Yano Sets New Japanese Record with 22 Pitches in a Single At-Bat

Hiroshima’s infielder Masaya Yano (25) made history on the 22nd by walking the opposing starting right-hander Hideaki Wakui (38) after making him throw 22 pitches in the sixth inning of the game against the Chunichi Dragons (at the Vantelin Dome). This feat shattered the previous record of 19 pitches thrown in one at-bat in professional baseball.

Trailing by one point at 1-2 in the sixth inning, Yano demonstrated incredible tenacity. After Wakui put the opponent in a tight spot with two pitches, Yano judged the balls well and fouled off a total of 17 times. His determination paid off as he fouled off seven consecutive pitches from two balls and two strikes, followed by another eight consecutive pitches. he judged the 22nd pitch, a close ball on the inside, and walked.

The stadium erupted in cheers and cries of surprise as Wakui and Yano fought for over 11 minutes, throwing 22 pitches and 17 fouls. Wakui wiped away the sweat from his brow several times on the mound, while Yano roared and headed to first base with a smile on his face.

The previous professional baseball record of 19 pitches had stood for 11 years. This achievement marked the first time a new record had been broken since November 11, 1947, when Matsui Nobukatsu (Taiyo) and pitcher Shigematsu (Kinsei), July 7, 2011, when Akashi Takeshi (SoftBank) and pitcher Inui (Nippon Ham), and August 24, 2013, when Tsuruoka Kazunari (DeNA) and pitcher Yamaguchi (Giants) achieved the feat. Notably, Tsuruoka struck out on the 19th pitch, while Matsui and Akashi were walked.