Akira Neo
Japanese baseball player (born 2000)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Akira Neo (根尾昂, Neo Akira; born April 19, 2000) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher and former infielder/outfielder for the Chunichi Dragons of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
| Akira Neo 根尾昂 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Chunichi Dragons – No. 30 | |
| Infielder / Pitcher | |
| Born: April 19, 2000 Hida, Gifu, Japan | |
Bats: Left Throws: Right | |
| NPB debut | |
| September 29, 2019, for the Chunichi Dragons | |
| NPB statistics (through 2025 season) | |
| Batting average | .273 |
| Home runs | 10 |
| RBI | 107 |
| Win–loss record | 0-1 |
| ERA | 4.09 |
| Strikeouts | 38 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| Teams | |
| |
Early career
A highly touted two-way talent when playing for Osaka Tōin High School, Neo contributed to his school's back to back wins at the 2018 spring invitational tournament and the summer national championships.[1]
On 20 October 2018, Neo was the contested 1st draft pick for the Chunichi Dragons, Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, Tokyo Yakult Swallows and Tokyo Yomiuri Giants at the 2018 NPB Draft.[2] Rights to negotiate for Neo's contract were won by the Dragons.[2][3][4][5] On 4 November, Neo signed a pre-contract with the Dragons guaranteeing a ¥100,000,000 sign-on bonus and a ¥15,000,000 yearly salary with ¥50,000,000 in incentives.[6]
Professional career
Chunichi Dragons
2019
Neo had been earmarked to start spring training with the first team,[7] but a pulled calf during an individual training session on 24 January confirmed a start with the second team.[8]
Neo had a slow start in the Western League batting under .200 for the first few months of his professional career before hitting .324 during the month of June.[9]
On July 10, it was confirmed that Neo would be starting the annual Fresh All-Stars game for the Western League alongside fellow 2018 draftees, Kōdai Umetsu and Kōta Ishibashi.[10]
Play style
Personal life
Neo was a Japanese champion alpine skier in middle school and represented Japan at an international tournament in Italy.[12] As a middle-school student, Neo played for Hida Boys with Kenshin Kakikoshi with whom he was reunited by with the Dragons at the 2018 draft. [13]
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