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{{short description|Japanese baseball player}} {{Short description|Japanese baseball player (born 1975)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox baseball biography {{Infobox baseball biography
| name = Kenshin Kawakami | name = Kenshin Kawakami
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| finalteam = Atlanta Braves | finalteam = Atlanta Braves
| final2league = NPB | final2league = NPB
| final2date = | final2date = June 13
| final2year = 2014 | final2year = 2014
| final2team = Chunichi Dragons | final2team = Chunichi Dragons
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* ] (2004) * ] (2004)
* ] (1998) * ] (1998)
* 2x ] ] ({{npby|2004}}, {{npby|2006}})
* 3x ] (2004, 2006, {{npby|2007}})
* 2x ] wins leader (2004, 2006)
* 1x ] strikeout leader (2006)
* Pitched a ] (1 August 2002)
* 2× Most Valuable Battery Award (2004, 2006 - with ])
* 6x ] selection (1998, 2002, 2004-2006, 2008)
}} }}
'''Kenshin Kawakami''' (川上 憲伸) (born June 22, 1975) is a Japanese former ] ]. He played in ] (NPB) for the ] and in ] (MLB) for the ]. '''Kenshin Kawakami''' (川上 憲伸) (born June 22, 1975) is a Japanese former ] ]. He played in ] (NPB) for the ] and in ] (MLB) for the ].


==Japanese career== ==Japanese career==
He originally pitched for the Chunichi Dragons of the ]. Kawakami was the ] in 1998 as he went 14-6 with a 2.57 ]. He helped the Dragons to the Central League Title in 1999, but would lose in the Japan Series in 5 games to the ]. He has pitched a ] in his professional career. In 2004, Kawakami went 17-7 and led Chunichi to the Central League Title, though they fell to the ] in 7 games in the Japan Series. That year, Kawakami was named Central League MVP and received the ] as Japan's best pitcher. Kawakami again won 17 games in 2006 and led the Dragons to the Central League title again, winning Game 1 of the Japan Series against the ]. He originally pitched for the Chunichi Dragons of the ]. Kawakami was the ] in 1998 as he went 14–6 with a 2.57 ]. He helped the Dragons to the Central League Title in 1999, but would lose in the Japan Series in 5 games to the ]. He has pitched a ] in his professional career. In 2004, Kawakami went 17–7 and led Chunichi to the Central League Title, though they fell to the ] in 7 games in the Japan Series. That year, Kawakami was named Central League MVP and received the ] as Japan's best pitcher. Kawakami again won 17 games in 2006 and led the Dragons to the Central League title again, winning Game 1 of the Japan Series against the ].


In 2007, Kawakami helped the Dragons end a streak of 53 years without a championship as they beat the Nippon Ham Fighters in 5 games. In 2007, Kawakami helped the Dragons end a streak of 53 years without a championship as they beat the Nippon Ham Fighters in 5 games.


==Major League Baseball career== ==Major League Baseball career==
On January 13, {{mlby|2009}}, Kawakami signed a three-year deal with the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2009/01/10/braves_pitcher_kawakami.html|title=Braves land Japanese ace Kawakami|work=ajc.com|date=2009-01-10|access-date=2009-01-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090113&content_id=3741947&vkey=pr_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl|title=Atlanta agrees to terms with Japanese pitcher Kenshin Kawakami|accessdate=21 April 2023|archive-date=June 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616145324/http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090113&content_id=3741947&vkey=pr_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On January 13, {{mlby|2009}}, Kawakami signed a three-year deal with the ].
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2009/01/10/braves_pitcher_kawakami.html|title=Braves land Japanese ace Kawakami|work=ajc.com|date=2009-01-10|accessdate=2009-01-10}}</ref><ref></ref>


Kenshin Kawakami threw his first game as an Atlanta Brave on February 26 in a Spring training game against the Pirates. Kawakami pitched two innings allowing one hit and striking out one batter. Kenshin Kawakami threw his first game as an Atlanta Brave on February 26 in a Spring training game against the Pirates. Kawakami pitched two innings allowing one hit and striking out one batter.


]]]
Kawakami pitched his first Major League game on April 11, 2009 against the ]. He picked up his first Major League win, giving up 3 earned runs, and striking out 8 in 6 innings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290411115|title=Kawakami shuts down Nationals in major league debut as Braves win|work=espn.com|date=2009-04-11|accessdate=2009-04-13}}</ref> On May 22 and against countryman ] at ], he limited the ] to two hits and two earned runs in six innings and helped the Braves begin a 13-game stretch with an 8-2 win over the Red Sox.<ref></ref> Kawakami pitched his first Major League game on April 11, 2009 against the ]. He picked up his first Major League win, giving up 3 earned runs, and striking out 8 in 6 innings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290411115|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108184843/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290411115|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 8, 2018|title=Kawakami shuts down Nationals in major league debut as Braves win|work=]|date=2009-04-11|access-date=2009-04-13}}</ref> On May 22 and against countryman ] at ], he limited the ] to two hits and two earned runs in six innings and helped the Braves begin a 13-game stretch with an 8–2 win over the Red Sox.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090619&content_id=5415310&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616155106/http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090619&content_id=5415310&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 16, 2011|title=Kawakami faces down Dice-K, Sox|accessdate=21 April 2023}}</ref>


Kawakami went 1–10 in 2010 and recorded nine straight losses before picking up his first ] on June 26 against the ] at ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300626115|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108184708/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300626115|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 8, 2018|title=Tigers vs. Braves - Game Recap - June 26, 2010 - ESPN}}</ref> He pitched seven innings with six ]s in a 4–3 win for the ]. After being sent to the bullpen, Kawakami only pitched once in 40 games, where he performed poorly, allowing 2 runs in one inning. On November 12, following the season, the Braves outrighted Kawakami to their Double-A affiliate, the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101113&content_id=16094908&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117114432/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101113&content_id=16094908&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb |archive-date=2010-11-17 |title=Braves outright Kawakami to Double-A {{!}} MLB.com: News}}</ref>
A video game version of Kawakami helped Wade McGilberry from ] win $1 million as part of the ] Perfect Game Challenge. McGilberry used Kawakami to pitch a perfect game in ], and won the contest by being the first person to do so in accordance with the contest rules.<ref>http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/kenshin-kawakami-hurls-perfect-520637.html</ref>


During the 2010 season, a group of fans would dress as "Kenshin's Geishas" to support Kawakami during homestands.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.talkingchop.com/2010/5/14/1472844/oh-no-no-no-no|title=Oh No, no, no, no|date=14 May 2010}}</ref>
Kawakami went 1-10 in 2010 and recorded nine straight losses before picking up his first ] on June 26 against the ] at ]<ref>http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300626115</ref> He pitched seven innings with six ]s in a 4-3 win for the ]. After being sent to the bullpen, Kawakami only pitched once in 40 games, where he performed poorly, allowing 2 runs in one inning. On November 12, following the season, the Braves outrighted Kawakami to their Double-A affiliate, the ].<ref>http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101113&content_id=16094908&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb</ref>

During the 2010 season, a group of fans would dress as "Kenshin's Geishas" to support Kawakami during homestands.<ref>http://www.talkingchop.com/2010/5/14/1472844/oh-no-no-no-no</ref>


==Return to Japan== ==Return to Japan==
After spending the entirety of the 2011 season pitching at the AA level for the ], Kawakami agreed to a contract with his previous team, the ] of Japan's Central League.<ref>http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/27/kenshin-kawakami-is-headed-back-to-japan/</ref> After spending the entirety of the 2011 season pitching at the AA level for the ], Kawakami agreed to a contract with his previous team, the ] of Japan's Central League.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/27/kenshin-kawakami-is-headed-back-to-japan/|title=Kenshin Kawakami is headed back to Japan|date=27 January 2012}}</ref>


Kawakami struggled with injury upon his return to the Dragons, making only a combined 12 starts during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. He went 3-1 with a 2.83 in seven starts during 2012 and 1-1 with a 3.21 ERA in five starts during 2013.<ref>http://bis.npb.or.jp/players/41343886.html</ref> Due to shoulder pain, he did not make his first start in 2013 until 22 August.<ref>{{cite news|title=戦力外の中日・川上にDeNAら複数球団興味|url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2013/10/04/kiji/K20131004006740770.html|work=Sponichi|date=4 October 2013|language=ja}}</ref> Kawakami struggled with injury upon his return to the Dragons, making only a combined 12 starts during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. He went 3–1 with a 2.83 in seven starts during 2012 and 1–1 with a 3.21 ERA in five starts during 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bis.npb.or.jp/players/41343886.html |title=川上 憲伸(中日ドラゴンズ) &#124; 個人年度別成績}}</ref> Due to shoulder pain, he did not make his first start in 2013 until 22 August.<ref>{{cite news|title=戦力外の中日・川上にDeNAら複数球団興味|url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2013/10/04/kiji/K20131004006740770.html|work=Sponichi|date=4 October 2013|language=ja}}</ref>


On 22 November 2013, the Chunichi Dragons announced that they had signed Kawakami to a 1-year extension.<ref>http://dragons.jp/news/2013/13111901.html</ref> However he only managed six starts in 2014 and was not resigned for the 2015 season, he announced his retirement in October 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ex-Dragons hurler Kawakami announces retirement|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2015/10/20/baseball/japanese-baseball/ex-dragons-hurler-kawakami-announces-retirement|accessdate=31 January 2018|work=Japan Times|date=20 October 2015}}</ref> On 22 November 2013, the Chunichi Dragons announced that they had signed Kawakami to a 1-year extension.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dragons.jp/news/2013/13111901.html|title=中日ドラゴンズ 公式サイト - ドラゴンズニュース ★川上憲伸投手と契約}}</ref> However he only managed six starts in 2014 and was not resigned for the 2015 season, he announced his retirement in October 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ex-Dragons hurler Kawakami announces retirement|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2015/10/20/baseball/japanese-baseball/ex-dragons-hurler-kawakami-announces-retirement|access-date=31 January 2018|work=Japan Times|date=20 October 2015}}</ref>


==Pitching style== ==Pitching style==
Kawakami throws a fastball around 90&nbsp;mph (tops out at 94), shuuto (sinker), slow ], splitter, and a good cutter.<ref>{{cite news|title=Player Card: Kenshin Kawakami|url=http://www.brooksbaseball.net/landing.php?player=499877|accessdate=29 November 2014|publisher=Brooks Baseball}}</ref> Kawakami throws a fastball around 90&nbsp;mph (tops out at 94), shuuto (sinker), slow ], splitter, and a good cutter.<ref>{{cite news|title=Player Card: Kenshin Kawakami|url=http://www.brooksbaseball.net/landing.php?player=499877|access-date=29 November 2014|publisher=Brooks Baseball}}</ref>


==Outside baseball== ==Outside baseball==
In response to the ] in Japan, Kawakami donated $50,000 to relief efforts.<ref>{{cite news|first=Carroll |last=Rogers |title=Kawakami donates $50,000 to relief efforts in Japan |date=2011-03-20 |publisher=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |url=http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2011/03/20/kawakami-donates-50000-to-relief-efforts-in-japan/ |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |accessdate=2011-03-21 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322084350/http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2011/03/20/kawakami-donates-50000-to-relief-efforts-in-japan/ |archivedate=2011-03-22 }}</ref> In response to the ] in Japan, Kawakami donated $50,000 to relief efforts.<ref>{{cite news|first=Carroll |last=Rogers |title=Kawakami donates $50,000 to relief efforts in Japan |date=2011-03-20 |publisher=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |url=http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2011/03/20/kawakami-donates-50000-to-relief-efforts-in-japan/ |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=2011-03-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322084350/http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2011/03/20/kawakami-donates-50000-to-relief-efforts-in-japan/ |archive-date=2011-03-22 }}</ref>


==References== ==References==
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*{{Japanese baseball|id=1026}} *{{Japanese baseball|id=1026}}
{{Baseballstats|mlb=499877|espn=30131|br=k/kawakke01|fangraphs=9225|brm=kawaka001ken}} {{Baseballstats|mlb=499877|espn=30131|br=k/kawakke01|fangraphs=9225|brm=kawaka001ken}}
* {{in lang|ja}}
* *
:
:<br>


{{s-start}} {{s-start}}
{{s-ach|aw}} {{s-ach|aw}}
{{succession box|before=]<br>]|title=]|years=2004<br>2006|after=]<br>]}} {{succession box|before=]<br />]|title=]|years=2004<br />2006|after=]<br />]}}
{{s-end}} {{s-end}}


{{Japan baseball roster 2008 Summer Olympics}}
{{Central League ROYs}} {{Central League ROYs}}
{{Eiji Sawamura Award}} {{Eiji Sawamura Award}}
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Latest revision as of 23:15, 3 October 2024

Japanese baseball player (born 1975)

Baseball player
Kenshin Kawakami
Kawakami with the Atlanta Braves in 2009
Pitcher
Born: (1975-06-22) June 22, 1975 (age 49)
Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
Batted: RightThrew: Right
Professional debut
NPB: April 9, 1998, for the Chunichi Dragons
MLB: April 11, 2009, for the Atlanta Braves
Last appearance
MLB: September 9, 2010, for the Atlanta Braves
NPB: June 13, 2014, for the Chunichi Dragons
NPB statistics
Win–loss record117–76
Earned run average3.24
Strikeouts1,381
MLB statistics
Win–loss record8–22
Earned run average4.32
Strikeouts164
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Kenshin Kawakami (川上 憲伸) (born June 22, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Chunichi Dragons and in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves.

Japanese career

He originally pitched for the Chunichi Dragons of the Central League. Kawakami was the Rookie of the Year in 1998 as he went 14–6 with a 2.57 ERA. He helped the Dragons to the Central League Title in 1999, but would lose in the Japan Series in 5 games to the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks. He has pitched a no-hitter in his professional career. In 2004, Kawakami went 17–7 and led Chunichi to the Central League Title, though they fell to the Seibu Lions in 7 games in the Japan Series. That year, Kawakami was named Central League MVP and received the Eiji Sawamura Award as Japan's best pitcher. Kawakami again won 17 games in 2006 and led the Dragons to the Central League title again, winning Game 1 of the Japan Series against the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters.

In 2007, Kawakami helped the Dragons end a streak of 53 years without a championship as they beat the Nippon Ham Fighters in 5 games.

Major League Baseball career

On January 13, 2009, Kawakami signed a three-year deal with the Atlanta Braves.

Kenshin Kawakami threw his first game as an Atlanta Brave on February 26 in a Spring training game against the Pirates. Kawakami pitched two innings allowing one hit and striking out one batter.

Kawakami pitching for the Atlanta Braves in 2009

Kawakami pitched his first Major League game on April 11, 2009 against the Washington Nationals. He picked up his first Major League win, giving up 3 earned runs, and striking out 8 in 6 innings. On May 22 and against countryman Daisuke Matsuzaka at Fenway Park, he limited the Boston Red Sox to two hits and two earned runs in six innings and helped the Braves begin a 13-game stretch with an 8–2 win over the Red Sox.

Kawakami went 1–10 in 2010 and recorded nine straight losses before picking up his first win on June 26 against the Detroit Tigers at Turner Field. He pitched seven innings with six strikeouts in a 4–3 win for the Braves. After being sent to the bullpen, Kawakami only pitched once in 40 games, where he performed poorly, allowing 2 runs in one inning. On November 12, following the season, the Braves outrighted Kawakami to their Double-A affiliate, the Mississippi Braves.

During the 2010 season, a group of fans would dress as "Kenshin's Geishas" to support Kawakami during homestands.

Return to Japan

After spending the entirety of the 2011 season pitching at the AA level for the Mississippi Braves, Kawakami agreed to a contract with his previous team, the Chunichi Dragons of Japan's Central League.

Kawakami struggled with injury upon his return to the Dragons, making only a combined 12 starts during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. He went 3–1 with a 2.83 in seven starts during 2012 and 1–1 with a 3.21 ERA in five starts during 2013. Due to shoulder pain, he did not make his first start in 2013 until 22 August.

On 22 November 2013, the Chunichi Dragons announced that they had signed Kawakami to a 1-year extension. However he only managed six starts in 2014 and was not resigned for the 2015 season, he announced his retirement in October 2015.

Pitching style

Kawakami throws a fastball around 90 mph (tops out at 94), shuuto (sinker), slow curveball, splitter, and a good cutter.

Outside baseball

In response to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Kawakami donated $50,000 to relief efforts.

References

  1. "Braves land Japanese ace Kawakami". ajc.com. January 10, 2009. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
  2. "Atlanta agrees to terms with Japanese pitcher Kenshin Kawakami". Archived from the original on June 16, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
  3. "Kawakami shuts down Nationals in major league debut as Braves win". ESPN. April 11, 2009. Archived from the original on November 8, 2018. Retrieved April 13, 2009.
  4. "Kawakami faces down Dice-K, Sox". Archived from the original on June 16, 2011. Retrieved April 21, 2023.
  5. "Tigers vs. Braves - Game Recap - June 26, 2010 - ESPN". Archived from the original on November 8, 2018.
  6. "Braves outright Kawakami to Double-A | MLB.com: News". Archived from the original on November 17, 2010.
  7. "Oh No, no, no, no". May 14, 2010.
  8. "Kenshin Kawakami is headed back to Japan". January 27, 2012.
  9. "川上 憲伸(中日ドラゴンズ) | 個人年度別成績".
  10. "戦力外の中日・川上にDeNAら複数球団興味". Sponichi (in Japanese). October 4, 2013.
  11. "中日ドラゴンズ 公式サイト - ドラゴンズニュース ★川上憲伸投手と契約".
  12. "Ex-Dragons hurler Kawakami announces retirement". Japan Times. October 20, 2015. Retrieved January 31, 2018.
  13. "Player Card: Kenshin Kawakami". Brooks Baseball. Retrieved November 29, 2014.
  14. Rogers, Carroll (March 20, 2011). "Kawakami donates $50,000 to relief efforts in Japan". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on March 22, 2011. Retrieved March 21, 2011.

External links

Awards
Preceded byKei Igawa
Hiroki Kuroda
Central League Best Nine Award for Pitcher
2004
2006
Succeeded byHiroki Kuroda
Hisanori Takahashi
Japan roster2008 Summer Olympics
Central League Rookie of the Year Award
Eiji Sawamura Award
Central League MVP Award
Chunichi Dragons Opening Day starting pitchers
Categories: