Obituary: Shintaro Yokota (1995-2023)

Source: Sanspo

The Hanshin Tigers announced the death of former player Shintaro Yokota on the 18th. He was just 28 years old. Yokota was selected in the second round of the 2013 draft out of Kagoshima Jitsugyo High. He made his top-squad debut on Opening Day 2016 against the Chunichi Dragons, batting second. In 2017, doctors discovered brain tumors and at season’s end, he was signed to a development player contract. After rigorous rehabilitation, he was able to wear a uniform and play again, but never got back to the top squad. At the end of the 2019 season, he retired at age 24. In his retirement game on the farm against the SoftBank Hawks at Naruohama, he entered the game in the top of the 8th inning, dashing out to center field. Despite having double-vision, he made a play dubbed the “Miracle Throw Home” when he fielded a ball hit to shallow center and gunned down a runner at home. He played just 38 games on the top team, hitting .190 with 4 RBIs.

Yokota spent his post-retirement years continuing his rehab, as doctors discovered new tumors twice more. He had returned to his hometown and was extremely busy making public appearances and giving motivational speeches at schools and other gatherings. He also partnered with a former Tigers player in creating YouTube videos.

When pitcher Shintaro Fujinami heard the news across the ocean, he dedicated his appearance against the Boston Red Sox to Yokota. He threw a shutout inning and looked up to the skies in a show of respect and consolation for his deceased ex-teammate. Countless other former teammates and coaches also paid their respects through social media, including fellow 2016 rookie Shun Takayama, former manager Akihiro Yano, and YouTube partner Kozo Kawato.

Rest in Peace, Shintaro Yokota. Gone too soon. You left an indelible mark on everyone you met. We will miss you. Prayers and condolences to family and friends.