Tokyo International News Agency

Rintaro Sasaki, currently a standout student-athlete at Stanford University, sent shockwaves through the college baseball world on April 26 (local time) by hitting a dramatic, game-winning walk-off grand slam. Facing the nation's 8th-ranked powerhouse, Florida State University, Sasaki stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the 9th inning and hammered his 14th home run of the season—a grand slam into the left-center field stands. This incredible blast secured a come-from-behind victory for Stanford and marked their first sweep in an ACC series this season. The impact of the hit was so immense that even the broadcast announcers were heard shouting in disbelief, "Are you kidding me?" as the stadium erupted in a standing ovation. Sasaki tossed his helmet aside in celebration as he was mobbed by his teammates at home plate. Social media has been buzzing with praise, with fans calling the moment "straight out of a manga" and marveling at his "monstrous power...

Rintaro Sasaki of Stanford University is making an astounding impact in US collegiate baseball. This season, he hit his 10th home run, including his first collegiate grand slam, setting a new record for a Japanese player in NCAA Division I. This remarkable achievement was accomplished in just 30 games, a pace significantly faster than previous Japanese record holders such as Seiichiro Oyama (9 HR in 59 games for UC Irvine, 2024) and Shintaro Inoue (9 HR in 58 games for Kansas State University, 2025). Having hit 7 home runs last season, Sasaki has already reached double-digit home runs in his second year, demonstrating incredible growth. Sasaki's 10th home run, a grand slam, was a powerful shot traveling over 120 meters, electrifying the stadium. Social media exploded with comments like “He's a monster,” “His pace is completely broken,” and “That's how a star does it,” with some even calling it “evolution shaking America” and saying he's “dominating, not just adapting.” ...