Hisashi Iwakuma, Japanese baseball pitcher

Born on April 12, 1981, Hisashi Iwakuma (岩隈 久志) forged a remarkable career as a professional baseball pitcher, making his mark across both Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and Major League Baseball (MLB) in North America. Revered for his nuanced pitching repertoire and composed demeanor on the mound, Iwakuma's journey from a promising young talent to an international baseball star captivated fans on both sides of the Pacific. His career was characterized by significant individual accolades, representing his country on the international stage, and achieving a rare milestone in MLB.

Early Career and NPB Dominance

Iwakuma’s professional journey began in Japan with the Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes, where he made his debut in 2000. He quickly established himself as a formidable presence, earning selections as an NPB All-Star in both 2003 and 2004, a testament to his rising prominence within Japan’s premier baseball league. His talent was recognized internationally early on, leading to his participation in the 2004 Athens Olympics as a member of the Japanese national team, a significant honor for any athlete.

Following the 2004 season, Iwakuma moved to the newly formed Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in 2005. There, he truly ascended to elite status, becoming the team's undisputed staff ace—the lead pitcher every manager relies upon for crucial games. His exceptional performance culminated in 2008 when he was awarded the prestigious Eiji Sawamura Award, NPB’s equivalent of MLB’s Cy Young Award, recognizing the league’s most outstanding pitcher. That same year, he once again earned an NPB All-Star nod. Iwakuma's international commitments continued with an appearance for the Japanese national team in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, showcasing his skills on a global stage.

Transition to Major League Baseball

The allure of Major League Baseball, the pinnacle of professional baseball, eventually beckoned. After the 2010 NPB season, Iwakuma was placed into the unique "posting system," a mechanism allowing Japanese teams to release players to MLB via a bidding process. While he was posted, he failed to reach a contractual agreement with the winning MLB bidder at that time, delaying his move. However, his perseverance paid off after the 2011 season when he successfully signed with the Seattle Mariners.

Iwakuma swiftly adapted to the demanding MLB environment. His 2013 season was particularly stellar, earning him an MLB All-Star selection and a remarkable third-place finish in the voting for the American League Cy Young Award, highlighting his effectiveness against the world's best hitters. Throughout his tenure with the Mariners from 2012 to 2017, he consistently displayed his pitching prowess, endearing himself to fans with his precise command and an array of deceptive pitches.

A Historic No-Hitter

The crowning jewel of his MLB career arrived on August 12, 2015, when Iwakuma etched his name into baseball history by pitching a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles at Seattle's Safeco Field (now T-Mobile Park). In a masterful performance that electrified the home crowd, he allowed no hits, walking just three batters while striking out seven, securing a decisive 3-0 victory. This extraordinary feat was not only his first complete game in MLB but also only the fifth no-hitter in the Seattle Mariners' franchise history. Critically, it made him just the second Japanese player ever, alongside the legendary Hideo Nomo (who threw two), to achieve such an accomplishment in the Major Leagues, cementing his place in baseball lore.

Retirement and Legacy

After a brief return to Japan with the Yomiuri Giants in 2019, Iwakuma ultimately announced his retirement from professional baseball in 2020. Lingering shoulder issues had unfortunately prevented him from playing that year, signaling the end of a distinguished career marked by resilience and skill. Hisashi Iwakuma left behind a legacy as one of the most respected and successful Japanese pitchers to have played in both NPB and MLB, admired for his strategic approach to pitching and his significant contributions to every team he represented.

FAQs About Hisashi Iwakuma

When and where was Hisashi Iwakuma born?

Hisashi Iwakuma was born on April 12, 1981, in Tokyo, Japan.

Which professional baseball leagues did Iwakuma play in?

He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan and Major League Baseball (MLB) in North America.

What Japanese teams did he play for?

Iwakuma played for the Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes (2000-2004), Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles (2005-2011), and Yomiuri Giants (2019).

Which MLB team did Iwakuma play for?

He played exclusively for the Seattle Mariners during his MLB career, from 2012 to 2017.

What is the Eiji Sawamura Award?

The Eiji Sawamura Award is the most prestigious individual pitching award in Japan's NPB, akin to MLB's Cy Young Award, recognizing the league's most outstanding starting pitcher based on a set of stringent criteria.

What were some of Iwakuma's major achievements?

Key achievements include winning the Eiji Sawamura Award (2008), being an NPB All-Star multiple times, an MLB All-Star (2013), finishing third in the 2013 American League Cy Young Award voting, and pitching a no-hitter in MLB (2015).

When did Hisashi Iwakuma pitch his MLB no-hitter?

Hisashi Iwakuma pitched his no-hitter on August 12, 2015, against the Baltimore Orioles at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Why did Hisashi Iwakuma retire?

He retired in 2020 due to lingering shoulder issues that prevented him from playing professionally that year.

How do Japanese players typically move to MLB?

Japanese players often move to MLB through the "posting system," an agreement between MLB and NPB that allows MLB teams to bid for the rights to negotiate with players who wish to move from Japan.