Shinji Imanaka

Shinji Imanaka
Pitcher
Born: (1971-03-06) March 6, 1971 Kadoma, Osaka, Japan
Batted: Left Threw: Left
NPB debut
May 26, 1989, for the Chunichi Dragons
Last NPB appearance
July 13, 2001, for the Chunichi Dragons
NPB statistics (through 2001)
Win–loss record	91-69
Saves	5
ERA	3.15
Strikeouts	1129
Teams
As player Chunichi Dragons (1989–2001) As coach Chunichi Dragons (2012–2013)
Career highlights and awards
1x Eiji Sawamura Award (1993) 1x Central League Win Champion (1993) 1x Central League Strikeout Champion (1993) 1x Central League MVP for Pitcher (1993) 1× Best Nine Award (1993) 1× Mitsui Golden Glove Award (1993) 4x NPB All-Star (1991, 1993–1995)
Last update: 9 February 2014

Shinji Imanaka (今中 慎二, Imanaka Shinji, born March 6, 1971 in Kadoma, Osaka, Japan) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher.

Imanaka attended the Daitō campus of Osaka Sangyo University High School, which became Osaka Tōin High School in his final year. He was recognized as the school's ace pitcher and scouted by several clubs including the Yomiuri Giants and his hometown team, the Hanshin Tigers. Despite being a Hanshin fan himself, Imanaka had his sights set solely on playing for the Chunichi Dragons, who had won the league penant during his final year of high school. Imanaka went as far as declaring that he would not play professional baseball if another team drafted him. Chunichi obliged and selected him in the first round of the 1988 rookie draft.

External links

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference (Minors)