Wladimir Balentien could've been written off as a one-year wonder after hitting 31 home runs in his first season in Japan, way back in 2011. Or as just a flash in the pan after doing it the next season. No one could deny Balentien his due after he shattered the NPB record with 60 home runs in 2013, or after 31 the next season, and definitely not after 31 more in 2016.
If there's one thing "Coco" Balentien has been consistently good at since joining the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, it's putting the ball over the fence. He hit his 30th homer of this season last week, reaching that mark for the sixth time in seven years. The only season he's finished with fewer than 30 was 2015, when he only played 15 games because of injuries.
"To be honest, in this league, it's hard for a player to be consistent," Balentien told The Japan Times. "The pitchers make a lot of adjustments during the year. To be able to do this for six seasons, it's something that makes me feel proud of myself. Because of all the work I put in, the dedication and the discipline I have for the game."