Hideki Okajima

Hideki Okajima is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher whose career spanned nearly two decades in both Nippon Professional Baseball and Major League Baseball. Okajima was drafted in the third round by the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball, launching a long career in Japan before making his mark internationally. He played with the Giants until 2006, primarily as a setup man, and served as the team's closer for two seasons. Okajima won championships with the Giants and was a three-time Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star, recognized as a leading relief pitcher in Japanese baseball prior to his move to Major League Baseball.

Okajima became known for a distinctive pitching style, turning his head downward and jerking it toward third base during delivery—a motion inspired by a pitcher in the manga "Ace!" His left-handed delivery and ability to change speeds made him challenging for hitters, and he often relied on sinkers and sliders to generate ground balls and strikeouts. Before joining Major League Baseball, Okajima contributed to the championship-winning Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, coming out of the bullpen 55 times with a 2.14 ERA, aided by an adjustment to his delivery that improved his control.

During the 2006–2007 offseason, Okajima signed a two-year contract with the Boston Red Sox. Despite the attention surrounding fellow Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, Okajima quickly established himself as a key reliever. At the start of the Red Sox season, Okajima stepped into the role of primary setup man for closer Jonathan Papelbon, becoming one of the most effective relievers in Major League Baseball. Okajima finished his rookie season 3-2 with five saves and a 2.22 ERA, and was elected to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game via the All-Star Final Vote.

Okajima's most significant achievement came in the postseason, when he helped the Red Sox capture the World Series title. He became the first Japanese-born pitcher to play in the World Series, appearing in Game 2. Okajima delivered 2⅓ innings alongside Jonathan Papelbon to secure a Red Sox victory over the Colorado Rockies. His five seasons in Boston established him as a reliable presence in one of baseball's most storied bullpens.

After his tenure with the Red Sox, Okajima pitched for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Nippon Professional Baseball, as well as the Oakland Athletics in Major League Baseball. Over his Nippon Professional Baseball career, he compiled a win-loss record of 38–40 with a 3.19 ERA and 760 strikeouts, while in Major League Baseball he went 17–8 with a 3.09 ERA and 216 strikeouts. Okajima's career honors include three Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star selections, five Japan Series championships, a Major League Baseball All-Star appearance, and a World Series title. Okajima retired from professional baseball, recognized for his contributions to the advancement of Japanese relief pitchers in Major League Baseball.