Tadahito Iguchi

Tadahito Iguchi’s favorite motto is the Japanese proverb “The boughs that bear most hang lowest.” The literal translation describes how rice stalks, as they ripen and bear more grain, bow down due to the weight. This metaphor for human behavior suggests that the more you achieve in life, the more modest you become as a person.1

Grounded by this principle, Iguchi enjoyed a 26-year career (1997-2022) in both Nippon Professional Baseball and the US major leagues, becoming one of the most accomplished and respected figures in the game. His trophy case includes an Olympic Silver Medal (1996 Team Japan), three Japan Series rings (1999, 2003 Daiei Hawks, 2010 Chiba Lotte Marines), and two World Series rings (2005 Chicago White Sox, 2008 Philadelphia Phillies).2 Iguchi holds the distinction of being the first Japanese player with US major-league experience to compete in and win the World Series. He’s the first Japanese player to manage in Nippon Professional Baseball and aspires to become the first Japanese national to manage an MLB team.3

Iguchi was born on December 4, 1974, in the Tanashi municipality of Tokyo. His love for the game was nurtured by his parents.4 His father Mitsuo coached his Little League teams and his mother Shoko accompanied him to all training sessions.5 He played catcher early on and switched to shortstop in high school, inspired by Cal Ripken Jr., whom he watched play during the 1986 Japan-US All-Star Series. “I was so impressed by his defensive quickness,” said Iguchi.6

He attended Kokugakuin Kugayama High School in Tokyo, leading his team to the Koshien Tournament in 1991, where they were eliminated on the second day in a heartbreaking 5-4 extra-innings loss.7 Despite the defeat, Iguchi gained valuable perspective, particularly from watching Seiryo High School star Hideki Matsui. “The power of his swing, the sound of the bat cutting through the air – everything was extraordinary,” Iguchi remarked. The “shock of Matsui” convinced him he should play in college, where he could develop in both size and skill level, rather than turn pro immediately.8

After graduating in 1992, Iguchi enrolled at Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo, helping the varsity baseball team win the All-Japan University Baseball Championship in 1993 and 1996. Inspired by teammate Hiroki Kokubo, Iguchi became serious about weight training.9 His hard work paid off and in 1994 he became the first Triple Crown winner in the Tohto University Baseball League.10

Iguchi earned a spot on the Japanese Collegiate All-Star squad that traveled to the United States in 1995, competing against a Team USA roster that included future major leaguers like R.A. Dickey and Troy Glaus.11 Team Japan won the first game, 5-3, in Millington, Tennessee, thanks in part to Iguchi’s two-run home run. It was the first homer allowed by Team USA pitching in its first five games (152 at-bats).12 The series moved on to San Antonio, where Team USA went on to win the five-game series over Team Japan, three games to two.13

Iguchi’s bat stayed hot through his senior year at Aoyama Gakuin University, where he finished his college career with 103 hits, 24 home runs, and a .281 batting average in 101 games.14

In 1996 Iguchi played for Team Japan in the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where they finished with a 4-3 record in the preliminary round. His bat contributed to Japan’s 11-2 upset win over Team USA in the semifinals, but they ultimately lost to Cuba in the Gold Medal game. The Olympic experience was transformative for Iguchi. “What made the biggest impression on me was the play of the Cuban national team. Their power and speed were completely different, they were like major leaguers, and I was blown away,” he said.15

After the Olympics, Iguchi was selected by the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks as the top pick in the 1996 NPB draft. He was excited to join the team under legendary player and now manager Sadaharu Oh. He also made his personal goals public: “I want to aim at batting .300, hitting 30 homers and stealing 30 bases.”16 He called this his “Triple Three” and made it his goal for every season.17

The Japanese term kōjō means continuous improvement and progress, and best describes both the Hawks’ and Iguchi’s development between 1997 and 2003.18 His rookie season in 1997 started strong, with a grand slam in his debut game. However, he struggled with a .203 batting average and 67 strikeouts, underscoring the need for more plate discipline. That offseason, Iguchi joined Hawks teammate Nobuhiko Matsunaka on the West Oahu CaneFires in the Hawaii Winter Baseball League, where he hit 8 home runs, showcasing his potential.19

In 1998 Iguchi improved to 21 home runs but still struggled with a low .221 batting average. The Hawks’ breakthrough came in 1999, winning the Japan Series with a 78-54 record. His performance improved – 14 home runs and 47 RBIs – and the team celebrated manager Oh’s first championship.

Iguchi’s hard work culminated in a stellar 2001 season. He batted .261 with 30 home runs, 97 RBIs, 104 runs scored, and 44 stolen bases. The Hawks finished second, narrowly missing the Japan Series. He maintained his form in 2002, hitting .259 with 18 home runs. Inspired by the success of Ichiro and other Japanese players in the United States, he announced he was ready to make the jump to the US major leagues.20

All eyes were on Iguchi in 2003, and he rose to the occasion with his best season yet in NPB. In 135 games, he achieved a career-high .340 batting average, 27 home runs, and 109 RBIs. His .438 on-base percentage and .573 slugging percentage resulted in an impressive 1.011 OPS. Iguchi’s 112 runs scored and 42 stolen bases highlighted his all-around excellence, establishing him as one of the premier players in NPB. Behind his all-star play, the Hawks soared to first place in 2003 with an 82-55 record, advancing to the Japan Series to take on the Hanshin Tigers.

Iguchi faced adversity in the 2003 postseason. After the Hawks secured the Pacific League pennant, he twisted his right ankle but was later cleared to play. He went hitless in a 6-5 loss in Game One against the Tigers, and then responded in Game Two with two hits, including a home run, in a 5-2 victory. In Game Six he hit another two-run homer, giving the Hawks a 5-1 victory and forcing a Game Seven.21

Iguchi connected off Game Seven Hanshin starter Trey Moore with a blast into the right-field stands in the third inning, giving the Hawks a commanding 4-0 lead. “I’m starting to see the ball well, and it couldn’t have come at a better time,” he said.22

The booming bats of the Hawks were too much for the Tigers. Iguchi hit yet another two-run homer and Kenji Johjima added a pair of solo shots as the Hawks defeated the Tigers 6-2 in Game Seven.23 Daiei pitcher Toshiya Sugiuchi, who won Games Two and Six, was named Series MVP.24

“We came from behind to win at home despite dropping three on the road. There are no words to express how wonderful I feel now,” said manager Oh. “It was a great Series, one that will pop up in my head as the best Series for years to come.”25

After the Series, Iguchi was named to the Pacific League Best 9 at second base, and more reports of his desire to go to America surfaced in the press. “Even before (joining Daiei), I’ve always wanted to give the majors a shot, and I feel that this is the best chance for me,” he told reporters.26

Team owner Tadashi Nakauchi was reluctant to lose Iguchi, saying, “I want him to stay. He batted in (more than) 100 runs this season and has played a pivotal role in helping Daiei win the championship. I want him to continue playing a leading role for the team.”27

In early November the New York Mets expressed an interest in Iguchi, but instead opted to sign Seibu Lions all-star second baseman Kazuo Matsui.28 Weeks later, Iguchi announced that he was putting his US dreams on pause, at least temporarily. The Japan Times reported, “Iguchi is set to accept a request from Daiei to stay in Fukuoka but has not given up his hopes of a move to the United States in the future.”29

He was compensated well for his loyalty. Hawks management tripled Iguchi’s salary for the 2004 season, increasing it to 240 million yen (roughly $2.4 million).30 He continued his high level of play that season and was voted in as a starter in the NPB All-Star Game.

Iguchi finished the 2004 season batting .333 with 24 home runs, 18 stolen bases, and 89 RBIs in 124 games. The Hawks finished first with a 77-52 record, earning a spot in the postseason Pacific League playoffs against the Seibu Lions. Despite Iguchi’s homers in Games One, Three, and Five, the Lions won the series.

The day after the loss, Iguchi told reporters he was ready for a challenge in the United States. “I don’t know if I can move to the majors, but I said talks should be held as quickly as possible,” he said, noting that he told Hawks general manager Kenji Sato of his wish to start negotiations.31

On November 4, 2004, Iguchi received his unconditional release from Fukuoka. After talks failed through the posting system, he opted for the release to increase his possible choices of selecting an American team.32 The strategic move paid off and Iguchi’s stock began to rise.

The Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees expressed interest, but the Chicago White Sox looked the most promising. “I hear there have been several offers. The owner of the White Sox said he wants to meet with me,” Iguchi told reporters.33 General manager Ken Williams had never seen Iguchi play in person, but based on the recommendation of international scout Ray Poitevint, the Japanese star made his short list.34 After watching hours of tape and analyzing the skills and intangibles of Iguchi from afar, Williams was convinced he had found the White Sox’ next second baseman.35

Chicago offered a two-year, $4 million deal (about 420 million yen, 210 million yen per season). Iguchi’s side hoped to at least match his Japanese salary of 240 million yen. Thanks to Poitevint, who helped navigate the international and cultural nuances during negotiations, a compromise was reached.36 The White Sox offered Iguchi $2.3 million (237 million yen) a year plus incentives in a two-year contract.37 “Playing in the big leagues has been a longtime dream of mine, and I’m really happy,” Iguchi said. “I’m going to give my best and show them everything I’ve learned in Japan.”38

On January 27, 2005, Iguchi arrived at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago for a press conference. Williams, the White Sox general manager, emphasized, “We’re not looking for another superstar to come in here. This is about a fit, a piece. I told him earlier today, ‘I don’t care at the end of the year what your numbers are, just go out and play the game the way you’ve always played it, and things will take care of themselves.’” Iguchi responded through an interpreter, “I’ve been doing this style for eight years. There is really no intention to change that.”39

In early February, Iguchi joined the team for spring training in Arizona. He recorded a hit in his first preseason game, against the Diamondbacks.40 Throughout the spring he proved to himself and others that he belonged. He finished with a 3-for-4 performance against the Oakland Athletics, improving his Cactus League average to .327.41

Iguchi made his regular-season debut on April 4 against Cleveland. He went hitless but contributed to the 1-0 win with his defense. He recorded his first US major-league hit the next day, a double against Kevin Millwood, in a 4-3 victory for Chicago. In the third game of the series, Iguchi recorded his first multihit performance, going 3-for-4 and finishing the series with a .364 batting average.

On May 3 Iguchi had the best game of his early US career. He went 4-for-4 with his first major-league home run (off Brian Anderson) in a 5-4 win over Kansas City. “Of course it will be a memorable day … but at the same time, I’m glad we got the win.” he said.42

Iguchi carried a .302 average into June. In the second game of a two-game series against New York, he hit a solo home run to beat the Yankees 2-1. This performance marked the beginning of Iguchi’s unique place in history as the hitter with the best career batting average (50 or more at-bats) against the Yankees (.409, 27-for-66).43

On September 24 Iguchi recorded his second 4-for-4 game with a double and an RBI in an 8-1 win over Minnesota. Five days later, the White Sox clinched the American League Central Division crown with a 4-2 victory over Detroit.44 In the next to last game of the regular season, Iguchi hit his 15th home run, a three-run bomb at Jacobs Field that gave the White Sox a 4-3 victory and crushed Cleveland’s postseason hopes.

Manager Ozzie Guillén credited his new second baseman as an important ingredient to their winning formula. “One of the biggest reasons we are here is because of Iguchi,” said Guillén. “He moves the guy over, he runs for me, he makes the plays, he hits home runs, he runs the bases right. This kid does everything for the team, and that’s why I keep on saying he’s my MVP.”45

Iguchi finished the regular season batting .278 with 142 hits in 135 games, with 15 home runs and 15 stolen bases. Of his 71 RBIs, nine were generated through sacrifice bunts (three) and flies (six).

Iguchi’s postseason performance in 2005 was instrumental in the White Sox’ World Series victory. In the ALDS against Boston, he had a notable Game Two, hitting a crucial home run and driving in three runs. Despite a mixed showing in the ALCS against the Angels, his contributions helped the team advance by winning four games to one.

In the World Series against the Astros, Iguchi’s bat cooled. Still, he had key hits, including a two-hit performance in Game Three, and contributed to the team’s four-game sweep of Houston. The victory in 2005 ended an 88-year championship drought for the White Sox and brought the third World Series crown to the South Side of Chicago.46

The victory also marked an international baseball milestone. Eighty-eight years earlier it was three infielders – Joe Tinker, Johnny Evers, and Frank Chance – who led the Cubs to World Series victory by “turning their opponents’ sure hits into double plays.” Playing the roles of Tinker, Evers, and Chance in 2005 for the White Sox were Juan Uribe of the Dominican Republic, Iguchi of Japan, and Paul Konerko from the United States. The double-play trio signified that “baseball was transformed and enriched in the last century by globalization and diversity.”47

While the White Sox were welcomed by President George W. Bush at the White House, Iguchi was celebrated back home in Japan.48 There he was feted at Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s official residence, where the star infielder presented gifts of a White Sox uniform and cap and taught Koizumi proper bunting techniques.49

Shortly after the World Series, all eyes shifted attention to the inaugural World Baseball Classic, scheduled for March 2006. “If I have a chance, I want to take part in the tournament, because Mr. (Sadaharu) Oh will coach the national team,” said Iguchi.50

In December Oh announced his WBC roster for Team Japan, which included several major leaguers: Akinori Otsuka (Padres), Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners), Iguchi (White Sox), and an undecided Hideki Matsui (Yankees).51

Shortly after Matsui declined to join the team, Iguchi announced that he too had changed his mind. “Unfortunately, I’ve decided to withdraw from the squad. I informed manager Sadaharu Oh of my decision,” Iguchi told reporters from his training facility in Okinawa Prefecture.52 “This is the second year of my two-year contract with the White Sox. The team expects more from me than in the first year, so I would have to be in spring training,” he explained.53

Iguchi reported a day early to spring training, emphasizing his commitment to the White Sox. “As far as being asked to play in the WBC, I am incredibly happy and incredibly honored,” he said. “It just didn’t work out this year.”54 Team Japan manager Oh invited Yakult Swallows infielder Shinya Miyamoto to fill the void left by Iguchi.55

In his second year with the White Sox, expectations were high for the 31-year-old, who finished fourth in the voting for AL Rookie of the Year honors. Manager Guillén praised his potential, saying, “What I see from (Iguchi) is a great RBI man. I want to get him more home runs.”56 Reflecting on his rookie US season, Iguchi expressed his goals: “I definitely want to build my batting average. I also think I can start running more this year.”57

Iguchi improved in 2006 with a .281 average, a .352 OBP, 156 hits, 18 home runs, 97 runs, and 234 total bases. Despite these improvements, the White Sox finished third in the AL Central Division behind the Minnesota Twins, led by Justin Morneau and Johan Santana, and the Detroit Tigers, led by rookie Justin Verlander.

The first of several notable highlights from the 2006 season occurred on April 13 when the White Sox faced Verlander at Detroit’s Comerica Park. Hitting in the number-two spot, Iguchi drove an 0-and-2 pitch to left-center field. The home-run blast set the stage for Verlander’s removal in the third inning and his first loss of the new season. Iguchi ended the day with a 3-for-6 performance and a 13-9 White Sox victory.

On May 20, 2006, at U.S. Cellular Field, Iguchi delivered a standout performance against the Chicago Cubs. Batting third, he went 3-for-3 with 2 runs scored and 6 RBIs. He hit two home runs – a grand slam off Rich Hill in the second inning and a two-run shot in the fifth inning. His contributions were key in the White Sox’ 7-0 victory over their crosstown rivals.

On September 30, the next to last game of the season, Iguchi had another notable performance in a 6-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins. He went 3-for-5 with a crucial home run in the seventh inning off Matt Guerrier, finishing the day with 3 RBIs and a stolen base.

In October the major leagues announced the roster of 27 big-league players selected to join manager Bruce Bochy in Japan for a five-game series against the top NPB players. Bochy selected Iguchi and Johjima (with the Mariners), making them the fifth and sixth Japanese players in the past 11 years to return home representing US major leaguers. Hideo Nomo was the first in 1996, followed by Kazuhiro Sasaki in 2000, Ichiro in 2002, and Kazuhisa Ishii in 2004.58

“Johjima and I played on the same team in Japan, so it’s very exciting to be going back to Japan together,” Iguchi said after a workout in Tempe, Arizona. “I don’t feel as much pressure as enjoyment. I’m very proud to be selected. These are great players.”59

Joining Iguchi and Johjima was an all-star lineup including MVP candidates Joe Mauer and Ryan Howard, Atlanta Braves outfielder Andruw Jones, and standout closers Brian Fuentes and Joe Nathan. The infield featured Howard and Lyle Overbay at first base, Iguchi and Chase Utley at second, Rafael Furcal and Jose Reyes at shortstop, and David Wright and Chone Figgins at third.60

Bochy, who led the major leaguers to a 5-3 series win in 2004, said he planned to rotate his infielders, giving each a start and then a day off unless needed for pinch-hitting. “There’s a lot of pride involved,” Bochy said. “We don’t want to lose on our watch. … We’ll be going all out.”61

Bochy’s team dominated the series, winning five games and tying one. The last time major leaguers went undefeated during a tour of Japan was in 1934 with Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and the rest of the All-Americans going 17-0. “Japan plays with a lot of heart,” Bochy said. “But we came over with a real good team and the fans got to see some of the best players in the world during this series.”62

The games were held in various ballparks, including the Tokyo Dome, Osaka Dome, and Fukuoka Dome. Ryan Howard of the Phillies was named the series MVP. In the second game, Howard and Iguchi led the offensive attack, with Howard hitting a pair of homers and Iguchi driving in two runs with a clutch double, leading the US team to an 8-6 victory.63

For Iguchi, the series was his first chance to play in Tokyo since he left for the United States in 2005. Several notable NPB players from this series later joined the US major leagues, including Yu Darvish, Kei Igawa, and Nori Aoki. The 2006 series turned out to be the 10th and final tour of MLB All-Stars in Japan.64

In the spring of 2007, Iguchi rejoined the White Sox for spring training. Upon his return to Arizona, he faced questions about his place in the future batting order. “It does not matter where I hit,” he said. “I just want to produce in the lineup. … I am just here to play.”65 With a potential lucrative free-agent contract weighing heavily on his mind, Iguchi had a rough start to the season, hitting just .221 in April and May. He improved in June, but on July 27, the White Sox traded him to the Phillies for Single-A pitcher Michael Dubee. Philadelphia was seeking a solid replacement at second base for the injured Chase Utley.66 Iguchi fit the bill and already had good chemistry with the Phillies all-stars who toured Japan in the offseason.

Iguchi posted a slash line of .304/.361/.442 with Philadelphia, helping them finish first in the NL East. The club wanted to keep him but asked him to make a permanent move to third base. Iguchi respectfully declined, and the Phillies released him in November 2007.67

On December 18, 2007, Iguchi signed a one-year deal with the San Diego Padres to continue playing second base. In March 2008, he traveled with the Padres to China, where they played a two-game exhibition series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wukesong Baseball Stadium.68 He hit his first home run as a Padre on April 26, a walk-off homer in the bottom of the 13th inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park.

Iguchi separated his right shoulder on June 5 against the Mets.69 After eight weeks of rehab, he returned to the Padres on August 2 but struggled, with his .259 batting average dropping to .231. He was released on September 1, 2008. Four days later, he re-signed with the first-place Phillies, who were gearing up for the postseason.70

Iguchi’s performance with the Phillies in the last month of the season was limited. In his final game, on September 28 against the Washington Nationals, he went 2-for-5 with a double, raising his season average to .232 and contributing to the Phillies’ 8-3 victory. Because he was a late-season signing, he was ineligible for postseason play.71

The Phillies finished the season with a 92-70 record, first in the NL East. They excelled in the postseason, winning the NLDS 3-1 against the Milwaukee Brewers, the NLCS 4-1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and capturing the World Series title by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in five games. This marked their first World Series championship since 1980. For his contributions to the team during the 2007 and 2008 seasons, the Phillies voted unanimously to award Iguchi a World Series ring.72

On November 13, 2008, Iguchi became a free agent again. In early 2009 he signed a three-year contract with the Chiba Lotte Marines worth 540 million yen (roughly $5.14 million), with an additional 20-million-yen bonus. “At the time, I had received an offer to play third base in the majors. But I was really keen to play second base, so I decided to join Lotte, where the conditions suited me,” he said.73

In his first season with the Marines, Iguchi played 123 games, posting a .281 average with a .391 on-base percentage and a .475 slugging percentage, resulting in an OPS of .866. He hit 19 home runs, drove in 65 runs, and scored 71 runs. His 68 walks contributed to his high OBP, marking a successful return to NPB.

Iguchi’s standout season came in 2010 when he played a key role in leading the Chiba Lotte Marines to a Japan Series victory. He appeared in 143 games, achieving a career-high .412 on-base percentage, hitting .294 with 17 home runs and setting a career high with 44 doubles and 103 RBIs. His OPS was .889, making 2010 one of his best seasons.

Iguchi’s performance declined in later years, but he remained a consistent presence for the Marines. In 2013, at age 38, he had a strong season, hitting .297 with 23 home runs and 83 RBIs, and reaching 2,000 career hits in NPB and MLB combined. This marked the peak of his later career as he transitioned to first base and DH due to age.74 His production dropped in 2014, and by 2015 and 2016, his role was reduced, though he still contributed as a veteran presence. In his final season, 2017, Iguchi hit his 250th career home run before announcing his retirement.

On September 24, in his retirement game against the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, Iguchi had a two-hit performance, including a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning, closing out his career in style just like Red Sox great Ted Williams, who homered in the final at-bat of his career.75 The Marines won the game with Suzuki Daichi’s walk-off hit in the 12th inning.76

At 42 years old, his professional baseball career, which spanned 21 years and 2,408 games, had come to an end. During this time, he accumulated 2,254 hits and 295 home runs across both NPB and the US major leagues. By achieving this 2,000/200 milestone, he joined an elite group of eight players who accomplished the same feat.

Table 1. Players with 2,000+ Hits & 200+ HRs in Combined MLB & NPB Careers, by HRs (High to Low)77

Upon his retirement, Iguchi agreed to become the manager of the Chiba Lotte Marines. On October 14, 2017, he signed a three-year contract, becoming the first former Japanese player with US experience to manage in NPB.78

Iguchi had a respectable stint as manager of the Marines. Over five seasons (2018 to 2022), he managed 692 games, securing 324 wins against 338 losses (.489). His most successful season came in 2021, when the team achieved a .540 win percentage (67-57).

In 2022 Iguchi faced controversy when managing young pitching sensation Roki Sasaki. On April 10 Sasaki threw a perfect game, becoming only the 16th player in NPB to achieve this feat. A week later, Sasaki seemed on the verge of a second consecutive perfect game, but Iguchi, prioritizing the pitcher’s long-term health, decided to pull him after the eighth inning despite the ongoing perfect game. This decision was based on communication between Sasaki and the coaching staff, acknowledging the young pitcher’s growing fatigue and the potential risk to his arm. While some fans were disappointed, Iguchi and the team felt it was the best course of action for Sasaki’s future.79

Iguchi’s tenure as manager of the Marines ended after the 2022 season. Despite progress in building a competitive ballclub, the team finished with 69 wins and ended the season in fifth place, missing the playoffs for the first time in three years. On the morning of the final game, Chiba Lotte leadership informed Iguchi they planned to revise the assistant coaching staff for 2023. Feeling responsible for the team’s performance and loyal to his staff, Iguchi decided to resign. His decision was sudden, catching many by surprise. Although Iguchi planned to lead the team until 2025, he left believing he had laid the groundwork for future success, which was later realized when Lotte finished second in the league under new manager Masato Yoshii in 2023.80

After stepping away from the game, Iguchi joined NHK Japan as a studio analyst. His role with NHK had him traveling between the two countries he loves. In the spring of 2024, he returned to the Cactus League in Arizona to visit his former White Sox as they battled the Dodgers and new Japanese stars Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani.81

In August 2024, Iguchi participated in the Suntory Dream Match (an NPB old-timer’s game) at the Tokyo Dome attended by 33,079 fans. He helped the Premium Malts defeat the Dream Heroes, 4-3, and was named MVP for his outstanding performance, contributing two hits, two runs, and strong defense.82

In early 2024 Iguchi published his autobiography, Iguchi Vision: The Life Philosophy of Tadahito Iguchi. In the memoir, he revealed his desire to try coaching and eventually managing in the US major leagues.83

He also wants to help Japan become a leader in spreading baseball across Asia. Iguchi believes Japan, having achieved success in the WBC and the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, is now positioned to promote and develop baseball across Asia. He aims to share Japan’s baseball knowledge with emerging baseball nations like China, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Pakistan, fostering a broader love for baseball and contributing to its global popularity.84

In his 2024 autobiography, Iguchi offered this advice for aspiring players: “[C]hallenge the dreams and goals you have set for yourself. You only have one life, and it belongs to you and no one else. … [M]ake choices that you will not regret. However, this is not a world you can take lightly. Don’t forget to be prepared to accept the good and the bad, the happy and the sad, as all valuable experiences. You cannot grow as a baseball player, or even as a person, if you are afraid of failure.”85

Last revised: March 1, 2025

Sources

In addition to the sources cited in the Notes, the author consulted Baseball-Reference.com.

Notes

1 “Yuyu Interview: Tadahito Iguchi,” San Diego Yuyu, June 16, 2008. https://sandiegoyuyu.com/index.php/features-2/interviews-en/1801-yuyu-interviewtadahito-iguchi.

2 Iguchi joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 2007 as a replacement for the injured second baseman Chase Utley. After a short stint in San Diego, he returned to Philadelphia in late 2008 but was ineligible for the postseason roster because he was signed in September. The Phillies organization still awarded Iguchi a World Series ring after their 2008 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, as a gesture of gratitude for his contributions to the club during the 2007 and 2008 regular seasons.

3 Pitcher Hideki Irabu received World Series rings as a member of the 1998 and 1999 New York Yankees but did not appear in a game during either Series.

4 In 2001, Tanishi merged with the neighboring Hoya municipality and is known today as Nishi-Tōkyō.

5 Tadahito Iguchi, “Iguchi Vision: Weight Training Brings Out His Striking Ability,” SportsNavi / Yahoo Sports Japan, April 9, 2024. https://sports.yahoo.co.jp/column/detail/2024040900006-spnavi. The names of Iguchi’s parents were shared via email correspondence with his agent, Toru Suzuki, courtesy of Dennis Gilbert, October 30, 2024.

6 “Yuyu Interview: Tadahito Iguchi.”

7 Tadahito Iguchi, “Iguchi Vision: The impact of Hideki Matsui at Koshien,” SportsNavi / Yahoo Sports Japan, April 16, 2024: 1. https://sports.yahoo.co.jp/column/detail/2024040900005-spnavi?p=1.

8 Tadahito Iguchi, “Iguchi Vision: The impact of Hideki Matsui at Koshien.”

9 Tadahito Iguchi, “Iguchi Vision: Kokubo’s Presence Embodied the Image of a Professional,” SportsNavi / Yahoo Sports Japan. April 17, 2024 https://sports.yahoo.co.jp/column/detail/2024040900006-spnavi.

10 The Tohto University Baseball League is the intercollegiate baseball league featuring roughly 20 prominent universities in Tokyo.

11 Tony Cooke, “Japan Stymies Team USA,” Memphis Commercial Appeal, June 23, 1995: 29. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal-team-japan-defeats/150627906/.

12 Tony Cooke, “Japan Stymies Team USA,” Memphis Commercial Appeal, June 23, 1995: 29, 33.

13 “Team USA Baseball Tour,” Reno Gazette-Journal, June 30, 1995: 51.

14 “Tadahito Iguchi,” namuwiki, https://bit.ly/namuwiki-iguchi.

15 “Tenma Project: A Challenge to the Future | Pegasus in the Sky,” Challenge Plus, November 2017. https://www.challenge-plus.jp/tenma/201711/.

16 “Hawks Take Iguchi First Overall in Draft,” Japan Times, November 22, 1996: 23.

17 Tadahito Iguchi, “Iguchi Vision: A Consistent ‘Attitude of Fighting for the Team,’” SportsNavi / Yahoo Sports Japan, April 22, 2024: 2. https://sports.yahoo.co.jp/column/detail/2024041000002-spnavi?p=2.

18 Kōjō Life, “Kōjō: 向上 Life: A Unique Method for Building Successful Habits and Achieving Your Goals,” Medium, April 29, 2023. https://medium.com/@kojolife/k%C5%8Dj%C5%8D-%E5%90%91%E4%B8%8A-life-a-unique-method-for-building-successful-habits-and-achieving-your-goals-3056597d482c.

19 Al Chase, “Hawaii Winter Baseball Had Record-Setting Season,” Honolulu Star-Bulletin, December 25, 1997: 26. https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-west-oahu-canefir/150636092/.

20 Adam Rubin, “Iguchi Fits Mets’ 2nd Options,” New York Daily News, October 31, 2003: 91.

21 “Hawks Send Series into Game 7,” Japan Times, October 27, 2003: 20.

22 “Hawks Blast Tigers, Wrap Up Japan Series,” Japan Times, October 28, 2003: 22.

23 “Hawks Blast Tigers, Wrap Up Japan Series.”

24 “Hawks Blast Tigers, Wrap Up Japan Series.”

25 “Hawks Blast Tigers, Wrap Up Japan Series.”

26 “Iguchi Eyes Majors,” Japan Times, October 31, 2003: 22.

27 “Second Thoughts,” Japan Times, November 1, 2003: 18.

28 “Giants Interested in Acquiring Tuffy,” Japan Times, November 02, 2003: 18.

29 “Lions’ Matsui Ready to Jump to Big Leagues,” Japan Times, November 18, 2003: 20.

30 “Jojima Gets Huge Raise from Hawks,” Japan Times, December 28, 2003: 20.

31 “Hawks Second Baseman Iguchi Says He’s Ready to Fly the Coop,” Japan Times, October 14, 2004: 21.

32 “Iguchi Released,” Japan Times, November 4, 2004: 18.

33 “White Sox Keen on Iguchi,” Japan Times, December 28, 2004: 17.

34 According to White Sox special assistant Dennis Gilbert, international scout Ray Poitevint was friendly with Iguchi’s family in Japan and was instrumental in the White Sox signing the Japanese star second baseman. Phone interview with Dennis Gilbert on September 5, 2024.

35 “Tadahito Iguchi,” Chicago Tribune, October 30, 2005: 17, 13.

36 Mark Gonzales, “Veteran Scout Retains Touch,” Chicago Tribune, March 10, 2005: 4, 7.

37 “Batista Set for Hawks,” Japan Times, January 7, 2005: 23. Mark Gonzales, 7.

38 “Chicago-Bound,” Japan Times, January 27, 2005: 22.

39 “Iguchi Signs Two-Year Deal with White Sox,” Japan Times, January 29, 2005: 20.

40 Bob MacManaman, “Spring Training,” Arizona Republic (Phoenix), March 3, 2005: 59. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-arizona-republic-iguchis-first-cact/154378901/.

41 “Iguchi Has Three Hits in Win over Athletics,” Japan Times, March 30, 2005: 20.

42 “Iguchi Has Day to Remember; Goes 4-for-4 with Home Run,” Japan Times, May 5, 2005: 22.

43 “Highest Batting Average vs. the Yankees (All-Time, Minimum 50 At Bats),” StatMuse. https://www.statmuse.com/mlb/ask?q=highest+batting+average+vs+the+yankees+all-time+minimum+50+at+bats.

44 “Clinch Runners,” Chicago Tribune, September 30, 2005: 33, 13.

45 Rick Gano (Associated Press), “BoSox on Brink of Elimination,” Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff), October 6, 2005: 12.

46 Gary Washburn, “White Sox Triumph Gives Mayor a Reason to Cheer,” Chicago Tribune, October 30, 2005: 2, 2.

47 Newton M. Minow, “Big Year for Sox,” Chicago Tribune, January 1, 2006: 2, 8.

48 “Guillen’s Absence Disappoints Mayor,” Chicago Tribune, February 10, 2006: 33, 26.

49 “Time Running Out for Matsui to Reach Deal with Yankees,” Japan Times, November 15, 2005: 22.

50 “Iguchi Released,” Japan Times, November 4, 2005: 11.

51 Stephen Ellsesser, “Matsui Still Missing,” Japan Times, December 10, 2005.

52 “Report: Iguchi, Buehrle to skip Baseball Classic,” ESPN.com, January 7, 2006. https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2283668.

53 “Report Says White Sox Infielder Iguchi to Skip World Baseball Classic,” Charlottesville (Virginia) Daily Progress, January 8, 2006: 36.

54 “White Sox’s Iguchi Passes on World Baseball Classic to Concentrate on His Offense,” Chicago Tribune, January 1, 2006: 2, 8.

55 “Miyamoto Joins Squad,” Japan Times, January 13, 2006: 14.

56 “Iguchi Willing to Do What It Takes to Make Himself Better,” Northwest Herald (Woodstock, Illinois), February 22, 2006, 16. https://www.newspapers.com/article/northwest-herald-iguchi-i-want-to-get-h/159143046/

57 “White Sox’s Iguchi Passes on World Baseball Classic to Concentrate on His Offense.”

58 Joseph A. Reaves, “Pros Going to Japan.” Arizona Republic, October 30, 2006: 14.

59 Reaves.

60 Reaves.

61 Reaves.

62 “MLB All-Stars Perfect in Japan,” Kenosha (Wisconsin) News, November 9, 2006: 20.

63 “Howard, Iguchi Lead MLB Stars over Japan,” Passaic (New Jersey) Herald-News, November 5, 2006: D2.

64 “Howard, Iguchi Lead MLB stars over Japan.”

65 John Moredich, “Iguchi’s Spot in Batting Order Still Not Decided,” Tucson Citizen, February 23, 2007: 36.

66 Michael Radano, “Phils Acquire Iguchi from the White Sox,” Camden (New Jersey) Courier-Post, July 28, 2007: 47.

67 Todd Zolecki, “Phillies Eye Iguchi Despite Rule Problem,” Philadelphia Inquirer, December 5, 2007: C09.

68 Dylan Hernandez, “After Hectic 72 Hours, Dodgers Return Home,” Los Angeles Times, March 17, 2008: D10.

69 “Padres’ 2B Iguchi Sidelined,” Springfield (Ohio) News-Sun, June 7, 2008: 19.

70 Scott Lauber, “Iguchi Is Back,” Wilmington (Delaware) News Journal, September 6, 2008: 23.

71 Lauber.

72 Tadahito Iguchi, “Iguchi Vision: New Friends and Inspiration Gained Through Trading.” SportsNavi / Yahoo Sports Japan, April 23, 2024: 2. https://sports.yahoo.co.jp/column/detail/2024040900008-spnavi?p=2.

73 “Tenma Project: A Challenge to the Future | Pegasus in the Sky,” Challenge Plus, November 2017. https://www.challenge-plus.jp/tenma/201711/.

74 Tadahito Iguchi, “Iguchi Vision: A Consistent ‘Attitude of Fighting for the Team,’” SportsNavi / Yahoo Sports Japan, April 22, 2024: 2. https://sports.yahoo.co.jp/column/detail/2024041000002-spnavi?p=2.

75 Ted Williams hit his last home run on September 28, 1960, in his final major-league at-bat. The game was held at Fenway Park, where Williams was playing for the Boston Red Sox against the Baltimore Orioles. In the eighth inning, he hit a solo home run off Orioles pitcher Jack Fisher. This was Williams’ 521st career home run, and the iconic moment is celebrated as one of the most memorable in baseball history.

76 Kaz Nagatsuka, “Iguchi Hits Final Home Run to End Career in Style,” Japan Times, September 25, 2017. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/09/24/baseball/japanese-baseball/iguchi-hits-final-home-run-end-career-style/.

77 As of the end of the 2024 season, Shohei Ohtani is not a member of the 2,000/200 club. He has 273 career home runs (48 NPB + 225 MLB), but with 1,174 career hits (296 NPB + 878 MLB), he’s 826 hits short of the 2,000-career-hit milestone. Based on current trends (150 hits per season), he’s estimated reach the 2,000-career-hit mark in the 2029 or 2030 season.

78 Jim Allen, “Baseball: Iguchi Looking to Lay Solid Foundation in Chiba.” Kyodo News, March 3, 2019. https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/03/b82e5488d55d-baseball-iguchi-looking-to-lay-solid-foundation-in-chiba.html.

79 Tadahito Iguchi, “Iguchi Vision: Roki Sasaki’s Legendary Two Consecutive Perfect Games,” SportsNavi / Yahoo Sports Japan, April 28, 2024. https://sports.yahoo.co.jp/column/detail/2024041000009-spnavi.

80 “Iguchi Vision: Roki Sasaki’s legendary two consecutive perfect games.”

81 Scott Merkin, “Brebbia Ditches Walking Boot Ahead of Side Session: Right-Hander Has Been Sidelined by Calf Strain; Iguchi in White Sox Camp to See Yamamoto,” MLB.com, March 6, 2024. https://www.mlb.com/news/john-brebbia-to-throw-a-side-session-for-white-sox.

82 “Tadahito Iguchi Named MVP as Premium Malts Win 10th Consecutive Championship,” Sports Hochi, August 6, 2024. https://hochi.news/articles/20240806-OHT1T51010.html?page=1.

83 Tadahito Iguchi, “Iguchi Vision: I Want to Train as a Coach in America,” SportsNavi / Yahoo Sports Japan, April 11, 2024: 2. https://sports.yahoo.co.jp/column/detail/2024041100003-spnavi?p=2.

84 Tadahito Iguchi, “Iguchi Vision: The Role That Japan, Now the World Champion, Should Play in Asia,” SportsNavi / Yahoo Sports Japan, April 11, 2024: 2. https://sports.yahoo.co.jp/column/detail/2024041100002-spnavi?p=2.

85 Tadahito Iguchi, “Iguchi Vision: Advice for Juniors Aiming for the Majors,” SportsNavi / Yahoo Sports Japan, April 11, 2024: 1. https://sports.yahoo.co.jp/column/detail/2024041100002-spnavi?p=1.