Sammary of Natsuki Takeuchi’s Career
Natsuki Takeuchi is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher known for his precise control and strategic approach to the game. Born on July 21, 2001, in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Takeuchi has built a promising career in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He began his professional journey with the Saitama Seibu Lions (2024–present), where he quickly established himself as a reliable left-handed starting pitcher. His pitching repertoire includes a fastball reaching 154 km/h, complemented by a two-seam fastball, curveball, changeup, slider, forkball, and cutter. His ability to control the inside corner against left-handed batters has been a defining characteristic of his pitching style.
Career from Middle School Onward
Takeuchi’s baseball journey began in elementary school when he joined the Higashi Chiku Fighters. During middle school, he played for the Ori Aishin Middle School baseball team, where he initially focused on batting before transitioning to pitching. In high school, he attended Yahata Minami High School, where he became the team’s ace pitcher in his second year. Despite his strong performances, his team did not qualify for the Koshien Tournament, with their best result being a third-round exit in the Fukuoka Prefecture Tournament. After high school, Takeuchi enrolled at Kokugakuin University, where he continued to refine his pitching skills. His standout moment came in the Meiji Jingu Baseball Tournament, where he pitched a near-perfect game, allowing no walks and securing a complete-game shutout. His performances earned him a spot on the Japanese national team for the Japan-U.S. University Baseball Championship in 2023. In the 2023 NPB Draft, Takeuchi was a highly sought-after prospect, receiving first-round bids from three teams: Saitama Seibu Lions, Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, and Tokyo Yakult Swallows. The Lions won the lottery, securing his signing with a contract worth 100 million yen plus incentives.
Unique Traits and Memorable Moments
Takeuchi stands out among pitchers due to his exceptional control and deceptive pitching mechanics. His delivery motion hides his left arm, making it difficult for batters to time their swings. One of his most memorable performances was his NPB debut on April 3, 2024, where he pitched seven scoreless innings with seven strikeouts, securing his first professional win. His ability to control the game was further demonstrated in his May 19, 2024, outing against the SoftBank Hawks, where he pitched eight scoreless innings before leaving due to a leg cramp. Takeuchi also showcased his elite pickoff ability, leading the league with five successful pickoffs in his rookie season. His mental toughness was evident when he bounced back from a four-game losing streak to pitch a complete-game shutout against the Chiba Lotte Marines on September 16, 2024. His rookie season ended with 10 wins, a 2.17 ERA, and the Pacific League Rookie of the Year award.
Personality, Family, and Personal Life
Off the field, Takeuchi is known for his humble and hardworking nature. He grew up as a Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks fan, even being a member of their fan club for ten years. His hobbies include camping and spending time in nature, which he finds relaxing. Despite his rising fame, he prefers a simple lifestyle, often wearing vintage clothing. Takeuchi is also focused on nutrition and physical conditioning, recognizing the importance of maintaining his stamina throughout the season. His dedication to improvement is evident in his offseason training, where he works on mental resilience and pitch refinement. His philanthropic efforts include mentoring young pitchers and supporting youth baseball programs in Japan. Despite his serious demeanor on the mound, Takeuchi has a playful side, often engaging in friendly banter with teammates and sharing humorous anecdotes about his early struggles in professional baseball.
Takeuchi’s journey from a promising high school pitcher to an established NPB star is a testament to his dedication and adaptability. His unique pitching style, resilience, and strong personal values make him a standout figure in the world of baseball.