Isao Harimoto, Hiroshima survivor and legendary baseball star, dies at 86

Harimoto’s record 3,085 career hits remain the Nippon Professional Baseball standard, and he was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990.

Japanese baseball legend Isao Harimoto, who survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and became the first Japanese player to reach 3,000 career hits, has died. He was 86, according to reports.

Born to Korean parents in Japan, Harimoto began batting left-handed after an accident at age four left severe burns and limited mobility in his right hand.

He survived the atomic bombing at age five after his mother shielded him and his sister from the blast.

Harimoto ultimately recorded 3,085 career hits, a total that remains the Nippon Professional Baseball record.

He played for several Japanese teams, including the Yomiuri Giants, earning the nickname “Hit Machine” for his exceptional batting.

After retiring in 1981 following 23 professional seasons, Harimoto worked as a television commentator.

He was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990.

Source link