The catcher's position requires a lot of standing and sitting and quick movements...so it's easy to hurt your back, but thanks to this belt, I can play without worrying about my back.”
Hikaru Ito (伊藤 光, Itō Hikaru) is a talented professional Japanese baseball player, known for his catcher position on the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Ito’s baseball career was first influenced by his father when he began playing as a pitcher and infielder in Okazaki as a child. He later transitioned to catcher during his time at the East Nagoya Stars baseball club in Tokai Junior High.
In Meitoku Gijuka High School, Ito excelled as a catcher, leading his team in RBIs during the Kochi prefectural Spring baseball tournament, hitting an impressive 13 home runs throughout his high school career. In 2007, he was selected as the third-round pick by the Orix Buffaloes in the high school draft. Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, Ito established himself as the main catcher, achieving All-Star game appearances and even receiving Best Nine and Golden Glove awards for his outstanding catcher performance.
Known for his well-rounded playing style, speed, offense, and defense, Hikaru Ito has become a valuable player to the Yokohama DeNa BayStars and continues to impress with his ability to bring out the best in pitchers.
STATS:
Yokohama DeNA BayStars – No. 29
Catcher
Born: April 23, 1989 (age 34)
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
NPB debut
September 13, 2008, for the Orix Buffaloes
Teams
- Orix Buffaloes (2008–2018)
- Yokohama DeNA BayStars (2018–present)
Career highlights and awards
- Best Nine Award winner (2014)
- NPB All-Star (2013–2014)
- Golden Glove Award winner (2014)