Taju Hitokoto

Taju Hitokoto (一言 多十)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 8", Weight 132 lb.

• School Senshu University
• High School Shimada Commercial High School

• Born May 1, 1921 in Shimada, Shizuoka Japan
• Died April 16, 2010

BR register page

Biographical Information

Taju Hitokoto played in Nippon Pro Baseball for 4 years.

Hitokoto signed with the Tokyu Flyers in 1946, and he went 6-13 with a 4.71 ERA in his first season. He and Takehiko Kumagami were the first rookie starter battery in team history, and it would be 76 years later that another rookie battery to start in a game in the Tokyu/Toei/Nippon-Ham team history (Haruki Hosono and Yuya Shinto). Hitokoto walked 13 on April 29 against the Chubu Nippon Dragons, but he only allowed a run and got the win. It was the NPB record for most walks by a winning pitcher until Hideo Nomo broke it in 1994. Hitokoto also collected 18 steals with a .232/.367/.277 batting line that season (being used regularly in the outfield), and he slumped to .179/.262/.217 at the plate in 1947. He was 3-7 with a 2.83 ERA in '47 season, and he became a full-time pitcher. Hitokoto slumped to 1-3 with a 5.60 ERA in 1948, and he was released. The Hankyu Braves signed him in 1950, but he had a 5.73 ERA in 16 appearances then he announced his retirement.

Overall, Hitokoto was 11-28 with a 4.41 ERA, struck out 99 and pitched 350 2/3 innings in 4 seasons in NPB. He hit .198/.304/.239 with 163 hits as a batter.

Sources

• Wiki Japan