Shinji Hamazaki
Shinji Hamazaki (浜崎 真二, 10 December 1901 – May 6, 1981) was a former Japanese baseball player and manager. Thought short in stature, Hamazaki was well known for his forceful personality.[1] He is a member of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.
| Shinji Hamazaki | |
|---|---|
 Hamazaki in 1959 | |
| Pitcher, Manager | |
| Born: December 10, 1901 Kure, Hiroshima, Japan | |
| Died: May 6, 1981 (aged 79) | |
Batted: Left Threw: Left | |
| JBL debut | |
| 1947, for the Hankyu Braves | |
| Last NPB appearance | |
| 1950, for the Hankyu Braves | |
| NPB statistics (through 1950) | |
| Win–loss record | 5–5 |
| ERA | 4.03 |
| Strikeouts | 23 |
| Teams | |
| As Player:
As Manager:
| |
| Member of the Japanese | |
 Baseball Hall of Fame | |
| Induction | 1978 |
| Election method | Selection Committee for Players.[1] |
Hamazaki attended Hiroshima Shogyo High School and Keio University.[1]
Hamazaki was signed at age 45 by the Hankyu Braves in 1947 prior to the draft, having previously played for the Chinese mainland Industrial League Mantetsu Club. He began as a player-manager for the Braves.
In 1950, at age 48 years, 4 months, Hamazki became the oldest Japanese pitcher to win a professional game. That record stood until September 5, 2014, when Masahiro Yamamoto, aged 49 years, 25 days, defeated the Hanshin Tigers.[2]
Finally retiring as a player in 1950, Hamazaki continued managing the Braves through 1953. He later managed the Takahashi/Tombo Unions and the Kokutetsu Swallows. His career managing record was 535-639, a .456 winning percentage.
References
- HAMAZAKI, Shinji," The Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (Japan). Accessed April 6, 2015.
- "Dragons lefty Yamamoto sets NPB record for oldest winning pitcher at age 49". The Japan Times. September 5, 2014. Retrieved 2014-09-08.