rikkyo Three Musketeers" alongside his classmates Shigeo Nagashima and Kingo Motoyashiki. Initially an overhand pitcher, Sugiura switched to a sidearm style in his second year of university. He cited difficulty with his glasses slipping during his overhand delivery as the reason for the change, as the old heavy glass and celluloid frames would shift during his dynamic overhand motion. He found that the sidearm delivery kept his head position steady, greatly improving his control. He noted that his fastball was actually faster when he pitched overhand. This form change occurred during a period of self-practice after the "Sunaoshi ostracism incident," and Sugiura believed it would not have been possible under the strict guidance of head coach Sunaoshi Kuninobu.

Around 1955, during his second year at Rikkyo, Sugiura and Nagashima famously left their team's dormitory and visited the office of the Chunichi Dragons in Nagoya, Sugiura's hometown team. They expressed a desire to drop out of university and play for the Dragons, even offering to forgo a signing bonus due to their dislike of the "military-like" discipline of the Rikkyo baseball team. However, the Dragons' team representative (either Sangoro Nakamura or Kazuo Takada) rejected their plea, advising them to finish their studies first. This anecdote is often highlighted in Japanese baseball history, as it could have drastically altered the course of both players' careers and potentially led to Chunichi rather than Nankai having a championship parade, or even Chunichi achieving the Giants' "V9" dynasty.

In the Tokyo Big6 Baseball League, Sugiura played a crucial role in Rikkyo's consecutive championships in the 1957 spring and autumn leagues. In the autumn league, he achieved a no-hitter against Waseda University, shutting down a powerful lineup that included sluggers Toru Mori and Fumio Kitsugi. That same year, Rikkyo won the All-Japan University Baseball Championship Series, defeating Senshu University, which featured players like Tatsuo Okitsu, in the final. Sugiura's collegiate career statistics include a Rikkyo record 36 wins against 12 losses, a 1.19 ERA, and 233 strikeouts, earning him two Best Nine awards. Notably, 28 of his 36 victories were achieved in the two years following his form change. In 1955, he was also selected for the Japanese national team that competed in the 2nd Asian Baseball Championship as part of a Tokyo Big6 league select team.

1.2. Professional Playing Career

Tadashi Sugiura joined the Nankai Hawks in 1958 after graduating from Rikkyo University, despite considering employment with Sapporo Beer or the Asahi Shimbun. His decision to join the Hawks was seen as a testament to his loyalty, especially when contrasted with Shigeo Nagashima, who had also received "nutrition money" from the Hawks but ultimately signed with the Yomiuri Giants. Sugiura famously responded to then-Hawks manager Kazuaki Tsuruoka's concern about his commitment with a calm, smiling retort: "Am I the kind of man you should be worried about?" Tsuruoka later remarked that Sugiura's quiet tone concealed a "strong, iron-like will" to uphold his commitments.

1.3. Post-Playing Career

After his retirement as a player, Tadashi Sugiura transitioned into various influential roles within Japanese baseball, including coaching, management, and media.

2.1. Pitching Mechanics and Repertoire

Sugiura's pitching arsenal was primarily built around a distinctive "floating fastball" and a large, horizontal curveball. His curveball was particularly deceptive; its wide break often caused left-handed batters, who thought they had swung at a strike, to get hit by the ball as it continued to move. Katsuya Nomura recounted an anecdote where Kihachi Enomoto swung at an outside curveball that ended up hitting him in the stomach.

His pitching form was characterized as a "hand-up sidearm," a unique style where his wrist remained upright. It was essentially an overhand motion with his upper body tilted horizontally, ensuring his arm never dropped below his shoulder. This specific arm slot imparted a unique spin and sharp cut to the ball. Coupled with his innate joint flexibility, particularly in his hip joints, this allowed for a fluid motion that generated powerful fastballs. Sugiura reportedly developed this unique form by studying sequential photographs of Yomiuri Giants pitcher Takumi Otomo provided by newspaper reporters. During his prime, the distinctive "pish" sound of his wrist snapping upon release was audible even from behind home plate or in the dugout.

Nomura also noted Sugiura's exceptional lower body strength and muscle quality, comparing the feel of Sugiura's arm muscles to those of baseball legend Willie Mays after touching Mays' arm during the 1960 San Francisco Giants' visit to Japan. Hiroshi Hishiro further attested to Sugiura's speed and flexibility, recalling that Sugiura was one of the few players who could outrun him in a race, despite Sugiura's occasional issues with his back and knees in spring training.

Despite his natural talents, Sugiura's decision to learn the sinker later in his career was viewed by some as detrimental to his unique strengths. Motivated by pitchers like fellow sidearmer Mutsuo Minagawa, who efficiently retired batters with a single sinker, Sugiura sought to reduce his pitch count. However, Nomura strongly opposed this, arguing that throwing a sinker with a sidearm delivery would require a reverse twist of the hand upon release, negatively impacting Sugiura's signature fastball. Nomura instead recommended a slider. Despite Nomura's protests, Sugiura learned the sinker. Nomura later expressed regret in his autobiography, believing that Sugiura would have won more games had he not insisted on acquiring the sinking pitch.

2.2. Peer and Expert Assessments

Tadashi Sugiura earned high praise from many of his contemporaries and baseball experts, who marveled at his exceptional pitching ability and unique style.

Katsuya Nomura, Sugiura's longtime battery mate, declared Sugiura the "greatest pitcher he ever caught," despite rating Kazuhisa Inao as the toughest opponent he faced. Nomura described Sugiura's curveball as breaking from behind a right-handed batter's back to the outside, while his fastball appeared to rise. He recalled how Sugiura's inside-breaking slider would "break bats beautifully," making catching for him "truly enjoyable." However, Nomura also humorously noted that catching for Sugiura was "incredibly boring," as Sugiura's pitches were so effective that "no decent batted balls would fly," leaving the catcher with little to do. Nomura regarded Sugiura as one of the "few true aces" in Japanese professional baseball.

Motoji Takuwa, a fellow Hawks pitcher and two-time wins leader, expressed awe upon seeing Sugiura pitch, realizing "there was someone even better." Takuwa lauded Sugiura's pitching philosophy, stating he "never wasted a single ball" and "never intentionally walked anyone," always focusing on getting outs with the minimum number of pitches. Takuwa noted the distinct difference between Sugiura's sidearm and Hisashi Yamada's, explaining that Sugiura's wrist remained upright, creating an "overhand trajectory" despite the sidearm delivery. He recalled manager Tsuruoka's absolute trust in Sugiura, often telling Takuwa to "stay put in the dugout" during Sugiura-Inao matchups, indicating no relief was needed. Takuwa concluded, "I never thought he would lose in his second year when he won 38 games. A pitcher like that will never appear again."

Shigeo Nagashima, reflecting on facing Sugiura in the 1959 Japan Series, described Sugiura's fastball as being delivered from a "sinking sidearm," appearing to "run from behind a right-handed batter's back to the outside." He admitted, "I couldn't hit it at all."

Isao Harimoto ranked Sugiura as the most powerful among sidearm pitchers, followed by Noboru Akiyama and Hisashi Yamada. Harimoto recalled Sugiura's curveball being so "amazing" and "big" that batters like Akio Saionji would sit down, thinking they were about to be hit, only for the ball to sharply break for a strike. Sugiura himself would lament that his curve was "too big" and wished for a smaller, sharper break, a complaint Harimoto found "luxurious."

Hisashi Yamada, another legendary sidearm pitcher, felt fortunate to have played during Sugiura's era. He once asked Sugiura for advice on his curveball, and Sugiura willingly demonstrated in the Osaka Stadium locker room. Yamada found Sugiura's unique throwing method impossible to replicate, but noted the similarity in their "elbow-up" motion, a key for submarine pitchers to generate velocity.

During the 1958 US-Japan Baseball Series, where the St. Louis Cardinals visited Japan, Sugiura pitched a complete game victory (9-2) for one of Japan's only two wins. Cardinals' slugger Stan Musial commented upon his return that the "pitcher wearing number 21" (Sugiura) was the most impressive.

In a segment of the show "Pro Baseball: Stories Only Here," when asked to name the top three sidearm pitchers of all time, Hirohisa Matsunuma, Hisashi Yamada, and Shunsuke Watanabe all unanimously named Sugiura as one of their choices. Sugiura himself famously stated that the only batter he wished to face was "himself," simply to experience the quality of his own pitches.

2.3. Rivalry with Kazuhisa Inao

During his active career, Tadashi Sugiura shared a well-known rivalry with Kazuhisa Inao, a contemporary ace pitcher from the Nishitetsu Lions. While they were fierce competitors on the mound, their relationship was also marked by mutual respect, and Sugiura openly admitted to learning from Inao's mound demeanor.

Sugiura recounted an incident during a game where he and Inao were pitching against each other. After Inao finished pitching the top of the first inning, Sugiura noticed that the mound was perfectly leveled and the rosin bag was conveniently placed within reach in the bottom of the first. This continued throughout the game, prompting Sugiura to realize that Inao was meticulously maintaining the mound. Sugiura expressed immense admiration for Inao's professionalism, stating that he immediately began to emulate Inao's habit. However, Sugiura admitted that he often forgot to level the mound himself in tense situations, whereas Inao "never once" handed Sugiura a rough mound.

In the autumn of 1958, after the US-Japan goodwill baseball series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Sugiura had the opportunity to share drinks with Inao and Futoshi Nakanishi. As the evening progressed, Sugiura's tone grew sharper, and he reportedly challenged them, saying, "Nakanishi-san, Inao, sit here. We're definitely going to win next year!" Nakanishi later recalled Sugiura's voice burning with the frustration of losing the championship. Sugiura, however, admitted to having no memory of the latter part of that conversation.

A frequent anecdote recounted by Katsuya Nomura describes how Sugiura inadvertently revealed Nomura's meticulous study of Inao's pitching habits during an All-Star game. Sugiura, intending to praise Nomura's dedication to Inao, mentioned Nomura's research. Inao's demeanor immediately changed, and in their next encounter after the All-Star break, Inao pitched differently, forcing Nomura to re-evaluate his approach. Sugiura's autobiography states that in their head-to-head matchups, Sugiura and Inao had an even record of 24 wins and 24 losses.

2.4. Philosophy and Demeanor

Tadashi Sugiura harbored a strong "anti-Giants" sentiment, which reportedly originated from his disapproval of the Takehiko Bessho poaching incident of 1948, viewing it as a "dirty" act. This anti-Giants stance fueled a deeper "anti-Central League" competitive spirit. While acknowledging and learning from Inao, Sugiura deliberately contrasted his own demeanor with the flashier, more dramatic pitchers of the Central League, such as Masaichi Kaneda, Minoru Murayama, and Motoshi Fujita, who often embraced the spotlight.

Sugiura's calm mound presence and quiet speaking style were, by his own admission, a conscious counter to their flamboyant actions. He adopted a slow, almost slow-motion, backswing and large arm sweep, describing it as a deliberate contrast to the sharp, quick motions of Kaneda, Murayama, and Fujita. He stated, "The more they exaggerated their emotions, the more expressionless and gentlemanly I acted." This understated demeanor became a hallmark of his public persona, distinguishing him as a unique figure in the league.

3.1. Relationships with Influential Figures

Sugiura's career and personal life were deeply intertwined with several influential figures in Japanese baseball.

3.2. Other Notable Episodes

Tadashi Sugiura's life was also marked by several memorable and intriguing episodes that shed light on his character and experiences.

One notable incident involved a "phantom Major Leaguer" offer. In the autumn of 1960, the Chicago White Sox, then in a pennant race, requested to "borrow" Sugiura for their remaining dozen or so games. Had it materialized, Sugiura would have become the first Japanese player in Major League Baseball. Manager Tsuruoka approved, believing it would benefit Japanese baseball, and Sugiura even obtained his passport, coming very close to departing for the US. However, at the last minute, the Hawks' management blocked the move, citing their own ongoing pennant race with the Mainichi Daiei Orions as a reason they could not afford to lose him.

Sugiura also had a history of leaving the Rikkyo University baseball team's dormitory due to the intense hazing and strict discipline under coach Sunaoshi Kuninobu. He reportedly left the dorm "a couple of times." Once, after injuring his shoulder during the spring season of his freshman year, he felt despondent about its recovery and overwhelmed by the seniors' rigorous training, leading him to return home. He was eventually brought back by a team manager under Sunaoshi's instruction. Another instance of him leaving the dorm was in 1955 when, as a sophomore, he and Shigeo Nagashima attempted to join the Chunichi Dragons, as detailed in the "Early Life and Amateur Career" section.

In his personal life, Sugiura's attachment to his old home in Sakai City, Osaka, was well-known. When his family suggested rebuilding the aging house, Sugiura refused, stating his emotional connection to it and telling them, "If you don't like it, you can leave." Even when he worked as a KBC commentator based in Fukuoka, he commuted from his Sakai residence. Tragically, this beloved home was completely destroyed in a fire on December 25, 2010, after Sugiura's death. His go-to karaoke song was "Onna" by Shiga Masaru, whose opening line, "Shiga Masaruya!", Sugiura would always change to "Sugiuraya!"

4.1. Demise

On November 11, 2001, Tadashi Sugiura died at the age of 66 from an acute myocardial infarction while staying at a hotel in Chuo-ku, Sapporo, during an away game for the Masters League Osaka Romans, where he served as head coach. His funeral was held at the Honganji-ha Sakai Betsuin temple. Outside the temple, fans gathered, holding Nankai Hawks team flags and singing the Hawks' team song, "Nankai Hawks no Uta," as a moving tribute to their beloved player.

4.2. Posthumous Honors and Enduring Influence

In recognition of Sugiura's remarkable contributions and achievements, the "Sugiura Award" was established for the Most Valuable Pitcher in the professional baseball Masters League. In 2002, a bronze bust of Sugiura, depicting him in his Nankai Hawks uniform and standing 6.1 ft ^{(1.85 m)} tall, was erected beside the baseball field at his alma mater, Toyota Nishi High School, where it continues to oversee aspiring young players. Sugiura's enduring influence is felt throughout Japanese baseball history, where he remains revered as a true legend and gentleman of the game.

5.1. Pitching Statistics by Season

• Bold indicates league leader in that season.

5.2. Managerial Record by Season

• The Nankai Hawks changed their name to the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks in 1989.

5.3. Awards and Titles

Sugiura received numerous accolades throughout his career, cementing his status as one of Japan's all-time greats.

• Most Wins: 1959
• Best ERA: 1959
• Most Strikeouts: 1959, 1960 (Note: Not officially awarded by the league until 1989 for the Pacific League)
• Highest Winning Percentage: 1959
• Most Valuable Player (MVP): 1959
• Rookie of the Year: 1958
• Best Nine: 1959
• Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame induction: 1995 (Player category)
• Japan Series MVP: 1959
• Japan Series Best Pitcher Award: 1959
• Toyota City Honorary Award: 1996

5.4. Milestones and Records

Sugiura's career was also marked by several significant milestones and enduring records.

• Firsts:
  • First appearance, first start, first win: April 5, 1958, against the Toei Flyers at Komazawa Stadium (7 innings, 2 earned runs).
  • First strikeout: Same game, against Shoichi Busujima in the 1st inning.
  • First complete game win: April 20, 1958, against the Mainichi Daiei Orions at Kawasaki Stadium (9 innings, 2 earned runs).
  • First complete game shutout: September 24, 1958, against the Toei Flyers at Osaka Stadium.
  • Career Milestones:
    • 1,000 career innings pitched: October 2, 1959, against the Hankyu Braves at Hankyu Nishinomiya Stadium (89th in NPB history).
    • 100 career wins: May 6, 1961, against the Nishitetsu Lions at Heiwadai Stadium (32nd in NPB history).
    • 1,000 career strikeouts: July 29, 1961, against Norifumi Kido of the Nishitetsu Lions at Osaka Stadium (23rd in NPB history).
    • 1,500 career innings pitched: June 27, 1963, against the Toei Flyers at Meiji Jingu Stadium (48th in NPB history).
    • 150 career wins: May 26, 1964, against the Tokyo Orions at Osaka Stadium (17th in NPB history).
    • 1,500 career strikeouts: May 2, 1965, against Daryl Spencer of the Hankyu Braves at Hankyu Nishinomiya Stadium (13th in NPB history).
    • 2,000 career innings pitched: May 19, 1965, against the Toei Flyers at Osaka Stadium (28th in NPB history).
    • 500 career games pitched: May 24, 1968, against the Hankyu Braves at Hankyu Nishinomiya Stadium (22nd in NPB history, came in as 3rd reliever in 6th inning, pitched 3.1 innings scoreless).
    • Other Notable Records:
      • Pitcher's Triple Crown: 1959 (9th in NPB history).
      • Pitcher's Quadruple Crown: 1959 (6th in NPB history).
      • Pitcher's Quintuple Crown: 1959 (5th in NPB history, first in Pacific League history, and the only one in the Pacific League during the 20th century).
      • Season win differential of +34: 1959 (an all-time record, as other pitchers with 34+ wins in a season also had 6+ losses, while Sugiura only had 4).
      • 54.2 innings consecutive scoreless streak: September 15 - October 20, 1959.
      • Three consecutive Opening Day starts from rookie year (1958-1960): A unique record until surpassed by Takahiro Norimoto's four consecutive starts (2013-2016).
      • Three consecutive home runs allowed to the first three batters in the 1st inning: July 17, 1964, against the Hankyu Braves at Osaka Stadium (against Yasuhiro Shusuki, Akiteru Kono, and Daryl Spencer), a first in NPB history.
      • Four consecutive wins in the Japan Series: 1959 (Second after Kazuhisa Inao, but Sugiura is the only one to achieve it undefeated).
      • Four wins in the Japan Series: 1959 (Second after Kazuhisa Inao).
      • All-Star Game appearances: 6 times (1958-1961, 1964, 1965).

5.5. Uniform Numbers Held

Tadashi Sugiura wore several uniform numbers throughout his playing, coaching, and managerial career.

• 21 (1958-1970) - Originally offered #14, but he chose #21, symbolizing his desire to get a 2-strike, 1-ball count and then challenge batters. There was speculation his #21 would be retired, but it was reissued after just one season.
• 70 (1974-1977)
• 71 (1986-1988)
• 81 (1989)

6.1. Publications

• Boku no Aishita Yakyu (僕の愛した野球^Japanese, My Beloved Baseball) (Kaitori Publishing: September 1995)

6.2. Broadcast Appearances

As a prominent baseball commentator, Sugiura appeared on various television and radio programs.

• MBS Baseball Park (MBS Radio): Current title of the MBS Radio live broadcast. During his KBC commentator days, he also appeared on MBS's network broadcasts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
• S☆1 BASEBALL (TBS Network): Current unified title for TBS network broadcasts. Sugiura appeared on these broadcasts during his time as an MBS commentator (1978-1985), occasionally even on TBS-produced games (e.g., Taiyo vs. Giants).
• KBC Hawks Nighter (KBC Radio): Current title for KBC Radio live broadcasts. During his MBS commentator days, he also appeared on KBC's network broadcasts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and Saturdays/Sundays until 1973.
• Super Baseball (TV Asahi Network): Current unified title for NET TV/TV Asahi network broadcasts. Sugiura appeared on these during his MBS commentator days (until 1973) and his KBC commentator days, sometimes on NET TV/Hiroshima Home TV-produced broadcasts.
• ALWAYS Baseball / BASEBALL Real&Live (TV Tokyo Network): Current title for Tokyo 12 Channel/TV Tokyo network broadcasts. Sugiura appeared on these broadcasts during his MBS commentator days (until 1973).