Chihiro Kaneko put up big numbers last season, but was largely out of the spotlight when it was time to give out awards. This time around, the Orix Buffaloes ace was one of the main attractions.
Kaneko was named the 2014 Pacific League MVP at the NPB Awards on Wednesday night, adding the honor to what has already been a banner year for the 31-year-old pitcher.
"I didn't expect to be chosen, so I was surprised first of all," Kaneko said. "This is given to the season's best player, so it has a lot of value, and I'll be looked at as someone who has won it for the rest of my career. So I don't want to let up."