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FuzzyRussianHat · 05-23-2024, 05:19 AM

Sukejuro Sakamoto – Third/First Base – Hiroshima Hammerheads – 90.2% First Ballot

Sukejuro Sakamoto was a 6’0’’, 200 pound right-handed corner infielder from Nobeoka, Japan; a city with roughly 110,000 people on the southern island of Kyushu. Sakamoto was a very good contact hitter with a strong pop in his bat, averaging 30 doubles and 27 home runs per his 162 game average. His ability to draw walks was poor, but his strikeout rate was solid. Sakamoto was a very slow baserunner with okay skills.

Defensively, Sakamoto made around 2/3s of his starts at third base and 1/3 at first base. He graded out as firmly mediocre at third, while he was close to average at first. Sakamoto had a very strong arm, but lousy range and glove work. He had reliable durability over a 21-year pro career. Sakamoto was one of the most respected players of his era, known as a team captain with great leadership skills, loyalty, adaptability, and a tireless work ethic.

Sakamoto’s skills were noticed even coming out of Sagakita Senior High School. He was picked second overall in the 1974 EAB Draft by Fukuoka. However, Sakamoto wanted to get his degree and didn’t sign with the Frogs. He went to Nihon University of International Relations and continued to hone his baseball skills. Sakamoto was up again in the 1977 Draft and was picked fifth overall by Hiroshima. The Hammerheads made him a full-time starter immediately and he would play 124+ games in 12 of 13 seasons for them.

Sakamoto had some growing pains in his first two seasons, but still was second in 1978 Rookie of the Year voting. He emerged as a strong starter by his third year, which was one of 10 seasons worth 5.5+ WAR for Hiroshima. In 1981, Sakamoto won the batting title at .364 and won his first Silver Slugger. He won six Sluggers total for the Hammerheads, also taking it in 1984, 86, 87, 89, and 90.

Sakamoto wasn’t generally a league leader and was only once was an MVP finalist, taking third in 1987. That was a career-best 8.2 WAR. He also led in RBI in 1990 and posted seven seasons worth 7+ WAR. After the 1982 season, Hiroshima gave Sakamoto an eight-year, $4,946,000 extension. The Hammerheads had stunk in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but would finally start to contend a bit in the mid 1980s.

From 1985-89, Hiroshima won four West Division titles. The Hammerheads made the Japan League Championship Series in 1986 and 1987, but failed both times. In 26 playoff starts, Sakamoto had 36 hits, 14 runs, 9 doubles, 2 home runs, 16 RBI, a .367/.356/.541 slash, 173 wRC+, and 1.3 WAR. Sakamoto also played from 1981-93 with Japan in the World Baseball Championship. He had 82 games and 70 starts with 67 hits, 41 runs, 14 doubles, 22 home runs, 42 RBI, a .260/.297/.570 slash, 145 wRC+, and 2.6 WAR.

In 1984, Sakamoto suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in August. In July 1985, he lost three months with ulnar nerve entrapment. Sakamoto bounced back from these with four straight 7+ WAR seasons. 1990 would be his final season with Hiroshima, who missed the playoffs at 76-86. In total as with the Hammerheads, Sakamoto 2228 hits, 965 runs, 370 doubles, 328 home runs, 1153 RBI, a .323/.355/.530 slash, 165 wRC+, and 77.1 WAR.

Hiroshima would later retire his #14 uniform as they parted amicably. Sakamoto still was playing at a high level despite entering his age 35 season in 1991. Yokohama inked him to a four-year, $5,120,000 deal. Sakamoto won his seventh Silver Slugger in his debut season in 1991 and had back-to-back 6+ WAR seasons to start his run with the Yellow Jackets. Yokohama made the playoffs in 1991, but fell in the first round.

In his third year with Yokohama, Sakamoto missed six weeks with a knee strain. He failed to reach the vesting criteria for the fourth year of his contract, becoming a free agent again at age 38. In three seasons, Sakamoto had 465 hits, 190 runs, 77 doubles, 73 home runs, 245 RBI, a .297/.325/.497 slash, 155 wRC+, and 15.2 WAR.

Sakamoto had a respectable 1994 with Kawasaki with 3.5 WAR, but lost a few weeks to injury. For 1995, he signed a three-year, $5,380,000 deal with Sapporo. His first year was plagued with injuries, but he looked good in 1996 and earned an extension into his 40s. Sakamoto’s leadership was still valued, but he was moved to a backup role in 1997 and 1998.

The Swordfish made the JLCS each year Sakamoto was there. They won the JL pennant in 1997 and 1998 , winning it all in 1998. In 32 playoff games and 19 starts, Sakamoto had 27 hits, 11 runs, 3 doubles, 7 home runs, 22 RBI, a .310/.315/.586 slash, 176 wRC+, and 1.0 WAR. In total with Sapporo, he had 269 hits, 129 runs, 53 doubles, 47 home runs, 153 RBI, a .267/.300/.470 slash, 127 wRC+, and 6.1 WAR. Sakamoto retired after the 1998 season at age 42.

Sakamoto finished with 3090 hits, 1333 runs, 521 doubles, 51 triples, 469 home runs, 1636 RBI, a .312/.343/.517 slash, 159 wRC+, and 101.8 WAR. He was the 17^th player to reach 3000 career hits and the 28^th to 1500 RBI. As of 2037, he’s 28^th in WAR among position players and has the 12^th most accumulated at third base. That line and his leadership made Sakamoto a first-ballot Hall of Famer, getting 90.2% in the 2004 class.

Kazuharu “Slaughter” Yonesaki – Left Field – Osaka Orange Sox – 68.8% First Ballot

Kazuharu Yonesaki was a 6’4’’, 200 pound left-handed hitting left fielder from Urayasu, Japan; a city of 170,000 within the Chiba Prefecture. Yonesaki was a great contact hitter that was outstanding at avoiding strikeouts and solid at drawing walks. Despite his size, Yonesaki wasn’t a home run hitter at all, only once getting double-digits. His gap power was sturdy though with 30 doubles and 14 triples per his 162 game average.

Yonesaki had outstanding speed and baserunning skills, leading the Japan League four times in stolen bases. He exclusively played left field defensively and was consistently mediocre. His speed on the basepaths didn’t translate to his defense as you’d expect. Yonesaki was well respected and was known as a hard worker and good leader.

Yonesaki was a rare Japanese player that left for North Korea initially. Hamhung signed Yonesaki as a teenage amateur in September 1977. He spent a few years in their developmental system, but didn’t make it to the show with the Heat. In January 1981, Yonesaki was traded with another prospect to Osaka for two pitchers. Yonesaki debuted at age 19 in 1981 and was an occasional pinch hitter in 1981 and 1982.

Yonesaki saw more time in 1983 with 126 games, but he only had 39 starts. He earned the full-time role in 1984 and held it for the next seven years for Osaka. Yonesaki led in OBP in 1984 for the Orange Sox. He then won batting titles and led in OBP in 1988, 89, and 90. Those three years were all worth 6+ WAR. In 1989, Yonesaki also topped Japan with career bests in hits (204), and doubles (43). He also led in steals twice and walks once. Because he wasn’t a home run hitter, Yonesaki wasn’t an awards finalist, only winning one Silver Slugger in 1989.

Osaka became a regular contender with Yonesaki helping lead the way. They won six straight division titles from 1985-90 and won the East Asian Championship in 1985 and 1989. Yonesaki was finals MVP in 1985 and JLCS MVP in 1989. In his playoff career with the Orange Sox, Yonesaki had 47 starts, 58 hits, 22 runs, 9 doubles, 5 triples, 21 RBI, a .305/.337/.421 slash, 127 wRC+, and 1.3 WAR. Yonesaki also played in six editions of the World Baseball Championship from 1984-93 with Japan with a .257/.430/.357 slash over 37 games and 18 starts.

In late 1985, Osaka gave Yonesaki a five-year, $4,110,000 extension. In the 1985 season, Yonesaki posted an impressive 40-game on-base streak. Even though his Orange Sox run was only seven full seasons, Yonesaki’s role in their titles made him popular. His #18 uniform would eventually be retired in 2000. With Osaka, Yonesaki had 1350 hits, 665 runs, 235 doubles, 104 triples, 51 home runs, 439 RBI, 553 stolen bases, a .333/.401/.479 slash, 165 wRC+, and 42.7 WAR.

Yonesaki’s contract expired after the 1990 season and he became a free agent before his age 29 season. Kawasaki committed to Yonesaki with a seven-year, $8,840,000 deal. His first two years were strong with league-leads in stolen bases both times, 6.5+ WAR both teams, and the lead in OBP in 1991. Yonesaki joined a short list of EAB players to steal 100+ bases in a season with 100 exactly in 1991.

Yonesaki had a major setback in late April 1993 as a stretched elbow ligament knocked him out almost the entire season. He was never quite as good after that, but he still gave Kawasaki two more solid seasons. The Killer Whales were mid-tier at this point in the midst of a decade-long playoff drought. In total for the Killer Whales, Yonesaki had 736 hits, 351 runs, 120 doubles, 65 triples, 25 home runs, 200 RBI, 347 stolen bases, a .324/.386/.467 slash, 163 wRC+, and 24.3 WAR.

With two years left on his deal entering 1996, Kawasaki traded Yonesaki and $32,550,000 to Changwon for a five prospect haul. This ultimately was a massive win for the Killer Whales as they got eventual Hall of Famers RF Hyun-Jun Nahm and SP Soo Moon. Both played a huge role in Kawasaki becoming a dynasty around the turn of the millennium,

The Crabs only got one year out of Yonesaki who was good with 4.6 WAR. He didn’t make that much of a difference as Changwon remained mediocre anyway, ultimately regretting moving two guys that became studs. Yonesaki had one year left in his deal, but declined the contract option and entered free agency for 1997. Heading into his age 35 season, Sapporo signed Yonesaki for three years and $6,840,000.

Injuries cost him much of his debut season with the Spiders, including a torn calf muscle. He missed around two months in 1998, but looked pretty good when he could play. Sapporo won the Japan League title both years and took the EAB title in 1998. Yonesaki had a .300/.432/.467 slash in nine starts in the 1998 run, earning his third ring. He didn’t meet the vesting criteria in his deal, becoming a free agent again.

In two seasons for Sapporo, Yonesaki had 222 hits, 110 runs, 38 doubles, a .330/.384/.418 slash, 147 wRC+, and 6.5 WAR. That marked the end of his EAB career, although he wasn’t ready to give baseball up yet. Yonesaki ended up in New Zealand and OBA on a two-year, $1,180,000 deal with Christchurch. Injuries meant he only played 68 games in 1999. He was let go in 2000 and went unsigned that season. Yonesaki retired that winter at age 39.

In his EAB run, Yonesaki had 2481 hits, 1207 runs, 424 doubles, 194 triples, 83 home runs, 738 RBI, 773 walks, 1046 stolen bases, a .330/.396/.471 slash, 161 wRC+, and 78.0 WAR. At induction, only three EAB Hall of Famers had a .330 or better batting average and only two had a better OBP. As of 2037, he’s still fifth in OBP and ninth in average. He’s also 24^th in stolen bases as of 2037.

Yonesaki was clearly an elite leadoff guy, but many voters are leery of guys without home run power. Only two HOFers had a lower slugging percentage than Yonesaki. However, his playoff success and roles in titles for both Osaka and Sapporo swayed a decent number of doubters. Yonesaki barely was a first ballot pick, but was regardless at 68.8% to round out the 2004 EAB Hall of Fame class.

05-23-2024, 05:19 AM	#1269
FuzzyRussianHat Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2020 Posts: 2,930	2004 EAB Hall of Fame (Part 2) Sukejuro Sakamoto – Third/First Base – Hiroshima Hammerheads – 90.2% First Ballot Sukejuro Sakamoto was a 6’0’’, 200 pound right-handed corner infielder from Nobeoka, Japan; a city with roughly 110,000 people on the southern island of Kyushu. Sakamoto was a very good contact hitter with a strong pop in his bat, averaging 30 doubles and 27 home runs per his 162 game average. His ability to draw walks was poor, but his strikeout rate was solid. Sakamoto was a very slow baserunner with okay skills. Defensively, Sakamoto made around 2/3s of his starts at third base and 1/3 at first base. He graded out as firmly mediocre at third, while he was close to average at first. Sakamoto had a very strong arm, but lousy range and glove work. He had reliable durability over a 21-year pro career. Sakamoto was one of the most respected players of his era, known as a team captain with great leadership skills, loyalty, adaptability, and a tireless work ethic. Sakamoto’s skills were noticed even coming out of Sagakita Senior High School. He was picked second overall in the 1974 EAB Draft by Fukuoka. However, Sakamoto wanted to get his degree and didn’t sign with the Frogs. He went to Nihon University of International Relations and continued to hone his baseball skills. Sakamoto was up again in the 1977 Draft and was picked fifth overall by Hiroshima. The Hammerheads made him a full-time starter immediately and he would play 124+ games in 12 of 13 seasons for them. Sakamoto had some growing pains in his first two seasons, but still was second in 1978 Rookie of the Year voting. He emerged as a strong starter by his third year, which was one of 10 seasons worth 5.5+ WAR for Hiroshima. In 1981, Sakamoto won the batting title at .364 and won his first Silver Slugger. He won six Sluggers total for the Hammerheads, also taking it in 1984, 86, 87, 89, and 90. Sakamoto wasn’t generally a league leader and was only once was an MVP finalist, taking third in 1987. That was a career-best 8.2 WAR. He also led in RBI in 1990 and posted seven seasons worth 7+ WAR. After the 1982 season, Hiroshima gave Sakamoto an eight-year, $4,946,000 extension. The Hammerheads had stunk in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but would finally start to contend a bit in the mid 1980s. From 1985-89, Hiroshima won four West Division titles. The Hammerheads made the Japan League Championship Series in 1986 and 1987, but failed both times. In 26 playoff starts, Sakamoto had 36 hits, 14 runs, 9 doubles, 2 home runs, 16 RBI, a .367/.356/.541 slash, 173 wRC+, and 1.3 WAR. Sakamoto also played from 1981-93 with Japan in the World Baseball Championship. He had 82 games and 70 starts with 67 hits, 41 runs, 14 doubles, 22 home runs, 42 RBI, a .260/.297/.570 slash, 145 wRC+, and 2.6 WAR. In 1984, Sakamoto suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in August. In July 1985, he lost three months with ulnar nerve entrapment. Sakamoto bounced back from these with four straight 7+ WAR seasons. 1990 would be his final season with Hiroshima, who missed the playoffs at 76-86. In total as with the Hammerheads, Sakamoto 2228 hits, 965 runs, 370 doubles, 328 home runs, 1153 RBI, a .323/.355/.530 slash, 165 wRC+, and 77.1 WAR. Hiroshima would later retire his #14 uniform as they parted amicably. Sakamoto still was playing at a high level despite entering his age 35 season in 1991. Yokohama inked him to a four-year, $5,120,000 deal. Sakamoto won his seventh Silver Slugger in his debut season in 1991 and had back-to-back 6+ WAR seasons to start his run with the Yellow Jackets. Yokohama made the playoffs in 1991, but fell in the first round. In his third year with Yokohama, Sakamoto missed six weeks with a knee strain. He failed to reach the vesting criteria for the fourth year of his contract, becoming a free agent again at age 38. In three seasons, Sakamoto had 465 hits, 190 runs, 77 doubles, 73 home runs, 245 RBI, a .297/.325/.497 slash, 155 wRC+, and 15.2 WAR. Sakamoto had a respectable 1994 with Kawasaki with 3.5 WAR, but lost a few weeks to injury. For 1995, he signed a three-year, $5,380,000 deal with Sapporo. His first year was plagued with injuries, but he looked good in 1996 and earned an extension into his 40s. Sakamoto’s leadership was still valued, but he was moved to a backup role in 1997 and 1998. The Swordfish made the JLCS each year Sakamoto was there. They won the JL pennant in 1997 and 1998 , winning it all in 1998. In 32 playoff games and 19 starts, Sakamoto had 27 hits, 11 runs, 3 doubles, 7 home runs, 22 RBI, a .310/.315/.586 slash, 176 wRC+, and 1.0 WAR. In total with Sapporo, he had 269 hits, 129 runs, 53 doubles, 47 home runs, 153 RBI, a .267/.300/.470 slash, 127 wRC+, and 6.1 WAR. Sakamoto retired after the 1998 season at age 42. Sakamoto finished with 3090 hits, 1333 runs, 521 doubles, 51 triples, 469 home runs, 1636 RBI, a .312/.343/.517 slash, 159 wRC+, and 101.8 WAR. He was the 17^th player to reach 3000 career hits and the 28^th to 1500 RBI. As of 2037, he’s 28^th in WAR among position players and has the 12^th most accumulated at third base. That line and his leadership made Sakamoto a first-ballot Hall of Famer, getting 90.2% in the 2004 class. Kazuharu “Slaughter” Yonesaki – Left Field – Osaka Orange Sox – 68.8% First Ballot Kazuharu Yonesaki was a 6’4’’, 200 pound left-handed hitting left fielder from Urayasu, Japan; a city of 170,000 within the Chiba Prefecture. Yonesaki was a great contact hitter that was outstanding at avoiding strikeouts and solid at drawing walks. Despite his size, Yonesaki wasn’t a home run hitter at all, only once getting double-digits. His gap power was sturdy though with 30 doubles and 14 triples per his 162 game average. Yonesaki had outstanding speed and baserunning skills, leading the Japan League four times in stolen bases. He exclusively played left field defensively and was consistently mediocre. His speed on the basepaths didn’t translate to his defense as you’d expect. Yonesaki was well respected and was known as a hard worker and good leader. Yonesaki was a rare Japanese player that left for North Korea initially. Hamhung signed Yonesaki as a teenage amateur in September 1977. He spent a few years in their developmental system, but didn’t make it to the show with the Heat. In January 1981, Yonesaki was traded with another prospect to Osaka for two pitchers. Yonesaki debuted at age 19 in 1981 and was an occasional pinch hitter in 1981 and 1982. Yonesaki saw more time in 1983 with 126 games, but he only had 39 starts. He earned the full-time role in 1984 and held it for the next seven years for Osaka. Yonesaki led in OBP in 1984 for the Orange Sox. He then won batting titles and led in OBP in 1988, 89, and 90. Those three years were all worth 6+ WAR. In 1989, Yonesaki also topped Japan with career bests in hits (204), and doubles (43). He also led in steals twice and walks once. Because he wasn’t a home run hitter, Yonesaki wasn’t an awards finalist, only winning one Silver Slugger in 1989. Osaka became a regular contender with Yonesaki helping lead the way. They won six straight division titles from 1985-90 and won the East Asian Championship in 1985 and 1989. Yonesaki was finals MVP in 1985 and JLCS MVP in 1989. In his playoff career with the Orange Sox, Yonesaki had 47 starts, 58 hits, 22 runs, 9 doubles, 5 triples, 21 RBI, a .305/.337/.421 slash, 127 wRC+, and 1.3 WAR. Yonesaki also played in six editions of the World Baseball Championship from 1984-93 with Japan with a .257/.430/.357 slash over 37 games and 18 starts. In late 1985, Osaka gave Yonesaki a five-year, $4,110,000 extension. In the 1985 season, Yonesaki posted an impressive 40-game on-base streak. Even though his Orange Sox run was only seven full seasons, Yonesaki’s role in their titles made him popular. His #18 uniform would eventually be retired in 2000. With Osaka, Yonesaki had 1350 hits, 665 runs, 235 doubles, 104 triples, 51 home runs, 439 RBI, 553 stolen bases, a .333/.401/.479 slash, 165 wRC+, and 42.7 WAR. Yonesaki’s contract expired after the 1990 season and he became a free agent before his age 29 season. Kawasaki committed to Yonesaki with a seven-year, $8,840,000 deal. His first two years were strong with league-leads in stolen bases both times, 6.5+ WAR both teams, and the lead in OBP in 1991. Yonesaki joined a short list of EAB players to steal 100+ bases in a season with 100 exactly in 1991. Yonesaki had a major setback in late April 1993 as a stretched elbow ligament knocked him out almost the entire season. He was never quite as good after that, but he still gave Kawasaki two more solid seasons. The Killer Whales were mid-tier at this point in the midst of a decade-long playoff drought. In total for the Killer Whales, Yonesaki had 736 hits, 351 runs, 120 doubles, 65 triples, 25 home runs, 200 RBI, 347 stolen bases, a .324/.386/.467 slash, 163 wRC+, and 24.3 WAR. With two years left on his deal entering 1996, Kawasaki traded Yonesaki and $32,550,000 to Changwon for a five prospect haul. This ultimately was a massive win for the Killer Whales as they got eventual Hall of Famers RF Hyun-Jun Nahm and SP Soo Moon. Both played a huge role in Kawasaki becoming a dynasty around the turn of the millennium, The Crabs only got one year out of Yonesaki who was good with 4.6 WAR. He didn’t make that much of a difference as Changwon remained mediocre anyway, ultimately regretting moving two guys that became studs. Yonesaki had one year left in his deal, but declined the contract option and entered free agency for 1997. Heading into his age 35 season, Sapporo signed Yonesaki for three years and $6,840,000. Injuries cost him much of his debut season with the Spiders, including a torn calf muscle. He missed around two months in 1998, but looked pretty good when he could play. Sapporo won the Japan League title both years and took the EAB title in 1998. Yonesaki had a .300/.432/.467 slash in nine starts in the 1998 run, earning his third ring. He didn’t meet the vesting criteria in his deal, becoming a free agent again. In two seasons for Sapporo, Yonesaki had 222 hits, 110 runs, 38 doubles, a .330/.384/.418 slash, 147 wRC+, and 6.5 WAR. That marked the end of his EAB career, although he wasn’t ready to give baseball up yet. Yonesaki ended up in New Zealand and OBA on a two-year, $1,180,000 deal with Christchurch. Injuries meant he only played 68 games in 1999. He was let go in 2000 and went unsigned that season. Yonesaki retired that winter at age 39. In his EAB run, Yonesaki had 2481 hits, 1207 runs, 424 doubles, 194 triples, 83 home runs, 738 RBI, 773 walks, 1046 stolen bases, a .330/.396/.471 slash, 161 wRC+, and 78.0 WAR. At induction, only three EAB Hall of Famers had a .330 or better batting average and only two had a better OBP. As of 2037, he’s still fifth in OBP and ninth in average. He’s also 24^th in stolen bases as of 2037. Yonesaki was clearly an elite leadoff guy, but many voters are leery of guys without home run power. Only two HOFers had a lower slugging percentage than Yonesaki. However, his playoff success and roles in titles for both Osaka and Sapporo swayed a decent number of doubters. Yonesaki barely was a first ballot pick, but was regardless at 68.8% to round out the 2004 EAB Hall of Fame class. __________________ Baseball: The World's Game fictional world reports Continental Baseball Federation world reports (8-tier promotion/relegation sim and college feeder)