High School Baseball Players’ Favorite Pros: Who Tops the List in 2025?
Japanese high school baseball players have spoken! A comprehensive survey of 640 players participating in the 97th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament (Senbatsu) in 2025 reveals thier favorite professional baseball players.
The survey,which allowed for multiple responses,demonstrates a growing interest in professional baseball among young players. In 2025, a total of 212 different players were named as favorites, a critically important increase from just 78 in 1985. While roster sizes have increased from 15 to 20 players since then, the nearly threefold rise suggests enhanced exposure to both Major League Baseball and the Pacific League through satellite broadcasting and online platforms like YouTube.
Top Contenders: Players Receiving Notable Mentions
Let’s take a look at some of the players who garnered attention in the survey, with vote counts ranging from 3 to 4:
- 29th Tie: (4 votes)
- Shogo Akiyama (Hiroshima Carp, Outfielder)
- Tatsuya Imai (Seibu Lions, Pitcher)
- Yasunobu Okugawa (Yakult swallows, Pitcher)
- Ryoto Kita (Orix Buffaloes, Outfielder)
NPB Hall of Fame Voting Results: Tight Race highlights Diverse Field
Several players and managers are tied in the latest NPB Hall of Fame voting results, showcasing a diverse pool of talent recognized for their contributions to Japanese professional baseball.
Close Competition in Hall of Fame Voting
A notable number of candidates are closely ranked, with multiple individuals tied for 29th and 46th place, indicating a highly competitive selection process. This year’s ballot features a mix of active players and retired stars being considered for enshrinement.
Players Receiving Four Votes (Tied for 29th Place)
A group of players each received four votes, tying for 29th position. This includes:
- Taiyo Yamaoka (Orix Buffaloes, Pitcher)
- Takaya Yamada (Hanshin tigers, Infielder)
- Takeya Kurihara (SoftBank Hawks, Third Baseman)
- Kota Ogino (Orix Buffaloes, Infielder)
- Toshiki sasaoka (Chiba lotte Marines, pitcher)
- Tsuyoshi Shinjoh (Former Player, Outfielder)
- Dai Ohse (Yomiuri Giants, Pitcher)
- Kaname Tani (Chunichi Dragons, Second Baseman)
- Sho Nakata (Chunichi Dragons, First baseman)
- Yoshio Fujikawa (Former Player, Pitcher)
- Tetsuya Furuta (Former Player, Catcher)
- Tomonori Maeda (Former Player, Outfielder)
- Takeshi Yamasaki (Rakuten Golden Eagles, Infielder)
Players Receiving Three Votes (Tied for 46th Place)
Several individuals garnered three votes, tying them for 46th place:
- Hayato Asamura (Rakuten Golden Eagles, First Baseman)
- Takahiro Ito (nippon-Ham Fighters, Pitcher)
- Ryutaro Umeno (Hanshin Tigers, Catcher)
- Hakuo Ochiai (Former Player, First Baseman)
- mitsuo Yoshikawa (New York Mets, Pitcher)
- Katsuya Nomura (Former Player, Catcher)
- Kosei Nukumi (Orix Buffaloes, Pitcher)
Hall of Fame Eligibility and Voting Process
to be inducted into the NPB Hall of Fame, candidates must generally receive a significant percentage of the votes cast by baseball experts, media representatives, and former players.
Implications of the Results
The tight race in this year’s voting underscores the depth of talent in Japanese baseball history. The results reflect diverse eras and positions, highlighting the enduring legacy of these players and their impact on the sport.
Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame: Notable Players Tied for 46th Place in Voting
In the recent voting for the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame, several notable players found themselves in a tie for 46th place, each receiving three votes. This highlights the depth of talent and the diverse contributions of players across different eras and positions in Japanese professional baseball.
Players Receiving Three Votes
The following players were tied for 46th place:
- Tomochika Tsuboi (Hanshin tigers, First Baseman): A distinguished player known for his contributions to the Hanshin Tigers.
- Yasuhiro Maeda (SoftBank Hawks, Pitcher): A pitcher from the SoftBank hawks.
- Kanehiro Matsui (OB, shortstop): A former player who played as a shortstop.
- Kenji Soya (Orix BlueWave, Third Baseman): A third baseman who played for the Orix BlueWave.
- Shota Morishita (Hanshin Tigers, Outfielder): An outfielder currently playing for the Hanshin Tigers.
- Yujo Yamamoto (Dodgers, Pitcher): A pitcher who played for the Dodgers.
- Kanehiro Yoza (Orix BlueWave, Outfielder): An outfielder who played for the Orix BlueWave.
Hall of Fame Voting nuances
It’s significant to note that players listed as “Nashi” (none) or ”Tokuni Nashi” (especially none) are not included in the rankings. Moreover, typographical errors are taken into consideration during the overall assessment of votes; for example, votes for “Tetsuji Akikawa” are counted for “Tetsuji Akikawa”, and votes for “Kou Shinjyo” are counted for “Kouji Shinjyo”.
What factors contribute to the increasing number of favorite players named by high school baseball players over time?
High School Baseball Players’ Favorite Pros and NPB Hall of Fame: Q&A
Q&A
Here’s a breakdown of frequently asked questions and key takeaways from the article:
Who are some of the most popular current players among Japanese high school baseball players?
The survey showed that in 2025, there was a wide range of favorites. Those who received four votes include Shogo Akiyama, tatsuya Imai, Yasunobu Okugawa, and Ryoto Kita.This illustrates the diverse preferences of young players.
how has exposure to professional baseball changed over time, influencing player preferences?
The article highlights a notable increase in the number of favorite players named by the high school players, jumping from 78 in 1985 to 212 in 2025. This suggests increased accessibility to both MLB and NPB through satellite broadcasting and online platforms.
What is the NPB Hall of fame and how is it different from the High School Player Survey?
The NPB Hall of Fame recognizes the most outstanding players and managers in Japanese professional baseball history. The Hall of Fame voting focuses on career achievements. The High School Player Survey focuses on current popularity as seen through the eyes of young players.
Who are some notable players recognized in the NPB Hall of Fame voting?
Many players tied for 29th and 46th place. Those tied for 29th place (with 4 votes) include Taiyo Yamaoka, Takaya Yamada, and others. Those tied for 46th place (with 3 votes) include Hayato Asamura,Takahiro Ito,and others. Tsuyoshi Shinjoh, who is listed among those with four votes, is a former player for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and the New York Mets.
How does the NPB hall of Fame voting process work?
candidates typically need a significant percentage of votes from baseball experts, media representatives, and former players to be inducted.
Why are there so many ties in the Hall of Fame voting?
The ties reflect the depth of talent and the competitive nature of the selection process. Many deserving players have had a great impact on the sport, making it difficult to choose between them.
What about players who were not included in the rankings?
Players listed as ”Nashi” (none) or “Tokuni Nashi” (especially none) weren’t included in the rankings.
are there any corrections made for typos in the voting?
Yes, the article mentions that typographical errors are accounted for to ensure accuracy. For instance, votes for “Tetsuji akikawa” are counted for “Tetsuji Akikawa”.
The diversity in player preferences and the competitive Hall of Fame voting highlight the rich history and lasting impact of Japanese baseball. Stay tuned for future updates on the evolving landscape of the sport!
