Rintaro Sasaki: Japan’s Home Run King Embraces College Baseball in U.S.

Before Stanford's home opener against Washington in late February, a crowd of autograph seekers gathered near the Cardinal dugout—not for a coach or a returning star, but for 19-year-old freshman Rintaro Sasaki, already hailed as college baseball’s next breakout star.

Chants of “Rintaro! Rintaro!” echoed around Sunken Diamond. The young slugger had yet to make his mark in the NCAA, but his legacy in Japanese baseball already preceded him.

Sasaki, who shattered Japan’s high school home run record with 140 career blasts, made headlines by choosing an unprecedented path: bypassing Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to play college baseball in the United States—something no top Japanese prospect had done before.

“This life belongs to me,” Sasaki said through a translator. “So I don’t want others to decide it for me.”

Rewriting the Rules of a Japanese Baseball Legacy

At Hanamaki Higashi High School, Sasaki played under his father, who also coached Shohei Ohtani and Yusei Kikuchi, both now MLB pitchers. While his peers expected him to be a top NPB draft pick, Sasaki envisioned something different: a chance to grow both athletically and academically in America.

His decision stunned Japan’s baseball world. By attending Stanford, Sasaki delayed professional earnings and endorsements in favor of education, challenge, and a new route to the majors. Unlike NPB prospects, who must wait years or rely on Japan’s posting system to move to MLB, Sasaki will be eligible for the MLB draft in 2026—the same as any other four-year college player.

“I wanted to play baseball here at Stanford while also studying, gaining experience from both sides,” Sasaki said. “That’s how I feel.”

Adjusting to American Life and the College Game

Now settled in California, Sasaki is adapting to both campus life and Division I baseball. He rides an e-bike across Stanford’s campus, studies hard, and has developed a fondness for In-N-Out’s root beer and animal-style fries. Teammates, in turn, lean on him for sushi recommendations.

On the field, Sasaki has shown flashes of brilliance. He hit safely in 11 of his first 13 games, drove in 14 runs across 11 games, and went deep twice in a single game against Duke in March. Still, his transition hasn’t been without growing pains: he’s batting .267 with four home runs over 135 at-bats, and has recently hit a rough patch, managing only 7 hits in his last 53 appearances.

“The expectation that Rintaro would become dominant immediately is a little unfair,” said Stanford head coach David Esquer. “Baseball is a journey.”

And Sasaki seems up for the ride. He’s become a fully integrated member of the team, celebrated victories, mourned losses, and picked up game plans—including bunt defenses and infield communication—with speed and precision.

“He understands baseball,” Esquer said. “He’s not a shy baseball player.”

A Cultural Bridge—and a New Blueprint

To ease his transition, Sasaki connected with Junpei Tomonaga, a Japanese baseball veteran and longtime U.S.–Japan liaison. Tomonaga admires Sasaki’s courage more than his power:

“He didn’t take the easiest path. He likes the challenge.”

Sasaki narrowed his college choices to Stanford, Cal, UCLA, and Vanderbilt, ultimately choosing Stanford for its academics, coaching staff, and competitive environment.

Stanford catcher Charlie Saum, who hosted Sasaki during his campus visit, recalls being struck by Sasaki’s humility and bravery:

“He was using Google Translate back and forth with me on road trips. Now he’s joking and laughing with everyone.”

His English has progressed rapidly, and Sasaki now does much of his media interaction without an interpreter.
 

Carrying a Nation’s Expectations

While Sasaki’s arrival has helped Stanford gain attention, it has also raised expectations—for both player and team. After a hot start, Stanford (18–14, 6–12 ACC) has struggled in conference play, losing 11 of its past 12 ACC games. Sasaki, too, has cooled off. But for him, it’s all part of a bigger picture.

“I’m carrying Japan’s pride on my back,” he said. “So I’d like to play with my head up high.”

His dream remains the same: to one day join Ohtani and Kikuchi in Major League Baseball, whether alongside them or across the diamond.

In forging a new path from Japan to the U.S., Rintaro Sasaki has already changed the game. As he continues to adapt and grow—on the field, in the classroom, and under the spotlight—his journey is shaping up to be one of college baseball’s most compelling stories.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more on international stars, MLB draft prospects, and the evolving global game of baseball.