 Though he can
still hit, 36-year-old Shinji Hata has
had too many injuries to play defense on
a daily basis. Working
primarily as a pinch hitter in 1997, the
aging slugger batted .270 in 63 at bats
while clubbing two home runs with 11 RBIs
and a .361 on base percentage.
Though playing
sporadically, he hits well in the clutch,
compiling a .333 average with runners in
scoring position last year. During last
year's Japan Series, Hata batted .500,
collecting three hits and three RBIs in
six at bats.
As much as
die-hard Hata fans would hate to admit
it, he would be much better off heading
to the Pacific League and serving some
team as designated hitter. That would at
least give him more of a chance to use
the one talent he has left: hitting.
Since 1985,
Hata has compiled a .265 career average
with 97 home runs, 333 RBIs and 131
doubles.
|
|
 |
| # 26 |
| Outfielder |
| Born:
7-29-62 |
| Height:
179 cm |
| Weight:
72 kg |
| Bats:
left |
| Throws:
right |
|
