This belt connects the balance of my upper and lower body…I feel the belt supports my lower back all the time.”

Seiichi Uchikawa (内川 聖一, Uchikawa Seiichi) is a distinguished former professional Japanese baseball player known for his versatility as both a first baseman and outfielder in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). 

Uchikawa's baseball career first took off when he was selected as first-pick by the Yokohama BayStars in the 2000 NPB draft. On March 30, 2001, he made his NPB debut and steadily climbed the ranks. However, it wasn’t until 2008 that he truly rose to fame, boasting a league-leading .378 batting average that demonstrated his exceptional talent on the plate.

In 2010, Uchikawa experienced intense negotiations between the Yokohama BayStars, Hiroshima Toyo Carp, and Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, and later opted to exercise his free agent option to join the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, signing a four-year-long deal worth up to an impressive 1.36 billion yen. Later, in December 2020, he continued his career with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, furthering his status as a valuable player. After a long and thriving career, Uchikawa announced his retirement on September 27, 2022, leaving a legacy cherished by baseball fans and players alike.

STATS:

First baseman, Outfielder

Born: August 4, 1982 (age 40)

Ōita, Japan

Batted: Right

Threw: Right

 

NPB debut

March 30, 2001, for the Yokohama BayStars

 

Last NPB appearance

October 3, 2022, for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows

 

Career statistics

  • Batting average: .302
  • Home runs: 196
  • Hits: 2,186
  • RBI: 960

 

Teams

  • Yokohama BayStars (2001–2010)
  • Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (2011–2020)
  • Tokyo Yakult Swallows (2021–2022)

 

Career Highlights and Awards

  • 6× NPB All-Star (2008, 2009, 2011–2013, 2017)
  • 8× Japan Series champion (2011, 2014, 2015, 2017–2021)
  • 3× Climax Series MVP (2011, 2015, 2017)
  • 5× Best Nine Award (2008–2009, 2011–2013)
  • 2× NPB All-Star Game MVP (2013, 2017)
  • Pacific League MVP (2011)
  • Japan Series MVP (2014)
  • Interleague play (NPB) MVP (2011)
  • Central League Batting Champion (2008)
  • Pacific League Batting Champion (2011)
  • Central League OBP champion (2008)
  • Central League Hits champion (2008)
  • Pacific League Hits champion (2012)

 

Medals

  • Men's Baseball - Representing Japan
  • World Baseball Classic
    • Gold medal, 2009 Los Angeles