Satoshi Iriki, the first Japanese player to play in the KBO League after the introduction of the foreign player system in Korea Professional Baseball, passed away in a car accident.
The Japanese professional baseball Yakult Swallows team conveyed the obituary of Iriki today (11th) and paid tribute.
Nikkan Sports reported, “On the afternoon of the 10th, a traffic accident occurred in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Prefecture, and Iriki died. He is 56 years old.”
After graduating from high school, Riki Iriki played in social baseball, then joined the Kintetsu Buffaloes in 1990 and started his career in Nippon Professional Baseball. 스포츠토토
After playing for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, Yomiuri Giants, and Yakult Swallows, Iriki signed a foreign player contract with the Doosan Bears in 2003.
He was the first Japanese player to play in Korea since 1998, when the KBO League introduced a foreign player system.
Riki Iriki appeared in 39 games for Doosan and posted an ERA of 3.74 with 7 wins, 11 losses and 5 saves.
He had five complete games and three complete shutouts.
Riki Iriki, who played for the 2004 Taiwan Professional Baseball Laneu Bears, retired after the season.
Iriki’s younger brother, former pitcher Yusaku Iriki, is the current Orix coach. The Iriki brothers also played together at Yomiuri.