24-0 Season Record
Masahiro Tanaka posted an unprecedented 24 wins, 0 losses, and 1.27 ERA in 2013. An undefeated 24-win season was NPB's first and likely unrepeatable. He started 28 games, throwing 212 innings with 183 strikeouts. The 1.27 ERA was post-2000s NPB's best, demonstrating overwhelming dominance. Including 2012, he achieved 30 consecutive regular-season wins.
Rakuten's First Championship
Tanaka's 24-0 directly powered Rakuten's inaugural 2013 Japan Series title. Against Yomiuri, he started Games 2 and 6 for 2 wins. In Game 7, despite throwing 160 pitches the previous day, he volunteered for relief duty, retiring the final batter as winning pitcher. This controversial Game 7 appearance symbolizes team devotion. Rakuten's first title brought immense courage to Tohoku, devastated by the 2011 earthquake.
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2013 Rakuten championship books offer useful context
Seven Yankees Years
Tanaka joined the New York Yankees in 2014 on a 7-year, $155 million contract reflecting high evaluation. His rookie 13 wins, 5 losses, and 2.77 ERA proved immediate impact. Seven MLB seasons totaled 78 wins, 46 losses, 3.74 ERA. His splitter was highly rated as an effective breaking ball against MLB hitters. He returned to Rakuten in 2021, continuing NPB play.
Tanaka's Legacy
Combined NPB-MLB career approaching 200 wins demonstrates transpacific pitching greatness. Tanaka's legacy encompasses the immortal 24-0 record and delivering Rakuten's first championship. His 2013 season ranks among NPB's most dominant ever. Tanaka's embodiment of pitching for the team inspires young pitchers as the professional ideal.