While Samurai Japan features more MLB-affiliated players than ever for the upcoming edition of the World Baseball Classic, there are still NPB stars fans should keep an eye on for the future. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/03/03/baseball/wbc-japanese-player-fans-attention/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #baseball #worldbaseballclassic #ryuheisotani #atsukitaneichi #shugomaki #hiromiito #shotamorishita #hiroyamiyagi #teruakisato

Is there any pitcher in NPB worthy of the Sawamura Award this year? https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2025/08/18/baseball/sawamura-award-candidates-pitches/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #baseball #livanmoinelo #hiromiito #hirotosaiki #shokimurakami #tatsuyaimai #sawamuraaward

With Tsuyoshi Shinjo’s plan for Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters ace Hiromi Ito in the first stage of the Pacific League Climax Series, the Fighters manager ran the risk of being run out of the postseason without his best pitcher touching the ball. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/10/15/baseball/japanese-baseball/tsuyoshi-shinjo-hiromi-ito/ #baseball #japanesebaseball #tsuyoshishinjo #hiromiito #hokkaidonipponhamfighters

Orix Buffaloes ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto went head to head with World Baseball Classic teammate Hiromi Ito and just barely scraped out a 1-0 victory. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2023/09/03/baseball/japanese-baseball/buffaloes-yamamoto-outduel-ito/?utm_content=buffer3ee20&utm_medium=social&utm_source=mastodon&utm_campaign=bffmstdn #baseball #japanesebaseball #yoshinobuyamamoto #hiromiito #orixbuffaloes #hokkaidonipponhamfighters