The 1985 Draft Tears
Kazuhiro Kiyohara set a Koshien record with 13 career home runs at PL Gakuen and desperately wanted to join the Yomiuri. When they chose teammate Masumi Kuwata instead, Kiyohara wept on camera in the draft's most iconic moment. Drafted first by Seibu, he hit 31 home runs as a rookie to win Rookie of the Year, a record for a high school graduate.
Seibu's Cleanup Star
Kiyohara anchored Seibu's cleanup during seven consecutive pennants (1986-1992), forming the 'AK Cannon' with Koji Akiyama. His ability to crush inside fastballs with one devastating swing earned the 'genius' label. He hit 304 home runs in 11 Seibu seasons.
Yomiuri Move and Late Career
His 1997 FA move to the Yomiuri never matched his Seibu peak due to chronic knee injuries. He retired in 2008 with Orix, finishing with 525 career home runs (5th all-time), .272 average, and 1,530 RBI. His NPB-record 196 hit-by-pitches reflected a career spent being attacked inside.
Glory and Fall
Kiyohara's 2016 arrest for stimulant drug possession shocked the baseball world. His conviction and banishment from baseball highlighted the challenges of athlete second careers and post-retirement mental health. The contrast between 525 home runs and a drug conviction makes Kiyohara's story one of NPB's most complex narratives.