The Last Pacific League Triple Crown
Nobuhiko Matsunaka won the 2004 Triple Crown with .358 average, 44 home runs, and 120 RBIs. The first Pacific League Triple Crown since Boomer Wells (1984) and still the last as of 2026. Matsunaka joined Daiei as a 2nd-round 1997 pick, developing under manager Oh. Career totals: 1,848 games, .296 average, 352 home runs, 1,168 RBIs. The 352 home runs are a Hawks franchise record as the 2000s Pacific League's premier slugger.
Hawks Golden Era Cleanup
From Daiei's 1999 first championship through the 2000s golden era, Matsunaka anchored the cleanup spot. Among sluggers Kokubo, Iguchi, and Johjima, Matsunaka provided the most consistent batting. His 2003 Japan Series .364 average significantly contributed to the title. The 2004 Triple Crown combined .358 high average with 44-homer power. Like MLB's Albert Pujols, he was valued for combining average and power.
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WBC National Team
Matsunaka batted cleanup for Japan in the 2006 inaugural WBC. Under manager Oh, he anchored the lineup without Ichiro and Matsui, contributing to Japan's first world title. His WBC .346 average demonstrated international-caliber performance. Matsunaka calls playing WBC under Oh his greatest experience. His WBC success under the manager who developed him represented a beautiful mentor-student culmination.
Triple Crown books offer useful context
Matsunaka's Legacy
Matsunaka retired in 2015. Late-career injuries prevented recapturing peak form, but the 2004 Triple Crown shines in NPB history. His legacy elevated Pacific League hitter recognition. In a league receiving less attention than the Central, Matsunaka's Triple Crown generated major attention, spotlighting Pacific League hitters. For Hawks fans, Matsunaka symbolizes the golden era cleanup.