Teenage Regular
Drafted first overall in 2006 from Kosei Gakuin, Sakamoto became the Yomiuri' starting shortstop at 19 in 2008, an extraordinary achievement for the position. His combination of power hitting and defensive range marked him as a generational talent, contributing to the 2009 championship in just his second full season.
First Shortstop Batting Champion
Sakamoto's 2016 season of .312/40 HR/94 RBI earned the batting title and MVP simultaneously, all career highs at age 30. No shortstop had ever won the batting title in NPB history, and his 40 home runs tied the positional record, proving his offense transcended the shortstop category.
2,000 Hits and Records
Reaching 2,000 hits in 2020 at 31 years and 9 months (second-youngest in NPB history), Sakamoto became the first shortstop to reach the milestone. His career totals of roughly .280/280+ HR represent the greatest offensive production from a shortstop in NPB history, complemented by 4 Golden Gloves and 6 Best Nine selections.
Mr. Yomiuri Lineage
Following Nagashima, Oh, Hara, and Matsui in the 'Mr. Yomiuri's succession, Sakamoto has spent his entire career with the franchise as captain, approaching 2,500 career hits. Though age has prompted a move to third base, his legacy as the shortstop who redefined the position's offensive expectations is secure.