Kazuyoshi Tatsunami (立浪 和義, Tatsunami Kazuyoshi, born August 19, 1969) is a former Japanese professional baseball player for the Nippon Professional Baseball Chunichi Dragons, having played his professional career for them since his debut in 1988. He was drafted in the first round in the 1987 NPB Draft.

Tatsunami holds the all-time NPB double record with 487, and is a member of the Meikyukai (Association of Great Players, or Golden Players Club).

After the 2009 season, Tatsunami retired, having seen his skills and playing time diminish for the last few seasons. He retired with a career .285 batting average, 171 home runs, 1,037 RBI, and 2,480 hits.

On 15 January 2019, Tatsunami was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame for his achievements as a player.[1]

On 13 October 2021, it was confirmed that Tatsunami has been approached to become the new manager of the Dragons ahead of the 2022 NPB season.[2]

References

  1. ^ "Kazuyoshi Tatsunami, Hiroshi Gondo and Haruo Wakimura elected to Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame". Japan Times. 15 January 2019. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
  2. ^ "中日が立浪和義さんに監督就任要請 "ミスタードラゴンズ"に再建託す 与田監督は今季限りで辞任" [Chunichi calls on Kazuyoshi Tatsunami to become new manager. "Mister Dragons to lead rebuild", Manager Yoda to leave position at end of season.]. Chunichi Sports (in Japanese). Retrieved 12 October 2021.

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