Roki Sasaki

Roki Sasaki: The Phenomenon of Reiwa Era

Imagine a baseball pitcher who can throw a fastball that reaches speeds of 163 kilometres per hour—fast enough to make you wonder if he’s playing in the wrong sport. This is Roki Sasaki, the young Japanese professional baseball player nicknamed “the Monster of the Reiwa Era.” Born on November 3, 2001, his speed and skill have made him a sensation in the world of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

From High School to Stardom

Roki Sasaki attended Ofunato High School, where he honed his skills. But it wasn’t just any school that wanted him; other schools were interested too. Yet, he chose to stay with his teammates, a decision that would prove pivotal in his career.

The Chiba Lotte Marines’ First Overall Pick

In 2019, the Chiba Lotte Marines made Roki Sasaki their first overall pick in the NPB draft. They signed him to a staggering bonus of ¥100 million. This was no small feat; it marked his entry into professional baseball with a bang.

Debut and Dominance

Roki’s debut came in 2021, but it wasn’t until April 10, 2022, that he truly made waves. In what became one of the most memorable games in NPB history, Roki pitched a perfect game against the Orix Buffaloes. He struck out an incredible 25 batters, tying an NPB record and setting a new record for consecutive strikeouts.

But his performance didn’t stop there. In his next start, on April 17, he pitched eight perfect innings against the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Manager Tadahito Iguchi took him out before the ninth inning to protect Roki’s health, but not before he recorded 14 strikeouts on just 102 pitches.

These performances set a new world record for consecutive batters retired, with 52 in total. This achievement solidified his status as one of the most dominant pitchers in NPB history.

World Records and Beyond

Roki’s speed is not just about numbers; it’s about breaking records. On April 28, 2023, he threw four pitches at a speed of 165 km/h (102 mph), tying the record held by Shohei Ohtani for the fastest pitch by a Japanese player in NPB history.

His season statistics were nothing short of impressive. He finished with a 9–4 record, a 2.02 ERA, and 173 strikeouts in 129+1⁄3 innings pitched. His performance on the field was matched only by his dedication to the sport.

National Team Glory

Roki Sasaki also represented Japan at the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC). In his first start, he pitched 3+2⁄3 innings against the Czech Republic, giving up two hits and recording eight strikeouts. His performance in the semifinal game against Mexico was equally impressive, as he pitched for four innings while giving up three runs.

Despite a few hiccups, Roki finished the tournament with a gold medal, contributing significantly to Japan’s championship victory over the United States. His presence on the national team further cemented his status as one of the brightest stars in Japanese baseball.

The Pitcher’s Profile

Roki Sasaki stands at 6 ft 4 in (1.92 m) and weighs 203 pounds (92 kg). He is a right-handed pitcher with a three-quarters delivery, known for his fastball that can reach up to 165 km/h (102 mph). His off-speed pitches include a forkball, curveball, and slider, but it’s the forkball that stands out as his best.

His speed is not just about velocity; it’s about precision. In 2022, he threw a fastball averaging 98.4 mph as a starter. His ability to control such high speeds makes him a formidable opponent on the mound.

A Future Star

Roki Sasaki’s journey from Ofunato High School to becoming one of the most talked-about players in NPB is nothing short of inspiring. His speed, skill, and dedication have made him a household name in Japan and beyond. As he continues his career, the question remains: how high can Roki Sasaki soar?

Will he break more records? Will he become an MLB star? The future is bright for this young talent, and we can only imagine what wonders he will bring to the baseball world.