Japanese baseball star Hayato Sakamoto, a shortstop for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), is demonstrating a notable resurgence in his performance, according to recent observations from his team’s manager and in live batting practice. At , Sakamoto, currently 37 years old, is showing improvements in his athleticism and hitting ability.
Giants manager Shinzo Abe has publicly praised Sakamoto’s transformation, stating that his running form is markedly different from last year. This observation suggests a positive change in Sakamoto’s physical condition and potentially a renewed level of energy and agility. Abe noted this during recent team practices, highlighting a visible improvement in Sakamoto’s overall movement.
Sakamoto’s recent performance in live batting practice further supports these observations. He connected with a pitch from pitcher Ryo Takenaka, hitting a sharp line drive double. This display drew applause from those in attendance, indicating the impact of his improved form. The ability to generate such powerful and accurate hits is a key indicator of a player’s offensive capabilities.
Despite his age, Sakamoto continues to dedicate himself to rigorous training. Reports indicate he was the sole player continuing to take batting practice on a secondary field, persistently working on his skills. Even when facing challenges – such as difficulty fielding a reverse single – he maintained a positive attitude, reportedly offering a wry smile. This dedication underscores his commitment to maintaining a high level of play.
Hayato Sakamoto’s career has been marked by significant achievements. He debuted with the Yomiuri Giants in and quickly made an impact, becoming the first player in Giants franchise history to start a season opener before the age of 20 since Hideki Matsui in . His accolades include the NPB Central League Rookie Player Special Award in , the Central League MVP award in , and seven Best Nine Awards (2009, 2012, 2016, 2018-2021). He has also earned five Central League Golden Glove Awards (2016, 2017, 2019-2021) and was the Central League batting champion in .
Sakamoto’s contributions extend beyond his regular season performance. He is a 13-time NPB All-Star (2008–2014, 2016–2019, 2021, 2022) and a two-time Japan Series champion (2009, 2012). He was also named the Asia Series MVP in and received the Hochi Professional Sports Award and Sports Nippon Shimbun Selected Super Play Award in . He was further honored with the Itami Citizen Honor Award in .
Internationally, Sakamoto has represented Japan in several prestigious competitions, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the WBSC Premier12 tournaments. He was recognized as the WBSC Premier12 Outstanding Defensive Player in and was part of the Tokyo 2020 All-Olympic Baseball Team. His consistent performance and dedication have solidified his position as a prominent figure in Japanese baseball.
As of , Sakamoto’s career statistics include a batting average of .288, 2,415 hits, 295 home runs, 1,038 runs batted in, and 163 stolen bases. While detailed advanced metrics are not readily available for his entire career, his consistent performance over many seasons demonstrates his skill and endurance. His continued dedication to training and recent improvements suggest he remains a valuable asset to the Yomiuri Giants.
The recent positive assessments from manager Abe and Sakamoto’s performance in practice suggest a promising outlook for the veteran player. His commitment to improvement, even at this stage in his career, is a testament to his passion for the game and his dedication to his team. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these improvements translate to performance during the upcoming season.
