Why Hisashi Iwakuma is my favourite athlete- (Victoria.K)

Many people love to play and watch sports and while I don't play baseball I have always loved to watch it. The pitcher is my favourite position to watch someone play and to attempt myself. I really love the fact that someone who seems to be such a small piece of the puzzle can have an instrumental affect on how the game turns out. I think fastballs are insanely cool,the fact that someone has sent a ball with that much power and speed and has prevented a hit is pretty admirable in terms of athletic skills. I have been a fan of the Mariners ever since they got the amazing and underrated pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma which was all the way back in 2012, before i was a fan of this team but Hisashi who has an amazing pitch sealed the deal for me. While I usually judge an athlete by how they play rather that who they are the fact that Hisashi Iwakuma is an avid supporter of charities and does philanthropic work aside from baseball was definitely a plus when choosing him as my favourite athlete. 

 

Interesting Facts about Hisashi Iwakuma

1. Hisashi is a member of the Soka Gakkai International Buddhists association.


2. Hisashi and his Wife Madoko have 2 children Towo and Uta who moved with them to Seattle from Japan for His career.

3. Hisashi won a Bronze medal while playing in the 2004 Athens olympics.

Career statistics- (Seattle Mariners)

Hisashi Iwakuma-

Games Played- 94

Games Started- 80

"Hisashi has had no complete games or shutouts"
Innings- 540    .                                                                      
Hits- 483
Runs-201
Earned Runs-191
Home Runs-67
Walks-109
Strikeouts-451
Wins-38
Losses-21
Pitches Per Start-92.1
Walks and Hits per Innings pitched-1.10
Earned Run Average-3.18

For all of you baseball fans like myself you may love learning a players stats. However not everyone does. So because of that I have included a video of Hisashi's 2013 season highlights just to show you a little more of this player in action!

Hisashi Iwakuma - CAREER-

Hisashi Iwakuma's career began with minor league baseball in the early 2000's , He spent most of his rookie season with The Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes. At one point he managed to clock an impressive 93 mph with his fastball but only making two appearances in the western league otherwise. Hisashi made it to Major league level the following year. 2003 was considered Hisashi's breakout year with the Buffaloes, He had a 3.45 ERA with 149 strikeouts and led the league with 11 complete games. Hisashi's luck continued as he started off 2004 with a franchise record for most consecutive wins to start a season. Hisashi played as starting pitcher in the 2004 Athens Olympics for the Japanese team.
Following the 2004 season the Buffaloes traded Hisashi to the Eagles, where he would play with many struggles until 2011. In 2012 Hisashi signed on to play with my favourite team The Seattle Mariners. Hisashi continues to play for this team 3 years later.

Biography- Hisashi Iwakuma - Professional Baseball Player with Seattle Mariners-

Hisashi Iwakuma was born on April 12 1981 in Higashiyamato, Tokyo, Japan.He began playing baseball in grade one and was inspired to become a professional pitcher after aspiration to become like great former Seibu Lions player Hisanobu Watanabe. Hisashi continued to play exceptionally well while attending Horikoshi Highschool. Hisashi and his wife Madoka are avid supporters of charities and orphanages, including those working to help aid disabled children. They also practice Nichiren Buddhism


Hisashi with his family