Tokyo International News Agency

In a rivalry matchup between the Yomiuri Giants and the Hanshin Tigers at Tokyo Dome on August 11, 2026, Hanshin Tigers infielder Teruaki Sato stunned fans with an astounding display of power. In the top of the ninth inning, Sato smashed a towering two-run home run—his 24th of the season—estimated at a staggering distance of 146 meters (479 feet), hitting the right-center field electronic billboard directly. With a blistering exit velocity of 180 km/h (112 mph) and a launch angle of 24 degrees, the ball struck the "RENOSY" digital billboard high above right-center field. The blast set a new record for the longest home run distance in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) across both leagues this season. Sato's moonshot marks the first time a batter has hit the right-field billboard at Tokyo Dome since Yoshitomo Tsutsugo in 2015, and the very first since the stadium upgraded its billboards to LED digital displays in 2022. For hitting the target, Sato was awarded the "Big...

On July 5, during a professional baseball game between the Hanshin Tigers and the Hiroshima Toyo Carp at Hanshin Koshien Stadium, a hit and aggressive baserunning by Hanshin's Teruaki Sato sent the term "running home run" (the Japanese term for an inside-the-park home run) trending on social media, sparking massive excitement online. The highlight-reel play began with a sharp hit by Sato to right field. Hiroshima's right fielder, Takayoshi Noma, misplayed the ball, letting it get past him. Amid the ensuing chaotic throw, Sato used his blazing speed to sprint all the way around the bases and slide safely into home plate. The stadium erupted into a thunderous, earth-shattering roar. In the wake of this dramatic moment, social media was temporarily flooded with ecstatic posts declaring, "Satoteru hit an inside-the-park home run!" However, under official baseball rules, if a runner reaches home plate due to a defensive error, it cannot be recorded as an inside-t...

Hanshin Tigers' Teruaki Sato delivered an outstanding performance in the game against the Chunichi Dragons on the 11th, highlighted by two massive home runs, including back-to-back shots, contributing 5 RBIs. His ninth-inning blast to the backscreen, in particular, has become a major talking point among baseball fans. While Sato hit two home runs that day, the most attention-grabbing was his powerful shot deep into the middle of the backscreen in the 9th inning. Many fans lauded this hit as 'awe-inspiring' and 'a shocking bomb.' It stood out distinctly from balls hit into the newly established Home Run Terraces (colloquially known as the 'Lucky Zone') at Vantelin Dome Nagoya (formerly Nagoya Dome), unequivocally proving his prowess as a genuine power hitter. On social media, comments poured in, such as 'That second backscreen homer was spectacular,' 'A backscreen blast at Vantelin is insane,' and 'Teruaki Sato, launching balls into Vantel...

Teruaki Sato of the Hanshin Tigers, widely known by the trending baseball keyword “Satoteru,” garnered significant attention on social media during the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). Japanese baseball fans were captivated by his every at-bat, with many expressing fervent hopes for dramatic developments. Across numerous posts, particularly during the tense late innings of the WBC, fans envisioned “manga-like” scenarios. Comments like “Ohtani ties it with a solo shot in the final inning → Satoteru hits a walk-off homer to seal the win!” or “Ohtani gets intentionally walked, and Satoteru hits a go-ahead grand slam – thank you!” circulated widely. The passionate belief that “only a Satoteru grand slam can settle this” and the fans' deep hopes for the team's fate spread rapidly across social media. Indeed, Sato, alongside Shota Morishita, played crucial roles for the Samurai Japan team during challenging moments. Many praised their contributions, remarking, “It was truly excelle...

In a practice game between Japan's national baseball team, “Samurai Japan,” and the Chunichi Dragons, Hanshin Tigers player Teruaki Sato delivered a spectacular performance, thrilling many fans. In the very first inning, right after the game began, Sato launched a go-ahead three-run home run off Chunichi's starting pitcher, Yuya Yanagi, securing crucial early runs for his team. This impressive hit was an estimated 131-meter blast that easily cleared the newly installed “Home Run Wing” at Vantelin Dome. His powerful drive showcased the caliber expected from last season's Central League MVP. In the dugout, teammate Shohei Ohtani was seen reacting with visible joy to Sato's colossal hit, with the camaraderie between these star players drawing significant attention. On social media, praise for Sato's performance poured in, with comments like “Sato-Teru is the best!”, “Unbelievable!”, and “A true monster!” Users exclaimed, “Samurai Japan's Teruaki Sato is on another ...

Hanshin Tigers infielder Teruaki Sato (26) announced on January 30th that he had agreed to a single-year contract totaling 500 million yen (including incentives) in Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture. This unusually large single-year deal was concluded after prolonged negotiations, allowing him to avoid a "self-funded camp" just before spring training began. The new contract includes a base salary of 450 million yen with up to 50 million yen in incentives, representing a substantial 300 million yen raise for Sato, and the largest salary increase in team history. However, this single-year contract format is widely believed to be strongly influenced by his long-rumored aspirations to play in Major League Baseball. Many fans and media outlets analyze that this single-year contract was chosen as a temporary compromise following negotiations with the team regarding a potential MLB challenge via the posting system. On social media, comments like "Is the single-year contract a ne...

On the 2nd, the Hanshin Tigers concluded their professional baseball season with a dramatic finale featuring young slugger Teruaki Sato's historic performance and an emotional retirement ceremony for long-serving veteran Fumihiro Haraguchi. These poignant moments, delivered with exceptional care by the official team streaming service 'Tora Tele,' garnered widespread praise from fans. Teruaki Sato Achieves Third Club-Grown Player Milestone The Tigers secured a resounding victory in the game. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Teruaki Sato ignited the team by smashing his 40th home run of the season, a two-run blast to right field. With this monumental hit, Sato reached 40 home runs and 100 RBIs, becoming only the third player in franchise history to achieve this feat as a club-grown player, following Koichi Tabuchi and Masayuki Kakefu. On social media, fans erupted in cheers, with messages like 'Congrats Teru on 40 HRs, 100 RBIs! Truly a year of awakening!' reflectin...

The Hanshin Tigers concluded their 2025 season with a commanding 6-2 victory over the Yakult Swallows in the final professional baseball game of the season, ending on a high note. In this game, star slugger Teruaki Sato achieved a historic feat, electrifying countless fans. In the first inning, Sato reached 100 RBIs for the season with a sacrifice fly. Then, in the fifth inning, he launched a powerful 40th two-run home run just inside the left-field foul pole, completing his 40-homer season. This remarkable achievement – simultaneously reaching 40 home runs and 100 RBIs as a player drafted and developed by the team – is the first since Masayuki Kakefu 40 years ago. On social media, fans widely praised his clutch performance and record-breaking achievement with comments such as “This is a true star player!” and “He answered the ‘Bring it on!’ with a single swing.” The success of young players also shone brightly. Ukyo Maekawa hit his first three-run home run of the season, contributin...

On September 15, 2025, during a Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) game between the Hanshin Tigers and the Chunichi Dragons, Hanshin's Teruaki Sato put on a spectacular display, creating a huge buzz with his nickname "Satoteru" trending on social media. Sato was in phenomenal form that day, launching a 38th two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth inning, and ultimately going on a rampage with a total of two home runs and five RBIs. Baseball commentator Shinya Miyamoto praised his powerful hitting, calling it "a 'Satoteru' day," as Sato led his team to victory. Fans expressed their excitement with numerous comments such as "Satoteru was amazing!" "Satoteru is the best‼️" and "Satoteru hit two home runs⚾️✨ incredible🥹👏," indicating that his powerful bat electrified the stands. With this performance, Teruaki Sato reached 38 home runs and 96 RBIs for the season. Fans are eagerly anticipating the milestone of 40 home runs and ...