Seibu Lions
Encyclopedia
The are a professional baseball
team in Japan
's Pacific League
based west of Tokyo
in Tokorozawa, Saitama
. Before 1979, they were based in Fukuoka
in Kyushu
. The team is owned by a subsidiary of Prince Hotels
, which in turn is owned by the Seibu Group
. The team experienced a recent period of financial difficulty, but the situation brightened when the team received a record ¥6 billion (about $51.11 million) posting fee
from the Boston Red Sox
for the right to negotiate a contract with Daisuke Matsuzaka
. Between 1978 and 2008, the team logo and mascot were based on the adult version of Kimba the White Lion
, a classic Japan
ese anime
series by Osamu Tezuka
. In 2004, former Seibu Lions player Kazuo Matsui
became the first Japanese infielder to play in Major League Baseball
.
. It was then owned by Nishi-Nippon Railroad
, which was based in Fukuoka
. The team finished sixth that year, and at the end of the season was merged with the Nishi-Nippon Pirates
to form the Nishitetsu Lions.
against the Yomiuri Giants
behind famed manager Osamu Mihara. The team struggled through the following decade and did witness much success on the field. In November 1972 was sold to the Fukuoka Baseball Corporation, also a part of Nishi-Nippon Railroad. Following the sale, the team was renamed the Taiheiyo Club Lions. The Nishitetsu Lions called Heiwadai Stadium
home for their entire existence.
and the Orions, sold the team's sponsorship rights to Taiheiyo Club, a golf course and resort developer. Through the 1970s, the Lions finished no higher than third.
.
and with star players such as Osamu Higashio
and Koichi Tabuchi
. The club won two-year straight Japan Series
in 1982 and 1983, and won the championship again in 1985
.
Following the 1986 season, the club replaced Hirooka with Masaaki Mori, who was able to sustain the team's prolonged success. Mori won 8 league championship, between 1986 and 1988 and 1990–1994, and six Japan Series championships in his nine-year managing career, winning the Japan Series in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990
, 1991
, and 1992
.
The team gained the moniker "Invincible Seibu" during the 1980s and 1990s due to their sustained domination of the league. The Lions had a powerful lineup in this period, loaded with sluggers such as Kouji Akiyama, Kazuhiro Kiyohara
and Orestes Destrade
. Their defense also benefited from the services of skilled players such as Hiromichi Ishige
, Hatsuhiko Tsuji
and catcher Tsutomu Ito
. Among the pitchers employed by the Lions in this period was "The Oriental Express" Taigen Kaku
, Kimiyasu Kudoh
, Hisanobu Watanabe
, and relievers Yoshitaka Katori and Testuya Shiozaki.
. The team logo and uniforms were further modified for the 2009 season
, with the team trading in their traditional light-blue colour scheme for a dark blue design similar to that employed during the Nishitetsu Lions' era in the 1950s and 1960s.
– Farm Manager – Farm Pitching – Farm Pitching – Farm Battery – Farm Hitting – Farm Defending and Base-running – Farm Defending and Base-running – Training – Farm Training – Farm Conditioning – Farm Conditioning
1974-1976
Retired:
Professional baseball
Baseball is a team sport which is played by several professional leagues throughout the world. In these leagues, and associated farm teams, players are selected for their talents and are paid to play for a specific team or club system....
team in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
's Pacific League
Pacific League
The or is one of the two professional baseball leagues constituting Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. The winner of the league championship competes against the winner in the Central League for the annual Japan Series...
based west of Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
in Tokorozawa, Saitama
Tokorozawa, Saitama
is a city in Saitama, Japan. It is located in the central part of the Musashino plain, about 30 km west of downtown Tokyo. Tokorozawa can be considered part of the greater Tokyo area; its proximity to the latter and lower housing costs make it a popular bedroom community.-Location:Tokorozawa...
. Before 1979, they were based in Fukuoka
Fukuoka Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located on Kyūshū Island. The capital is the city of Fukuoka.- History :Fukuoka Prefecture includes the former provinces of Chikugo, Chikuzen, and Buzen....
in Kyushu
Kyushu
is the third largest island of Japan and most southwesterly of its four main islands. Its alternate ancient names include , , and . The historical regional name is referred to Kyushu and its surrounding islands....
. The team is owned by a subsidiary of Prince Hotels
Prince Hotels
The is the name of a hotel chain company headquartered in Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan. It is a subsidiary of Seibu Holdings, Inc. Together with Seibu Railway, Prince Hotels is the core company of Seibu Group.-Overview:...
, which in turn is owned by the Seibu Group
Seibu Railway
is a conglomerate based in Tokorozawa, Japan, with principal business areas in railways, tourism and real estate. Seibu Railway's operations are concentrated in northwest Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture; the name "Seibu" is an abbreviation of "west Musashi," referring to the historic name for this area...
. The team experienced a recent period of financial difficulty, but the situation brightened when the team received a record ¥6 billion (about $51.11 million) posting fee
Posting system
The is a baseball player transfer system that operates between Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball and the United States' Major League Baseball . Despite the drafting of the United States – Japanese Player Contract Agreement in 1967 designed to regulate NPB players moving to MLB, problems...
from the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
for the right to negotiate a contract with Daisuke Matsuzaka
Daisuke Matsuzaka
is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball in the United States. He previously played for the Seibu Lions in Japan's Pacific League. He was selected the MVP of the inaugural and the second World Baseball Classic, and is an Olympic bronze...
. Between 1978 and 2008, the team logo and mascot were based on the adult version of Kimba the White Lion
Kimba the White Lion
, known in the United States as Kimba the White Lion, is an anime series from the 1960s. Created by Osamu Tezuka and based on his manga of the same title which began publication in 1950, it was the first color animated television series created in Japan. The manga was first published in serialized...
, a classic Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
series by Osamu Tezuka
Osamu Tezuka
was a Japanese cartoonist, manga artist, animator, producer, activist and medical doctor, although he never practiced medicine. Born in Osaka Prefecture, he is best known as the creator of Astro Boy, Kimba the White Lion and Black Jack...
. In 2004, former Seibu Lions player Kazuo Matsui
Kazuo Matsui
is a Japanese second baseman for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball. Matsui is a switch-hitter...
became the first Japanese infielder to play in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
.
Nishitetsu Clippers (1950)
In 1950, the team became a founding member of the Pacific LeaguePacific League
The or is one of the two professional baseball leagues constituting Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. The winner of the league championship competes against the winner in the Central League for the annual Japan Series...
. It was then owned by Nishi-Nippon Railroad
Nishi-Nippon Railroad
The , also called or NNR, is one of Japan's "Big 16" private railroad companies. With headquarters in Fukuoka, it operates local and highway buses, supermarkets, real-estate and travel agencies, as well as railways in Fukuoka Prefecture. In addition, from 1950 to 1972, the company owned the Lions...
, which was based in Fukuoka
Fukuoka Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located on Kyūshū Island. The capital is the city of Fukuoka.- History :Fukuoka Prefecture includes the former provinces of Chikugo, Chikuzen, and Buzen....
. The team finished sixth that year, and at the end of the season was merged with the Nishi-Nippon Pirates
Nishi Nippon Pirates
The were a Japanese baseball team and a founding member of the Central League in 1950.The team existed for one season and was owned by the Nishi-Nippon Shimbun. The team placed sixth in 1950 and in the following season the team merged with the also Fukuoka-based Nishitetsu Clippers and formed the...
to form the Nishitetsu Lions.
Nishitetsu Lions (1951–1972)
The Nishitetsu Lions were one of a dominant team in the Pacific League during the 1950s, winning four pennants three straight Japan SeriesJapan Series
, or is the annual championship series in Nippon Professional Baseball, the top baseball league in Japan. It is a seven-game series between the winning clubs of the league's two circuits, the Central League and the Pacific League....
against the Yomiuri Giants
Yomiuri Giants
The are a professional baseball team based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan. The team competes in the Central League in Nippon Professional Baseball, the top level of professional play in Japan. They play their home games in the Tokyo Dome, opened in 1988. The English-language press occasionally calls the...
behind famed manager Osamu Mihara. The team struggled through the following decade and did witness much success on the field. In November 1972 was sold to the Fukuoka Baseball Corporation, also a part of Nishi-Nippon Railroad. Following the sale, the team was renamed the Taiheiyo Club Lions. The Nishitetsu Lions called Heiwadai Stadium
Heiwadai Stadium
was a stadium in Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan. It was primarily used for baseball and was home of the Nishitetsu Lions until they moved to Tokorozawa and the Seibu Dome in 1979. The stadium was opened in 1928 and had a capacity of 32,000 people....
home for their entire existence.
Taiheiyo Club Lions (1973–1976)
Nishi-Nippon Railroad, founded by Nagayoshi Nakamura, owner of LotteChiba Lotte Marines
The are a professional baseball team in Japan's Pacific League based in Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, in the Kantō region, and owned by the Lotte conglomerate.-History:...
and the Orions, sold the team's sponsorship rights to Taiheiyo Club, a golf course and resort developer. Through the 1970s, the Lions finished no higher than third.
Crown Lighter Lions (1977–1978)
At the end of the 1976 season, the Fukuoka Baseball Corporation announced that the team's new sponsor was Crown Gas Lighter. With this, the team's name for the upcoming season was changed to the Crown Lighter Lions. At the end of the 1978 season, the team was sold to Kokudo Keikaku (later Kokudo), and then merged into Prince Hotels.Seibu Lions (1979–2007)
Following the sale of the Crown Lighter Lions and their merging into Price Hotels, the team was renamed the Seibu Lions and relocated to a new ballpark in Tokorozawa, SaitamaTokorozawa, Saitama
is a city in Saitama, Japan. It is located in the central part of the Musashino plain, about 30 km west of downtown Tokyo. Tokorozawa can be considered part of the greater Tokyo area; its proximity to the latter and lower housing costs make it a popular bedroom community.-Location:Tokorozawa...
.
The Golden Age (1982–1994)
The Lions finished in last place following the 1979 season. However, the following seasons would mark the beginning of a period of sustained success for the team under new manager Tatsuro HirookaTatsuro Hirooka
Tatsuro Hirooka is a retired Japanese professional baseball player and manager. He was awarded Central League rookie of the year award in 1954.-References:...
and with star players such as Osamu Higashio
Osamu Higashio
Osamu Higashio is a former Japanese baseball player who played in the Japanese professional leagues from 1969-1988. He also was manager of the Seibu Lions from 1995-2001.-Professional career:...
and Koichi Tabuchi
Koichi Tabuchi
is a Japanese former professional baseball player, manager, and commentator.Tabuchi played for the Hanshin Tigers as catcher between 1969 and 1978, where his combination with pitcher Yutaka Enatsu was called the "Golden Battery"...
. The club won two-year straight Japan Series
Japan Series
, or is the annual championship series in Nippon Professional Baseball, the top baseball league in Japan. It is a seven-game series between the winning clubs of the league's two circuits, the Central League and the Pacific League....
in 1982 and 1983, and won the championship again in 1985
1985 Japan Series
The 1985 Japan Series matched the Central League champion Hanshin Tigers against the Pacific League champion Seibu Lions. This was the 37th meeting between the champions of the Pacific and Central Leagues. Making their first appearance in the Japan Series since 1964, the Tigers finally won their...
.
Following the 1986 season, the club replaced Hirooka with Masaaki Mori, who was able to sustain the team's prolonged success. Mori won 8 league championship, between 1986 and 1988 and 1990–1994, and six Japan Series championships in his nine-year managing career, winning the Japan Series in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990
1990 Japan Series
-Game 1:-Game 2:-Game 3:-Game 4:-External links:* --Official website...
, 1991
1991 Japan Series
-Game 1:-Game 2:-Game 3:-Game 4:-Game 5:-Game 6:-Game 7:-External links:* --Official website...
, and 1992
1992 Japan Series
-Game 1:-Game 2:-Game 3:-Game 4:-Game 5:-Game 6:-Game 7:-External links:* --Official website...
.
The team gained the moniker "Invincible Seibu" during the 1980s and 1990s due to their sustained domination of the league. The Lions had a powerful lineup in this period, loaded with sluggers such as Kouji Akiyama, Kazuhiro Kiyohara
Kazuhiro Kiyohara
is a former professional baseball player in Japan, having played in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league for 23 seasons. He retired following the 2008 season.-Biography:...
and Orestes Destrade
Orestes Destrade
Orestes Cucuas Destrade , is a former Major League Baseball infielder.-Biography:Destrade was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, but emigrated to the United States with his family at the age of six. During his youth, he played Khoury League at Flagami Park in Miami. He graduated from Christopher...
. Their defense also benefited from the services of skilled players such as Hiromichi Ishige
Hiromichi Ishige
Hiromichi Ishige is a retired Japanese professional baseball player and manager in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball....
, Hatsuhiko Tsuji
Hatsuhiko Tsuji
Hatsuhiko Tsuji was a professional baseball player for the Seibu Lions in Nippon Professional Baseball. During his career, he was well-known as a skillful second baseman.-Career statistics:...
and catcher Tsutomu Ito
Tsutomu Ito
Tsutomu Ito is the former manager of Nippon Professional Baseball's Seibu Lions. He was the number 1 draft pick for the Seibu Lions in 1982 and went on to play for them until 2003. He was talented at leading pitcher, and led his team to winning 12 Pacific League championships and 10 Japan Series...
. Among the pitchers employed by the Lions in this period was "The Oriental Express" Taigen Kaku
Tai-Yuan Kuo
Kuo Tai-yuan, ; , born March 20, 1962), is a retired Taiwanese NPB baseball pitcher and currently a baseball coach. With 117 wins accumulated during his 13 seasons in the Seibu Lions, Kuo set the record of being the international player who achieves most wins in the NPB history, and is widely...
, Kimiyasu Kudoh
Kimiyasu Kudoh
is a left-handed pitcher for the Pacific League's Saitama Seibu Lions of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball . He has recorded 224 career wins...
, Hisanobu Watanabe
Hisanobu Watanabe
Hisanobu Watanabe is the manager of the Saitama Seibu Lions. He played baseball for most of his pitching career with the Lions...
, and relievers Yoshitaka Katori and Testuya Shiozaki.
Prominent Golden Age Players
| Name | position | Title and accomplishment | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kouji Akiyama | CF Center fielder A center fielder, abbreviated CF, is the outfielder in baseball who plays defense in center field – the baseball fielding position between left field and right field... |
Home Run Title Home run In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process... 1987, Stolen Base Title Stolen base In baseball, a stolen base occurs when a baserunner successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to home plate... 1990, Golden Glove 1987–1996, 1999 437 HR and 303 SB in career |
Belonged to Daiei Hawks Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks The are a Japanese baseball team based in Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture. The team was bought on January 28, 2005 by the SoftBank Corporation.The team was formerly known as the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks. In 1988, Daiei bought the team from Osaka's Nankai Electric Railway Co., and its headquarters were... from 1994 to 2002. Current Hawks manager. |
| Kazuhiro Kiyohara Kazuhiro Kiyohara is a former professional baseball player in Japan, having played in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league for 23 seasons. He retired following the 2008 season.-Biography:... |
1B First baseman First base, or 1B, is the first of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a baserunner in order to score a run for that player's team... |
Rookie of the year 1986, Golden Glove (1988,1990, 1992–1994), 525 HR and 1527 RBIs in career |
Belonged to Yomiuri Giants Yomiuri Giants The are a professional baseball team based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan. The team competes in the Central League in Nippon Professional Baseball, the top level of professional play in Japan. They play their home games in the Tokyo Dome, opened in 1988. The English-language press occasionally calls the... from 1997 to 2005, Orix Buffaloes Orix Buffaloes The are a Nippon Professional Baseball team based in Osaka and Kobe, Japan. They play in the Pacific League. The team is owned by the Orix Group, a leading diversified financial services company based in Tokyo.... from 2006 to 2008. Retired in 2008. |
| Orestes Destrade Orestes Destrade Orestes Cucuas Destrade , is a former Major League Baseball infielder.-Biography:Destrade was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, but emigrated to the United States with his family at the age of six. During his youth, he played Khoury League at Flagami Park in Miami. He graduated from Christopher... |
DH Designated hitter In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to... |
Home Run Title Home run In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process... 1990–1992, RBI Title 1990–1991 |
Played 1993–1994 seasons with Florida Marlins Florida Marlins The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at... of MLB. |
| Hiromichi Ishige Hiromichi Ishige Hiromichi Ishige is a retired Japanese professional baseball player and manager in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball.... |
3B Third baseman A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run... |
Rookie of the year, Golden Glove 1981–1983, 1985–1988, 1991–1993), MVP 1986 | Manager of Orix BlueWave for a short time in 2003. |
| Hatsuhiko Tsuji Hatsuhiko Tsuji Hatsuhiko Tsuji was a professional baseball player for the Seibu Lions in Nippon Professional Baseball. During his career, he was well-known as a skillful second baseman.-Career statistics:... |
2B Second baseman Second base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team. A second baseman is the baseball player guarding second base... |
Batting Title Batting average Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :... 1993, Golden Glove 1986, 1988–1994 |
Played for Yakult Swallows in 1996, retired after '96 season. |
| Tsutomu Ito Tsutomu Ito Tsutomu Ito is the former manager of Nippon Professional Baseball's Seibu Lions. He was the number 1 draft pick for the Seibu Lions in 1982 and went on to play for them until 2003. He was talented at leading pitcher, and led his team to winning 12 Pacific League championships and 10 Japan Series... |
C Catcher Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to... |
Golden Glove 1985–1988, 1990–1992, 1994–1995, 1997–1998 | Retired in 2003, Lions manager from 2004 to 2007. |
| Hisanobu Watanabe Hisanobu Watanabe Hisanobu Watanabe is the manager of the Saitama Seibu Lions. He played baseball for most of his pitching career with the Lions... |
P Pitcher In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the... |
Winning Percentage Title Win (baseball) In professional baseball, there are two types of decisions: a win and a loss . In each game, one pitcher on the winning team is awarded a win and one pitcher on the losing team is given a loss in their respective statistics. These pitchers are collectively known as the pitchers of record. Only... 1986, 1988, 1990, ERA Title Earned run average In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine... 1986, Strikeout Title Strikeout In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters.... 1986, Golden Glove 1990, No-hitter No-hitter A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"... 1996 |
Played for Yakult Swallows in 1998, retired from NPB after '98 season. Current manager of Lions. |
| Osamu Higashio Osamu Higashio Osamu Higashio is a former Japanese baseball player who played in the Japanese professional leagues from 1969-1988. He also was manager of the Seibu Lions from 1995-2001.-Professional career:... |
P Pitcher In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the... |
Wins Champion Win (baseball) In professional baseball, there are two types of decisions: a win and a loss . In each game, one pitcher on the winning team is awarded a win and one pitcher on the losing team is given a loss in their respective statistics. These pitchers are collectively known as the pitchers of record. Only... 1975,1983, ERA Title Earned run average In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine... 1983, Strikeout Title Strikeout In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters.... 1975, MVP 1983, 1987, Golden Glove 1983–1987 |
Member of Lions through four different team owners (Nishitetsu, Taiheyo Club, Crown Lighter, Seibu).Lions manager from 1995–2001. |
| Taigen Kaku Tai-Yuan Kuo Kuo Tai-yuan, ; , born March 20, 1962), is a retired Taiwanese NPB baseball pitcher and currently a baseball coach. With 117 wins accumulated during his 13 seasons in the Seibu Lions, Kuo set the record of being the international player who achieves most wins in the NPB history, and is widely... |
P Pitcher In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the... |
MVP1991, Golden Grove 1991–1992, No-hitter No-hitter A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"... 1985 |
Retired in 1996. Taiwan Taiwan Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following... national team manager 2007. |
| Kimiyasu Kudoh Kimiyasu Kudoh is a left-handed pitcher for the Pacific League's Saitama Seibu Lions of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball . He has recorded 224 career wins... |
P Pitcher In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the... |
ERA Title Earned run average In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine... 1985,1987,1993,1999, Winning Percentage Title Win (baseball) In professional baseball, there are two types of decisions: a win and a loss . In each game, one pitcher on the winning team is awarded a win and one pitcher on the losing team is given a loss in their respective statistics. These pitchers are collectively known as the pitchers of record. Only... 1987,1991,1993,2000, Strikeout Title Strikeout In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters.... 1996,1999, Golden Glove 1994–1995,2000, MVP 1999, longest NPB career as player (28 years) |
Belonged to Daiei Hawks Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks The are a Japanese baseball team based in Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture. The team was bought on January 28, 2005 by the SoftBank Corporation.The team was formerly known as the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks. In 1988, Daiei bought the team from Osaka's Nankai Electric Railway Co., and its headquarters were... from 1994, Yomiuri Giants Yomiuri Giants The are a professional baseball team based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan. The team competes in the Central League in Nippon Professional Baseball, the top level of professional play in Japan. They play their home games in the Tokyo Dome, opened in 1988. The English-language press occasionally calls the... from 2000, Yokohama BayStars Yokohama BayStars The are a professional baseball team in the Japanese Central League. Home field is the Yokohama Stadium, located in central Yokohama. The clubhouse is located near the stadium.... from 2007 to 2009, returned to Lions in 2010. Only active player in "Golden Age" in 2010 season. |
Saitama Seibu Lions (2008–)
In order to reinforce the affiliation between the team and their home region, the Lions added the prefecture name "Saitama" to their team name in 2008. They were Pacific League Champions that year and when on to win the Japan Series2008 Japan Series
The 2008 Japan Series was the 59th edition of Nippon Professional Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff between the respective champions of the Central League's and the Pacific League's Climax Series . The Series began on Saturday, November 1, 2008, and went the full seven games...
. The team logo and uniforms were further modified for the 2009 season
2009 Nippon Professional Baseball season
The 2009 Nippon Professional Baseball season is the 60th season since the NPB was reorganized in -Central League First Stage:Chunichi Dragons win the series, 2-1-Central League Second Stage:Yomiuri Giants have one-win advantage...
, with the team trading in their traditional light-blue colour scheme for a dark blue design similar to that employed during the Nishitetsu Lions' era in the 1950s and 1960s.
Season-by-season records
| Year | Team Name | Place |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Nishitetsu Clippers | 5th |
| 1951 | Nishitetsu Lions | 2nd |
| 1952 | Nishitetsu Lions | 3rd |
| 1953 | Nishitetsu Lions | 4th |
| 1954 | Nishitetsu Lions | 1st (lost Japan Series) |
| 1955 | Nishitetsu Lions | 2nd |
| 1956 | Nishitetsu Lions | 1st (Japan Series Winner) |
| 1957 | Nishitetsu Lions | 1st (Japan Series Winner) |
| 1958 | Nishitetsu Lions | 1st (Japan Series Winner) |
| 1959 | Nishitetsu Lions | 4th |
| 1960 | Nishitetsu Lions | 3rd |
| 1961 | Nishitetsu Lions | 3rd |
| 1962 | Nishitetsu Lions | 3rd |
| 1963 | Nishitetsu Lions | 1st (lost Japan Series) |
| 1964 | Nishitetsu Lions | 5th |
| 1965 | Nishitetsu Lions | 3rd |
| 1966 | Nishitetsu Lions | 2nd |
| 1967 | Nishitetsu Lions | 2nd |
| 1968 | Nishitetsu Lions | 5th |
| 1969 | Nishitetsu Lions | 5th |
| 1970 | Nishitetsu Lions | 6th |
| 1971 | Nishitetsu Lions | 6th |
| 1972 | Nishitetsu Lions | 6th |
| 1973 | Taiheiyo Club Lions | 4th |
| 1974 | Taiheiyo Club Lions | 4th |
| 1975 | Taiheiyo Club Lions | 3rd |
| 1976 | Taiheiyo Club Lions | 6th |
| 1977 | Crown Lighter Lions | 6th |
| 1978 | Crown Lighter Lions | 5th |
| 1979 | Seibu Lions Seibu Lions The are a professional baseball team in Japan's Pacific League based west of Tokyo in Tokorozawa, Saitama. Before 1979, they were based in Fukuoka in Kyushu. The team is owned by a subsidiary of Prince Hotels, which in turn is owned by the Seibu Group... |
6th |
| 1980 | Seibu Lions | 4th |
| 1981 | Seibu Lions | 4th |
| 1982 | Seibu Lions | 1st (Japan Series Winner) |
| 1983 | Seibu Lions | 1st (Japan Series Winner) |
| 1984 | Seibu Lions | 3rd |
| 1985 | Seibu Lions | 1st (lost Japan Series) |
| 1986 | Seibu Lions | 1st (Japan Series Winner) |
| 1987 | Seibu Lions | 1st (Japan Series Winner) |
| 1988 | Seibu Lions | 1st (Japan Series Winner) |
| 1989 | Seibu Lions | 3rd |
| 1990 | Seibu Lions | 1st (Japan Series Winner) |
| 1991 | Seibu Lions | 1st (Japan Series Winner) |
| 1992 | Seibu Lions | 1st (Japan Series Winner) |
| 1993 | Seibu Lions | 1st (lost Japan Series) |
| 1994 | Seibu Lions | 1st (lost Japan Series) |
| 1995 | Seibu Lions | 3rd |
| 1996 | Seibu Lions | 3rd |
| 1997 | Seibu Lions | 1st (lost Japan Series) |
| 1998 | Seibu Lions | 1st (lost Japan Series) |
| 1999 | Seibu Lions | 2nd |
| 2000 | Seibu Lions | 2nd |
| 2001 | Seibu Lions | 3rd |
| 2002 | Seibu Lions | 1st (lost Japan Series) |
| 2003 | Seibu Lions | 2nd |
| 2004 | Seibu Lions | 1st (Japan Series Winner) |
| 2005 | Seibu Lions | 3rd |
| 2006 | Seibu Lions | 2nd |
| 2007 | Seibu Lions | 5th |
| 2008 | Saitama Seibu Lions | 1st (Japan Series Winner) |
| 2009 | Saitama Seibu Lions | 4th |
| 2010 | Saitama Seibu Lions | 2nd |
| 2011 | Saitama Seibu Lions | 3rd |
Coaches
– Chief(Bench) – Pitching(Bullpen) – Pitching – Battery – Hitting – Assistant Hitting – Defending and Base-running(First base) – Defending and Base-running(third base)– Farm Manager – Farm Pitching – Farm Pitching – Farm Battery – Farm Hitting – Farm Defending and Base-running – Farm Defending and Base-running – Training – Farm Training – Farm Conditioning – Farm Conditioning
Managers
1950 1951–1959 1960–1961 1962–1969 1970–1974 1975 1976 1976–1977 1978–1981 1982–1985 1986–1994 1995–2001 2002–2003 2004–2007 2008–presentFormer players of note
1952–1959 1953 1981–1983 1979–1984 1980–1985 1986–1987 1969–1988 1987–1990 1977–1991 1981–1993 1981–1994 1989–1995 1986–1996 1995–1996 1985–19971998–2000 2000 1999–2001 1994–2003 1990–2004 1997–2005 1999–2006 2002–2006 2001–2007 Mateo AlouMatty Alou
Mateo Rojas "Matty" Alou was a Dominican outfielder who spent fifteen seasons in Major League Baseball with the San Francisco Giants , Pittsburgh Pirates , St. Louis Cardinals , Oakland Athletics , New York Yankees and San Diego Padres...
1974-1976
MLB players
Active:- Kazuo MatsuiKazuo Matsuiis a Japanese second baseman for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball. Matsui is a switch-hitter...
(2004–) - Daisuke MatsuzakaDaisuke Matsuzakais a Japanese professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball in the United States. He previously played for the Seibu Lions in Japan's Pacific League. He was selected the MVP of the inaugural and the second World Baseball Classic, and is an Olympic bronze...
(2007–)
Retired:
- Shinji MoriShinji MoriShinji Mori is a right-handed pitcher.From -, he played for the Seibu Lions in Nippon Professional Baseball. After the 2005 season, he was acquired by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays through the posting system....
(2006–2007)