RIP. Legendary baseball player has died
Japanese baseball has lost one of the legendary pitchers who helped shape Hiroshima Carp's golden era.
Details: Former Hiroshima Toyo Carp pitcher Kojiro Ikegaya passed away on October 29, 2026, at the age of 74. According to Japanese media reports, the cause of death was multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. The club confirmed the passing of one of the most recognizable figures in its history.
Ikegaya joined Hiroshima in 1974 after being selected in the first round of the 1972 draft. Just one year later, the right-handed pitcher recorded 18 victories and played an important role in helping the Carp secure their first-ever Central League championship.
His greatest individual success came in 1976, when he registered 20 wins and received the prestigious Sawamura Award, presented to Japan's outstanding starting pitcher. That season, he also recorded 207 strikeouts, leading the league in that category.
After retiring in 1985, Ikegaya continued working in baseball as a pitching coach for Hiroshima and the Yomiuri Giants. He later became a television baseball analyst and remained a familiar figure to Japanese fans for many years.
It's worth noting that Ikegaya finished his professional career with 103 wins, 84 losses and 10 saves in 325 appearances, recording a 4.13 earned run average.
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