(SIGNED IN CANADA FOR 2023) Starting/Relief Pitcher with Pro Experience in USA/JAP/AUS currently in Australia.
Name: Chikara Igami
Height: 177cm
Weight: 88kg
DOB: June 14, 1996
Date Available: March 14, 2023
Bats: L
Throws: R
Positions: SP
Positions (alt): RP
College:
Personal
Chikara’s fast ball averages from the high 80s to low 90s (mph), while his cutter sits in the mid-80s. He has both a two- and four-seam fastball, as well as a curve and change-up.
He has been a starter, middle reliever and closer, so he offers versatility to a team.
Chikara is a very hard worker who wants to get better and reach the U.S. minor leagues.
Since he has already played in Australia and has used up his working-holiday visa, he is looking for a little meal money to get by.
Career highlights
- Has experience in independent leagues in the U.S., Australia and Japan
- 9-5 overall record
- All-star team selection in Empire League (U.S.) in 2019
- Team won league championship
- 2-0 with 2.35 earned-run average
Overseas Goals
Chikara wants to extend his career through an overseas opportunity and use that experience as a springboard to a league in the U.S.
He also enjoys experiencing new cultures and environments, as his previous time in the U.S. and Australia attests.
Articles/Recognitions
Baseball Challenge League Profile
THUNDERBIRDS BIGGEST COMEBACK IN TEAM HISTORY EXTENDS EPBL LONGEST WINNING STREAK TO 9
THUNDERBIRDS POWER OVER SURGE IN MAYORS SERIES GAME 1
— 井神力 (@riotelle1818) July 7, 2019
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Playing Experience
Stats
Pro/Overseas Pitching
| Year | Team | ERA | GS | CG | IP | H | SO | BB | HBP | R | ER | Wins | Losses | SV | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Plattsburgh Thunderbirds | 5.63 | 9 | 1 | 46.3 | 60 | 36 | 25 | 4 | 32 | 29 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1.84 |
| 2019 | Saranac Lake Surge | 5.31 | 7 | 0 | 40.7 | 51 | 36 | 17 | 5 | 31 | 29 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1.67 |
| 2019 | Carina Redsox | 2.35 | 3 | 0 | 23.0 | 21 | 20 | 9 | 1 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.30 |
| 2021 | Ibaraki Astro Planets | 1.93 | 0 | 0 | 9.3 | 13 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.14 |
| 2022 | Oosterhout | 4.39 | 1 | 0 | 26.2 | 27 | 23 | 23 | 3 | 16 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1.9084 |
| 2022-2023 | Geelong Korea | 2.45 | 1 | 0 | 3.2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.09 |
Video Highlights
Testimonials
Chikara is a player who represents the league, such as a being selected as an all-star in the Empire League.
He throws 93mph fastball, and makes use of a nasty Curve, Slider, Changeup and a two-seam fastball.
In addition, he has a good mind and knows how to behave as a professional. Also knowing how to make in game adjustment on how to get hitters out.
There are not a lot of players that I’ve met that work hard and show commitment to the game like Chikara. He is a great person with very strong leadership. He is a team guy, and knows the game very well. He would be a great addition to any club that picks him up.
I was with Chikara in Canberra, Australia in 2017-2018. He is a guy who I want on the mound the whole season and especially in big games. He has a firm fastball, bitting slider, and a nasty splitter. His splitter has made a lot of batters in Australia look bad. He will take the mound and go the distance. I have no doubt in his abilities on the mound.
As a teammate, it’s hard to ask for a better one. He goes out of his way to help his teammates and friends in anyway he can. He is not an “I” guy, he is a team guy.
His work ethic is one of the best I’ve seen as an import player. He is always bettering himself physically and properly recovering after pitching.
He coached our youth players as well in Australia and the kids love him. He has a great way with young kids and gets the most out of them.
He is an import whose main priority is baseball, you will never find him having any issues off the field.
On a personal note, he is a really great guy and a really good pitcher. I would consider him a friend for life. Teams that don’t want a big personality or any issues off the field he would fit in perfectly with.
Additional Info
Playing preferences: Europe Semi-pro (ie. Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, France etc.), Europe Pro (Italy, The Netherlands), Australia Semi-pro (State Leagues), Australia Pro (Australian Baseball League), New Zealand Semi-pro, South Africa Semi-pro, Asia Pro (Japan, Korea, Taiwan), Canada semi-pro (Intercounty Baseball League, NBSBL, QSBL, etc.), Latin America pro (Guatemala, Colombia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, DR, etc), American Indyball
Living preferences: Private living arrangement (apartment to self), Shared living arrangement, own bedroom, Shared living arrangement, shared bedroom, Give me a floor, pillow and a mat to sleep on, Host Family
Return home: I can stay as long as it takes to complete a season
Recent injuries/illnesses: I did TJ surgery 2 years ago.
Traveling with a companion: No
Educational background: High School Graduation