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Hideki Kuriyama Elected to Japan's Baseball Hall of Fame as Sole 2026 Inductee

His selection recognizes managerial achievements, highlighted by Japan’s 2023 WBC title, under the Expert Award.

Overview

  • The Baseball Hall of Fame Museum announced Kuriyama’s election in the Expert Award category, which evaluates managerial contributions.
  • He received 114 votes, finishing one above the 75% threshold needed for induction.
  • No candidates were selected this year in the Player Award or Special Award categories.
  • Shohei Ohtani congratulated Kuriyama, noting the value of five seasons together with the Fighters and shared memories from the 2023 WBC.
  • Kuriyama, 64, joined Yakult in 1984 as an undrafted outfielder, played seven seasons, then worked as a sportscaster before moving into management.