(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Rising Star Shotaro Hashimoto Shines Bright at WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup 2025
Japanese pitching sensation Shotaro Hashimoto is making headlines at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup 2025, delivering back-to-back complete games without allowing a single run. The 12-year-old right-hander has already established himself as a key player for Samurai Japan, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
When asked about fatigue after pitching a full game, Hashimoto replied with confidence:
“Why would I feel tired?”
A Young Talent with Big Dreams
Hashimoto idolizes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Japan’s Olympic gold medalist and WBSC Premier12 winner. Like his role model, Hashimoto aims to play professional baseball and represent Japan on the international stage.
“I want to become a pro and keep wearing Japan’s jersey,” said Hashimoto. He began playing baseball at age seven and started throwing a slider—a pitch known for its difficulty—by age 10.
“I can command my fastball and consistently throw strikes,” he shared. “I use my changeup and slider to keep hitters off balance.”
Coach’s Praise
Hideaki Okubo, Samurai Japan’s manager and a former Olympic catcher, had high praise for the young pitcher.
“He impressed me from the very beginning, even in his first video submission. His understanding of the game is beyond his age,” Okubo commented through an interpreter.
Hashimoto isn’t just a pitcher—he’s also a two-way player with the potential to become a utility star for Japan’s future U-15 and U-18 teams.
Dominant Performances
On July 26, Hashimoto pitched a complete game against Cuba, throwing 80 pitches (60 strikes), allowing just 3 hits and 1 walk.
He topped that performance on July 31, when he held previously unbeaten Korea to just one hit over six innings, using 72 pitches—50 of them strikes.
In contrast, Japan required six pitchers to overcome the Dominican Republic the next day, highlighting Hashimoto’s exceptional efficiency.
A Team Player with the Right Mindset
Despite his individual brilliance, Hashimoto emphasizes teamwork.
“The goal is to get outs—not just strike batters out,” he said. “I rely on my teammates. Baseball is a team sport.”
His calm demeanor and maturity have already impressed coaches and fans alike.
Looking Ahead
With Japan currently on top of the Super Round standings (3-1), hopes are high for their first-ever U-12 Baseball World Cup title. And with Hashimoto leading the charge, their chances look better than ever.
Manager Okubo concluded:
“If I had another Hashimoto, I’d publicly declare we’re winning this World Cup.”
