Shinji Hamazaki (浜崎 真二, 10 December 1901 – 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 record5–5
ERA4.03
Strikeouts23
Teams
As Player:

As Manager:

Member of the Japanese
Baseball Hall of Fame
Induction1978
Election methodSelection 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

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  1. ^ a b c 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.
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