Yokohama BayStars cleanup hitter Bobby Rose enjoyed a 10-point lead in this year's Central League batting title race on Friday, Aug. 18. He was ahead of the runnerup, Yomiuri Giants slugger Hideki Matsui, .345 to .335. But the next day, Rose found himself in second place, 39 points behind the new leader, Yokohama teammate Tatsuhiko Kinjo and his .384. What happened? Where did Kinjo come from? Who is this guy? What's going on here?
Kinjo is a second-year pro, a 23-year-old utilityman not expected to see much varsity action for the BayStars this season, let alone become a contender for the Central League batting crown. Then came April 16. Yokohama was playing the Giants at the Tokyo Dome and, in a game where the Giants had a big lead, Yomiuri closer Hiromi Makihara was called in to mop up the ninth inning. Kinjo was sent up to pinch hit in what appeared to be a classic overmatch: the crafty, confident veteran pitcher vs. an untested youngster.
But, to the surprise of all, Kinjo slammed a Makihara serving deep into the right-field stands at the Big Egg. The blast meant nothing to the game, but eyes, especially those of Yokohama manager Hiroshi Gondo, were opened. Shortly thereafter, Gondo needed a fill-in for injured center fielder Toshio Haru, and he put Kinjo in the lineup every day at that position.