Shinji Hamazaki

Shinji Hamazaki (浜崎 真二, 10 December 1901 in Kure, Hiroshima, Hiroshima – May 6, 1981) was a former Japanese baseball player and manager. Thought short in stature, Hamazaki was well known for his forceful personality.[1] He is a member of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.

Shinji Hamazaki
Hamazaki in 1959
Pitcher, Manager
Born: (1901-12-10)December 10, 1901 Kure, Hiroshima, Japan
Died: May 6, 1981(1981-05-06) (aged 79)
Batted: Left Threw: Left
JBL debut
1947, for the Hankyu Braves
Last NPB appearance
1950, for the Hankyu Braves
NPB statistics (through 1950)
Win-Loss record	5-5
ERA	4.03
Strikeouts	23
Teams
As Player: Hankyu Braves (1947–1948, 1950) As Manager: Hankyu Braves (1947–1953) Takahashi/Tombo Unions (1954–1955) Kokutetsu Swallows (1961)
Member of the Japanese
Baseball Hall of Fame
Induction	1978
Election Method	Selection Committee for Players.[1]

Hamazaki attended Hiroshima Shogyo High School and Keio University.[1]

Hamazaki was signed at age 45 by the Hankyu Braves in 1947 prior to the draft, having previously played for the Chinese mainland Industrial League Mantetsu Club. He began as a player-manager for the Braves.

In 1950, at age 48 years, 4 months, Hamazki became the oldest Japanese pitcher to win a professional game. That record stood until September 5, 2014, when Masahiro Yamamoto, aged 49 years, 25 days, defeated the Hanshin Tigers.[2]

Finally retiring as a player in 1950, Hamazaki continued managing the Braves through 1953. He later managed the Takahashi/Tombo Unions and the Kokutetsu Swallows. His career managing record was 535-639, a .456 winning percentage.

References

1. HAMAZAKI, Shinji," The Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (Japan). Accessed April 6, 2015.
2. "Dragons lefty Yamamoto sets NPB record for oldest winning pitcher at age 49". The Japan Times. September 5, 2014. Retrieved 2014-09-08.

External links

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference (Minors)