Hayato Sakamoto of the Yomiuri Giants achieved a historic milestone on May 10, recording his 1,664th career single in a game against the Chunichi Dragons. This moved him past legendary hitter Tetsuharu Kawakami to become the franchise’s all-time leader in singles. Sakamoto celebrated the feat on Mother’s Day by using a pink bat, a gesture that added a personal touch to the accomplishment.
Former professional player Norihiro Akahoshi, a renowned base-stealing specialist, expressed his belief that Sakamoto still has plenty left in the tank. “He can absolutely keep going,” Akahoshi said, showing confidence in the veteran infielder’s ability to continue contributing at a high level.
Sakamoto, now in his 20th season with the Giants, has been a cornerstone of the team’s success. The 35-year-old shortstop has accumulated numerous accolades over his career, including multiple batting titles and MVP awards. This latest record underscores his consistency and longevity in Japan’s top baseball league.
Before the game, Giants manager Shinnosuke Abe was seen giving direct guidance to young player Shunsuke Urata during pregame practice, highlighting the team’s focus on developing new talent alongside its veteran stars.
