Isao Harimoto, legendary NPB hit record holder, passes away at 86

Japanese professional baseball legend Isao Harimoto has passed away at the age of 86. Known as a prolific ‘hit machine,’ Harimoto holds the NPB record with 3,085 career hits during his 23-year career playing for Toei, the Yomiuri Giants, and Lotte.

Beyond his playing career, Harimoto was a prominent commentator on TBS’s ‘Sunday Morning,’ where he was famous for his blunt and passionate critiques, often using catchphrases like ‘Katsu!’ (scold) and ‘Appare!’ (bravo). He was noted for his influential advice to MLB star Shohei Ohtani, specifically suggesting a shift from a single-leg batting stance to a sliding foot technique to better handle MLB pitching.

In separate news, former Giants players Hideki Matsui and Yoshinobu Takahashi participated in the Sanrio Baseball Academy in Tokyo. During the event, Takahashi analyzed the Yomiuri Giants' current struggle with scoring ability as they compete for the top position in the league, while Matsui offered words of encouragement to the team.