Shinji Hamazaki

(1901-1981)

He's the answer to the trivia question, "Who was the oldest pitcher ever to win a game in the history of Japan Pro Baseball?"  In 1947, at the age of 45, Hamazaki was signed to pitch for the Braves!  In 1948 he became a player/manager.  In 1950, he won the last of his five victories in 30 pro games!

Not only was Hamazaki one of the oldest players ever, but he was also one of the smallest.  The pintsized portsider stood only 5' 1 1/2" and weighed but 110 lbs.!  It's incredible that in his mid- to late 40s, he was able to compile a 5-5 won-loss record and an ERA of 4.03 in pro ball.

Hamazaki was born in Hiroshima, where he attended Hiroshima Commercial High School.  He later transferred to Kobe Commercial High.  After graduation, he attended and played for Keio University.  He spent most of his prewar career playing for the South Manchurian Railroad team.  In 1934, he took time out to play for the All-Japan team against the famous touring group of U.S. All-Stars led by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

Beginning in 1951, Hamazaki became a non-playing manager for the Braves.  He stayed through the 1953 season.  During his six-year tenure, the Braves were generally a middle of the pack team.  In 1954 and '55, he managed the ill-fated Takahashi and Tombo Unions, who ultimately merged with the Orions.  These were two of Japan's all-time worst teams.  Hamazaki had one more shot, managing the Swallows to a fourth place finish in 1963.  He was elected to the Japan Hall of Fame in 1978.

From Japanese Baseball Superstars by Robert Fitts and Gary Engel

copyright 2001 by Robert Fitts and Gary Engel

About SABR

The Society for American Baseball Research was established in Cooperstown, New York in August of 1971. The Society's mission is to foster the study of baseball, to assist in developing and maintaining the history of the game, to facilitate the dissemination of baseball research, to stimulate interest in baseball, and to safeguard the proprietary interests of its members' research efforts.