Hisashi Yamada

Hisashi Yamada

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 9", Weight 170 lbs.
• High School Noshiro High School
• Industrial League Fujitetsu Kamaishi
• NPB Debut August 22, 1969
• Born July 29, 1948 in Akita Prefecture, Japan

Biographical Information

Submarine pitcher Hisashi Yamada was the number one draft pick by the Hankyu Braves in 1969. In a twenty year career, he compiled a record of 284-166 with a 3.18 ERA, 43 saves, 38 ties, and 2058 strikeouts. He had four twenty win seasons including 26 victories in 1976.

Yamada won the Pacific League MVP Award three years in a row (1976-1978). He was selected to the Best Nine team five times, made 13 All-Star teams, and won five gold gloves.

Following his retirement, Yamada coached during six seasons before managing the Chunichi Dragons for two years. He coached for Japan when they won the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Yamada was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.

Related Sites

• Stats at japanesebaseball.com