Birth of the Fighting General
Senichi Hoshino joined Chunichi as the 1969 first-round pick from Meiji University. The right-hander recorded 146 wins, 121 losses, 3.60 ERA. While a quality player, Hoshino's true value emerged as manager. The Fighting General nickname reflected fiery management and demanding player guidance. Frequent ejections for umpire protests earned massive fan support. His cry of I want to win! endures as an NPB famous quote.
Championships with 3 Teams
Hoshino managed Chunichi (1987-91, 1996-2001), Hanshin (2002-03), and Rakuten (2011-14), winning pennants with all three - NPB's only manager to achieve this. Chunichi pennants came in 1988 and 1999, Hanshin's 2003 pennant ended an 18-year drought, and Rakuten's 2013 pennant and Japan Series title were franchise firsts. Hoshino's managerial hallmark was instilling fighting spirit.
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2003 Hanshin Championship
Hoshino's most dramatic achievement was Hanshin's 2003 pennant. Hanshin hadn't won since 1985 during the so-called dark ages. Hoshino delivered the championship in year two, bringing euphoria to Hanshin fans. He acquired Kanemoto and Irabu through FA and trades, dramatically strengthening the roster. Hoshino's do-anything-to-win attitude ended Hanshin's dark ages.
2003 Hanshin championship books offer useful context
Hoshino's Legacy
Hoshino passed away in January 2018 at 70. His legacy is the ability to transform weak teams into winners. Chunichi, Hanshin, and Rakuten all struggled pre-Hoshino - he instilled fighting spirit and winning obsession to achieve championships. He entered the Hall of Fame in 2017. Senichi Hoshino was NPB's most passionate manager, with his fighting spirit embodying Japanese baseball culture itself.