NOTE: Although the statistics cited in this blurb and on the SOM rosters are the actual Japanese statistics, the player cards are computed by using Major League equivalences. 

With more Japanese Leagues batters and pitchers playing well in the Major Leagues, Strat-O-Matic gamers can get the knowledge edge by using today’s Japanese stars (especially fireballing Shoehei Otani) in this unique re-creation. Do it with thrilling pennant races and former Major Leaguers salting the Japanese lineups.

The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks won 94 games, dominated the Pacific League, then toppled upset-minded Yokohama in a six-game Nippon Series. Their top player, Pacific MVP Dennis Sarfate, was a relief pitcher. Already the career saves leader for a foreign-born pitcher in Nippon baseball, Sarfate set a Japanese single-season record with 54 saves, accompanied by a 1.09 ERA. Then he was named MVP of the Nippon Series as well after saving two of the four wins and then pitched the final three innings of the deciding game.

The Hawks’ Nippon Series foe had losing records for the prior 15 seasons and had finished last 10 times. This time, they upset Hanshin and Hiroshima in the playoffs and became the first third-place team in the Central League to reach the Nippon Series. But the Baystars were not flukes, slugging their way to near glory with Toshiro Miyazaki (.323-15-62), Jose Lopez (.301-30-105) and Yoshitomo Tsutsugo (.284-28-94).

Shohei Otani’s signing with the Los Angeles Angels was a big story following the 2017 season.  Otani was limited by an elbow injury in 2017, but batted .332 and hit 8 homeruns in 202 at bats for the Nippon Ham.  As a pitcher, his record was 3-2, with an ERA of 3.20.  Otani is noted for having thrown the fastest fastball in Japanese baseball (102.5 mph).

Many other stars had huge seasons. Play them all with as-played files, including the three All-Star games and the Nippon Series teams, with lineups. Actual Japanese-season player statistics have been adjusted for a season that can be played in stand-alone Japanese leagues or against contemporary Major League teams.

Requires Strat-O-Matic Baseball 2018 or higher to play

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