Sasaki Roki, a remarkable individual with an extraordinary story, was born on 3 November 2001 in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture. He shares this prefecture with Ohtani and holds the distinction of being the second oldest among three boys.

The Great Eastern Japan Earthquake Survivor

In 2011, on 11 March, the M9.1 Great Eastern Japan Earthquake struck. Sasaki was among the survivors. This tragic event claimed the lives of his father, grandparents, and his home. As a result, he was forced to relocate to the relatively nearby city of Ofunato.During his high school years, Sasaki possessed a fastball that exceeded 160kph, breaking Ohtani's velocity record. His exceptional pitching skills caught the attention of major league scouts long ago. In 2019, the Marines selected him with their first pick.

The Perfect Game Prowess

In 2022, Sasaki sent shockwaves throughout the baseball community. At the young age of 20 years and five months, he became the youngest pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball history to throw a perfect game. He demonstrated remarkable control, striking out a record 13 batters in a row and tying the single-game mark with a total of 19 strikeouts.His success didn't end there. In his very next start, he pitched eight perfect innings and struck out an impressive 14 batters. However, he was pulled in the ninth inning because his pitch count had reached 102 and his team couldn't manage to score.

National Team Debut and Timing

Sasaki made his national team debut at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Japan went on to win the tournament, and fate seemed to play a role as he made his first start for Japan on 11 March – exactly 12 years to the day of the catastrophe. This event added an extra layer of significance to his baseball journey.Sasaki's story is one of resilience, talent, and timing. His achievements on the baseball field have left an indelible mark and continue to inspire both fans and fellow players. His fastball, with its incredible velocity and precision, has become a symbol of his prowess. He represents the spirit of Japan and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.