SkyPerfectTV Announces Winners of the Sayonara Award for March and April 2023

SkyPerfectTV is proud to announce the winners of the March and April 2023 Sayonara Award, a prestigious recognition for players who deliver the most impactful walk-off hits in Japanese professional baseball. Since its inception in 2012, the Sayonara Award has highlighted exceptional performances in both the Central and Pacific Leagues, awarding a trophy and a prize of 300,000 yen to the outstanding players each month.

On May 16, 2023, the winners were officially announced: Shunsuke Tamura from the Hiroshima Toyo Carp for the Central League and Yuya Gunjii from the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters for the Pacific League. Both players received their awards in ceremonies held at each of their respective stadiums, celebrating their remarkable achievements.

Comments from the Award Winners

Shunsuke Tamura (Hiroshima Toyo Carp): "I’m really thrilled, especially considering the ups and downs of the game. When we were tied after being ahead, I felt a strong determination to step up. It was my first time achieving this, making it even more special. The roar of the Mazda Stadium crowd pushed me to hit that home run. I’m deeply grateful to all the fans for their support."

Yuya Gunjii (Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters): "I’m incredibly thankful for this recognition. I hope there won't be any more dramatic walk-off homers this season since I aim for the annual award! My walk-off came in a tense situation during the twelfth inning, and I appreciate the fans who stayed until the end to cheer us on. I aspire to continue delivering such thrilling moments for them!"

Overview of Winning Plays

Central League - Shunsuke Tamura (Hiroshima Toyo Carp)

This was Tamura’s first award. On April 5, during the game against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars at Mazda Stadium, he hit a dramatic walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning. The game was tied 7–7 when Tamura stepped up to bat without any outs or runners on base. His hit sent the ball soaring into the right-center stands for a stunning walk-off victory, marking his first professional home run.

Earlier in the game, Hiroshima fell behind 2-0 but quickly equalized in the second inning thanks to timely hits. Despite a precarious situation where they were trailing 7-6 in the final moments, Tamura's decisive swing secured a hard-fought win for his team.

Pacific League - Yuya Gunjii (Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters)

This was also Gunjii’s first award. On April 11, at the Escon Field, he delivered a dramatic walk-off two-run home run in the bottom of the 12th inning against the Seibu Lions. The game had been a nail-biting pitchers' duel, with both starting pitchers keeping the score at zero until the ninth inning, and the tension carried into extra innings.

With two outs and a runner on second base, Gunjii stepped up as a pinch hitter. After a stolen base by his teammate, he capitalized on a pitch in a high-pressure situation, sending the ball over the right field fence. His heroic effort not only secured the game for his team, but also delivered their first walk-off victory of the season.

About the Sayonara Award

The Sayonara Award recognizes players who demonstrate exceptional talent and impact on the game through their walk-off hits. Established by SkyPerfectTV, this award aims to acknowledge key contributions to the excitement of professional baseball in Japan. In addition to the monthly awards, an annual grand prize is also awarded for the most dramatic walk-off hit during the season. For more information on the Sayonara Award, visit the official website.