Shinji Imanaka: The Taped Calves
Under the guidance of Hiromitsu Ochiai, professional baseball player Shinji Imanaka always made sure to protect his calves. This precaution became even more crucial as he recorded double-digit wins in his third year as a pro.
A Record-Breaking Year
Despite facing more losses compared to the previous year, Imanaka’s performance in 1991 was marked by progress. He managed to hit 36 home runs and achieved a record of 12 wins, 13 losses, and a 2.52 ERA. Notably, he had more complete games, shutouts, and no walks than in the previous year, showcasing his improvement as a player.
Imanaka’s decision to tape his calves came after sustaining an injury during a match in 1991. This change in routine was inspired by the advice of fellow player Hiromitsu Ochiai, and it provided Imanaka with much-needed reassurance on the field.
A Memorable Season
This eventful year also saw Imanaka’s quick recovery from a muscle strain, facilitated by acupuncture treatment in Osaka. This incident, coupled with the support of his coach, Michio Sato, became pivotal moments in Imanaka’s career.
Despite experiencing a momentous injury, Imanaka managed to pitch a complete game in the first match of a 1991 doubleheader and start the second game, showcasing his resilience and determination.
The Manager’s Laughter
Imanaka’s dedication to the game was evident when he endured a difficult second game of a doubleheader, despite being substituted after conceding a point. His manager, Senichi Hoshino, even found humor in the situation, revealing a refreshing approach to the game.
The 1991 season was one of growth and resilience for Imanaka, culminating in valuable experiences that shaped his career in professional baseball.
On the advice of Hiromitsu Ochiai, Shinji Imanaka always taped his calves.
He also recorded double-digit wins in his third year as a pro. Former Chunichi ace and baseball commentator Shinji Imanaka homered 36 times in 1991, posting a record of 12 wins, 13 losses, and a 2.52 ERA. There were more losses than last year’s results (10 wins, 6 losses, 1 save, 3.86 ERA), but other than that he made progress. Eight complete games, four shutouts, and two no walks were all more than the previous year’s numbers. From the middle of the year, Imanaka took to the mound with his calf tapped. “That gave me peace of mind.” He says he decided to do this after receiving advice from “my style of triple-winners”.
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The trigger was on June 18, 1991, when he injured his right calf in the match against Taiyo (Nagoya Stadium) and had to withdraw from the match. In the 10th inning of overtime, outfielder Toshikatsu Hikono of Chunichi hit a home run, but as he rounded first base, he fell (severe right knee ligament injury) and was unable to run, pinching the runner outfielder Koji Yamaguchi came out. Before that, starting pitcher Imanaka was also injured. “At the turn of the bat, my foot popped and I went up to the mound thinking I was in trouble, but I guess I was trying to make some kind of gesture, and they bunted me. ..”
He was released with a slight muscle strain. Mr Imanaka said, “I was told that there is a good place for acupuncture treatment in Osaka, so I should go there. ”.I had a meal and ate it in bed.”Maybe that was a good thing, as he returned quickly. When he returned to the first team, he reportedly encountered infielder Hiromitsu Ochiai in the trainer’s room.
“My style” was tapping. “Mr Ochiai also had to withdraw from training that year due to muscle strain. Then he said to me, “You’re the same, so do this,” and we started tapping in the same way. game, I only pitched when I was pitching. I continued to do this until the end of my active career. When I was a starter, my legs would twitch by the fifth or sixth inning, so i had to tap them in order to get peace. thinking.” Thanks to that, I was able to show my strength. It seems that this habit also helped Mr. Imanaka to improve his grades.
Shinji Imanaka pitched a complete game in the first game of a 1991 doubleheader and also started the second game.
It was also due to Michio Sato, who became the first team pitching coach that year. “In the game against the Carp in Gifu (May 22, 1991), we were shut out 8-0, but the coach (Senichi) Hoshino got very angry with me. I was hit hard by Ryuzo Yamazaki (from Hiroshima) , I had two hits that day…” Another reason was that he was unable to complete his pitch even though he was told to pitch on a difficult course. “Michi-san was there to protect me. He said, ‘Why are you so angry after being locked out?'”
Mr. Imanaka reveals, “Michi-san was on my side in many ways. There were times when I had to fight with the director.””When I mentioned wanting to move out of the dormitory, Michi-san set up an appointment with the coach just after I won 10 games, and this was the first time I had a proper conversation with the coach. Until then, I’d just said, ‘Yes,’ It wasn’t a conversation, I said ‘No.’ I was refused to leave the dormitory, so I failed.” Thanks to Mr Sato, it has become a memorable moment.
In 1991, Chunichi were in first place at the end of August with a 4.5 game difference over second placed Hiroshima, but after September they lost momentum and lost the championship. Director Hoshino resigned at the end of this season. On October 15, after Hiroshima’s come-from-behind victory was decided, a doubleheader against Hiroshima at Nagoya Stadium became the final game of Hoshino Chunichi’s first period. Imanaka started both games. “His ERA (title) was at stake.”
Nevertheless, in the second game, he was substituted after losing one point after 1/3. He finished in 2nd place with a time of 2.52. “There was about a 40 minute gap between the first game and the second game. It would be fine if it was only 10 or 20 minutes, but after 40 minutes, my shoulders get a little stiff.” Manager Hoshino was said to have laughed when he was substituted. “That’s the only time I’ve ever seen a manager laugh after being hit.” valuable experience.”
(Shinji Yamaguchi)
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