Takuya Nakashima

2.1. Birth and Early Life

Nakashima was born on January 11, 1991, in Umi, Kasuya District, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. His early life was rooted in this region, where he first engaged with baseball. During his junior high school years, he played for the Umi Stars in the Fresh League, a formative experience that shaped his baseball aspirations.

2.2. High School Career

Nakashima attended Fukuoka Kogyo High School, where he played as the team's leadoff hitter and shortstop. In the spring of 2008, he played a pivotal role, alongside ace pitcher Kazuki Mishima, in leading his team to its first-ever championship at the Kyushu Tournament. Despite his dedication to baseball, Nakashima also excelled academically, acquiring five national certifications, including a license for handling hazardous materials, demonstrating his commitment to both his athletic and academic development.

2.3. Draft and Signing

Despite his high school achievements, Nakashima was not highly rated by many NPB teams, receiving a scouting report from only one club. However, on October 30, 2008, he was selected in the fifth round of the 2008 NPB Draft by the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. He officially signed with the team on November 18, 2008, for an estimated signing bonus of 25.00 M JPY and an annual salary of 4.80 M JPY. His initial jersey number was 56. The Fighters' scout responsible for his signing was Takayuki Iwai, an infielder himself, who saw similarities between Nakashima's throwing ability and that of Shinya Miyamoto. Nakashima became the first player from Fukuoka Kogyo High School to directly enter an NPB team through the draft system.

3.1. Debut and Early Years (2009-2012)

In 2009, his rookie year, Nakashima did not appear in any first squad games. However, he played a team-high 97 games in the Eastern League (minor league) as a high school rookie, recording 17 sacrifice bunts, also a team high. He reached the league's official at-bat minimum but finished with a batting average of .211, ranking 30th out of 31 qualified players, and committed 15 errors, ranking second among shortstops in the league. In 2010, he played 70 games in the Eastern League, again leading the team with 15 sacrifice bunts and improving his batting average to .220, but he did not reach the minimum at-bats for the second consecutive year and remained in the minor leagues.

Nakashima made his first squad debut on April 20, 2011, against the Orix Buffaloes at Hotto Motto Field Kobe, entering as a defensive replacement at second base. He appeared in 8 first squad games that year, recording only one at-bat but tallying one stolen base and two runs. In 2012, he established himself as a regular in the first squad as a pinch-runner and defensive substitute, appearing in 105 games. However, his batting average remained low at .114, and he recorded only two stolen bases.

3.2. Development and Key Roles (2013-2016)

The 2013 season saw Nakashima's role expand significantly. Initially used primarily as a pinch-runner and defensive substitute, he was given an opportunity at second base when regular second baseman Haruki Nishikawa was injured. Nakashima performed well enough to retain the position even after Nishikawa's return. He also filled in at shortstop when regular shortstop Keiji Obiki was sidelined, proving his versatility as a utility infielder and increasing his starts. His baserunning improved dramatically, recording 23 stolen bases with a success rate over 90%. At the plate, his batting average rose to .238, and he recorded his first extra-base hit and RBI. Following this breakout season, his jersey number was changed from 56 to 9.

In 2014, Nakashima was considered the second-choice second baseman behind Nishikawa during spring training. Although he occasionally played shortstop and third base during the season, his strong throws during double plays helped him solidify his position at second base. Nishikawa, despite his speed, struggled with throws and effectively transitioned to an outfielder, while still registered as an infielder. Nakashima's batting order varied early in the season, but he became a regular number two hitter from August 14 onwards. He played in 126 first squad games, reaching the official at-bat minimum for the first time, and finished with a .259 batting average and 28 stolen bases.

3.3. Major Achievements and National Team (2015-2016)

The 2015 season was a career highlight for Nakashima. He played in all 143 Pacific League games and made his first appearance in the NPB All-Star Series. He achieved a career-high batting average of .264 and led the league with 34 stolen bases, earning him the Stolen Base Champion title. He was also selected for the Best Nine Award at shortstop for the first time. Following the season, he was chosen to represent Japan in the inaugural 2015 WBSC Premier12. Although his playing opportunities were limited in the tournament, he recorded one sacrifice bunt and one run, contributing to Japan's bronze medal finish.

In 2016, Nakashima played in all first squad games for the second consecutive year. He set a Pacific League single-season record (and NPB's third-highest all-time) with 62 sacrifice bunts, a Japanese record for a left-handed batter. While his batting average dropped to .243 and stolen bases to 23, he achieved 20 or more stolen bases for the fourth consecutive year. After the season, he was again selected for the Japanese national team for exhibition games against the Netherlands and Mexico. His strong performance earned him a contract renewal with an estimated annual salary of 100.00 M JPY.

3.4. Navigating Challenges and Milestones (2017-2021)

In 2017, Nakashima was initially selected for the 2017 World Baseball Classic but withdrew due to accumulated fatigue from the previous season, prioritizing his preparation for the NPB regular season. On July 30, in a game against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks at Fukuoka Dome (his hometown), he hit his first professional home run off Shota Takeda, a solo shot to the right field home run terrace. This historic home run came in his 723rd first squad game and 2,287th at-bat, marking the longest wait for a first professional home run in NPB history. However, his season was interrupted on May 6 when he injured his left heel after colliding with first baseman Eiichi Koyano. He was diagnosed with calcaneal bursitis and removed from the roster. He returned to play on October 9 in the final regular season game, but his season totals were limited to 91 games, a .208 batting average, and 11 stolen bases.

Nakashima was appointed player-chairman in 2018. He began the season as the regular shortstop and hit his second career home run on May 12 against Rick van den Hurk of the SoftBank Hawks. He reclaimed his position as the team's starting shortstop and reached the official at-bat minimum for the first time in two years. In 2019, he played a full season in the first squad for the first time since 2016, but his batting struggled with a .220 average and .278 on-base percentage. On July 28, he committed a crucial error at shortstop in extra innings, leading to a walk-off loss. Despite some defensive lapses, he acquired domestic FA rights but chose to remain with the Fighters, signing a three-year contract worth an estimated 270.00 M JPY plus incentives, stating his desire to win another championship with the team.

The 2020 season, shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Nakashima's batting average drop to a career-low .201. He started only 50 games, less than half of the season's total, marking his first time below 50% starts since becoming a regular shortstop in 2015. He took a 10.00 M JPY pay cut, settling for an estimated salary of 80.00 M JPY. In 2021, on April 1, he announced his marriage to a non-celebrity woman. He started the season as the number nine hitter and shortstop but committed a crucial error in the third game of the season and another on April 7, leading to a decrease in his starting opportunities. He was sidelined on April 30 due to a positive COVID-19 test. After returning to play on May 21, he struggled with a 30-at-bat hitless streak in the minor league. Despite an RBI hit on September 3, he also committed a critical error in the same game. Even with Kazunari Ishii's injury in late September, Nakashima's playing time at shortstop was limited, and he finished the season with a .186 batting average in 67 games. He signed a contract for the same estimated salary of 80.00 M JPY.

3.5. Later Career and Record Breaking (2022-2024)

Nakashima started the 2022 season in the minor leagues but was promoted on April 23. However, his performance declined, and he was sent back down on June 20. He was recalled on July 19 as a replacement for players infected with COVID-19. On August 4, 2022, in a game against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, he recorded his 250th career sacrifice bunt off pitcher Colin Rea, becoming the 21st player in NPB history and the second in Fighters history to reach this milestone, after Makoto Kaneko. On August 27, he made a crucial defensive play in the 8th inning against the SoftBank Hawks, catching a hard-hit ball that nearly became a hit, significantly contributing to Cody Ponce's no-hitter. On September 13, he played center field for the first time in his professional career, his first time playing in the outfield since 2014. His batting gradually improved in the second half of the season, raising his average to .223, and he continued to showcase his speed with 17 stolen bases.

In 2023, Nakashima again started the season in the minor leagues and was promoted on May 9. However, he suffered a left internal oblique muscle strain and was removed from the roster on May 25, with an expected recovery time of about four weeks. He returned to the first squad on September 19 and hit an RBI single in a game against the Saitama Seibu Lions. On September 23, against the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, he achieved his 200th career stolen base, becoming the 79th player in NPB history and the sixth for the Fighters to reach this milestone. Due to injuries, he played only 17 games, ending his 10-year streak of double-digit stolen bases. He signed a contract for an estimated 25.00 M JPY, a 5.00 M JPY decrease from the previous year.

In 2024, Nakashima made the opening day roster for the first time in three years since 2021. He began practicing at first base to become a utility player, making his professional debut at first base on May 4 against the Orix Buffaloes. On May 21, he recorded his 204th career stolen base against the Orix Buffaloes, surpassing Kenji Tanaka's 203 stolen bases, a personal goal. However, he was removed from the first squad on August 9 and did not return for the remainder of the regular season. He was recalled for the 2024 Pacific League Climax Series First Stage against the Chiba Lotte Marines on October 14. He started in Game 1 of the Final Stage against the SoftBank Hawks on October 16, going hitless in one at-bat but recording one sacrifice bunt. He signed a contract for an estimated 25.00 M JPY, maintaining his salary from the previous year.

4.1. Defensive Prowess

Nakashima is highly regarded for his agile glove work, accurate throwing, and excellent judgment in the infield. His defensive range and quick reactions are considered a major strength. In 2014, he reached the minimum games played at second base, and in 2015, at shortstop. His UZR at second base in 2014 was 9.2, and in 2015, his UZR as a shortstop surpassed that of Kenta Imamiya, who won the Golden Glove Award that year. Scout Takayuki Iwai, who observed Nakashima in high school, noted similarities in his throwing ability to that of Shinya Miyamoto, a highly respected defensive infielder.

4.2. Baserunning and Sacrifice Bunting

Nakashima is an effective baserunner, known for his speed and high stolen base success rate. He has consistently recorded double-digit stolen bases for many years, leading the league in 2015. His exceptional skill in executing sacrifice bunts is also a hallmark of his game. In 2016, he recorded 62 sacrifice bunts, setting a Pacific League record and a Japanese record for a left-handed batter, demonstrating his ability to advance runners and contribute to the team's offensive strategy without relying on hits. He has achieved career milestones of 200 and 250 sacrifice bunts, showcasing his mastery of this fundamental skill.

4.3. Batting Approach

While not a power hitter, Nakashima possesses a distinctive batting approach focused on making contact and exhibiting strong plate discipline. He is known for his ability to foul off pitches in close counts, extending at-bats and wearing down opposing pitchers. This technique, often referred to as "cut man" or "foul-off genius," allowed him to record the most foul balls in both leagues in 2015 and 2016. Despite a relatively low career batting average, his high number of walks contributes to a respectable on-base percentage, making him an effective leadoff or number two hitter who can get on base and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

4.4. Notable Anecdotes

Nakashima's career has been punctuated by several memorable anecdotes that highlight his unique journey in baseball. One notable story revolves around his first professional home run. On February 24, 2016, during a segment on the TBS variety show "Wednesday Downtown," Nakashima revealed that he had never hit a single home run in an official game during his amateur career. This made his first professional home run on July 30, 2017, off Shota Takeda even more significant, as it was indeed the first official home run of his entire life, achieved in his 2,287th professional at-bat, an NPB record for the longest wait for a first career home run.

5.1. Yearly Statistics

• Statistics as of the end of the 2024 season. Bold indicates league leader.

• Statistics as of the end of the 2024 season. Bold indicates league leader.

5.2. Major Career Milestones

Nakashima has achieved several significant milestones throughout his professional career:

• First Appearance:** April 20, 2011, against the Orix Buffaloes at Hotto Motto Field Kobe, entering as a second baseman in the 8th inning.
• First At-Bat:** Same game, 9th inning, striking out against Takashi Kamoshida.
• First Stolen Base:** April 24, 2011, against the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles at Hotto Motto Field Kobe, stealing second base in the 9th inning.
• First Start:** April 7, 2012, against the Chiba Lotte Marines at QVC Marine Field, starting as the 9th batter and shortstop.
• First Hit:** April 17, 2012, against the Saitama Seibu Lions at Seibu Dome, an infield single to third base off Kazuhisa Makita in the 5th inning.
• First RBI:** May 3, 2013, against the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles at Kobo Park Miyagi, an RBI double down the left field line off Hiroyuki Fukuyama in the 9th inning.
• First Home Run:** July 30, 2017, against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks at Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome, a solo home run to right field off Shota Takeda in the 6th inning. This was his first professional home run in his 2,287th at-bat, making it the latest first home run in NPB history.
• 200 Sacrifice Bunts:** June 15, 2018, against the Tokyo Yakult Swallows at Sapporo Dome, a sacrifice bunt to first base off Masato Nakazawa. He later achieved 250 sacrifice bunts on August 4, 2022, against Colin Rea of the SoftBank Hawks, becoming the 21st player in NPB history to do so.
• 1,000 Games Played:** June 30, 2020, against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks at Sapporo Dome, starting as the 8th batter and shortstop. He became the 505th player in NPB history to reach this milestone.
• 200 Stolen Bases:** September 22, 2023, against the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles at Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi, stealing second base off pitcher Shoma Fujihira and catcher Yuma Yasuda. He became the 79th player in NPB history to reach this milestone.
• Season 62 Sacrifice Bunts (2016):** Most by a left-handed batter in NPB history, and tied for the most in Pacific League history.
• 9 Putouts in a Single Game (2014):** Tied the Pacific League record for a second baseman.
• 14 Career Sacrifice Bunts in Climax Series:** Tied for the most in NPB history with Masaaki Araki.

5.3. Awards and Honors

• Stolen Base Champion: 1 time (2015)
• Best Nine Award: 1 time (Shortstop, 2015)
• NPB All-Star: 1 time (2015)
• Japan Series Champion: 1 time (2016)

5.4. National Team Participation

• 2015 WBSC Premier12 (Bronze Medal)

5.5. Jersey Numbers

• 56 (2009-2013)
• 9 (2014-present)