On March 15, 2025, Kadoaki Betsu, the 20-year-old left-handed pitcher from the Hanshin Tigers, made headlines with his stunning performance during a pre-season game against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome. Betsu pitched five perfect innings, marking his impressive entrance on the international stage against Major League Baseball talent.
Betsus background is noteworthy. Raised in Tobetsu (now Hidaka Town) in Hokkaido, he was chosen for the Nippon Ham Fighters Junior team during his elementary school days, showcasing his talent early on. He continued his development as he attended Tokai University Sapporo High School, where he gained significant attention by throwing pitches clocking at 150 kilometers per hour. His skills did not go unnoticed, as he was drafted second overall by the Hanshin Tigers during the 2022 draft.
Despite being thrust quickly to the professional arena, Betsu's rookie year saw him pitching just two games for the Hanshin Tigers. He made his first professional start where he performed admirably, throwing five scoreless innings. Yet, he still faced challenges, entering his second season without securing his first professional win across five starts. Nevertheless, his determination and talent gained him recognition, and during spring training of the current season, under manager Akihiro Yano, he was elected as one of the MVPs. This accolade propelled his ambition to secure a spot on the opening day roster.
During the game against the Chicago Cubs, which featured significant MLB stars including Justin Turner, who has 198 career home runs, Betsu exhibited remarkable skills. From the first inning, he demonstrated control and poise, facing off against top-tier hitters. Notably, he struck out Cubs player Pete Crow-Armstrong with his signature fastball, which averages around 140 kilometers per hour. His adept use of crossfire pitches, particularly against right-handed hitters, was emphasized by former Hanshin lefty Souji Toyama, who praised Betsu's ability to deliver consistent pitches compared to his peers.
Betsus mastery was evident as he consistently retired the Cubs' hitters with minimal effort. His performance included three fielder’s choices and some well-placed pitches, which kept even seasoned players from getting on base. When he faced Turner again, he efficiently struck him out, leading to the unanimous consensus among commentators and scouts alike about his talent and potential.
After leaving the mound following five flawless innings, Betsu expressed his joy and relief at performing under such substantial pressure. He remarked, "It was really fun, and I’m honestly happy"—his infectious excitement reflecting the dreams of many young athletes who aspire to face and triumph over professional players.
The Cubs, last season finishing third with a record of 83 wins and 79 losses, still fielded top-tier players, including the famed Seiya Suzuki, who Betsu also managed to neutralize. Despite Suzuki making solid contact during two at-bats, he was unable to convert those chances, which spoke volumes about Betsu's effective approach.
Looking forward, this exceptional outing has raised hopes for Betsu's future with the Tigers; as scouts and analysts suggest he’s poised for success this season. Betsus confidence, boosted by such impressive performances against major leaguers, sets him on course not just to secure his first professional win but also to become one of the prominent faces of Japanese baseball among younger players.
With expectations running high, his next appearance is predicted to be against the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, marking yet another step toward solidifying his place as a rising star. Observers note his resilience, potential for double-digit wins, and the fact he has learned valuable lessons from previous setbacks, including his earlier struggles with injuries and performance. Betsu's current high-caliber performance puts him on track not only to make heads turn but also to achieve significant milestones as the season progresses.
The 20-year-old has already shown he possesses the skill, determination, and the mental fortitude needed to shine at the pinnacle of Japanese baseball, and fans are eager to see how far he can go as he continues to develop this season and beyond.
