Question from a reader:
Can you tell me about Yoshida Yoshio of the Hanshin Tigers? Is it true that he was selected for the Best Nine as a shortstop 9 times, which is a Japanese record?
The Charm of Yoshida Yoshio and the Hanshin Tigers
Whenever I talk about Yoshida Yoshio, I can’t help but recall the passionate feelings of the Hanshin Tigers’ devoted fans. He was chosen for the Best Nine as a shortstop an incredible 9 times! This is truly an amazing record. It is indeed a Japanese record
in the shortstop category, and he continues to be respected by many fans even today. As a child, I often went to watch Hanshin games with my father, and being able to see Yoshida’s plays in person is still a cherished memory for me. His stunning defense and leadership on the field made me admire him even as a kid. Especially the moments when he effortlessly handled difficult balls felt like scenes from a movie, and I can still vividly remember them.
Comparison with Nomura Katsumi
By the way, the record of 19 selections for the Best Nine in all positions held by Nomura Katsumi is also impressive. He fully showcased his talent as a catcher and is indeed a legend in the baseball world. The comparisons with Yoshida highlight just how special a player he was. While players like Sakamoto and Matsui are also remarkable, Yoshida’s record of 9 selections is truly outstanding. Talking about this makes me appreciate how enjoyable it is to discuss baseball and the achievements of players. Recently, I’ve been going to Hanshin games with my son and teaching him how to play. I dream of him becoming a player like Yoshida in the future. Do you have a favorite player or a memorable game? Please share in the comments! Let’s talk about the charm of baseball together!
