Hirokazu Ibata

Name, first name: Ibata Hirokazu（井端弘和）

Team: Chunichi Dragons

Number: 6

Position: Infielder (Short Stop)

Date of birth: 12.05.1975

Place of birth: Kanagawa

Height/Weight: 173cm/75kg

Blood type: B

Throws/Bats: Right/Right

High School/University: Horikoshi/Asia

Draft: 1997 (No. 5)

Awards: Best 9 (2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007), Golden glove (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009).

Comment: He is one of Japan's best short stops. Along with the 2B Masahiro Araki, he forms a sensational pair known as "Araiba combi". Ibata is also known for his "astonishing settlements". For instance, he said that he played catch with his golden glove in one occasion. He was unable to play during the half of the 2010 season because of an injury.

2010 stats:

AVG	G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	R	RBI	SAC	SB
.261	53	212	47	6	0	0	18	16	6	0