Sky Perfect TV Announces August Sayanara Award Winners for 2023

Sky Perfect TV Announces August Sayanara Award Winners

Sky Perfect TV, a leading sports broadcasting network in Japan, has announced the winners of the August Sayanara Award, aimed at celebrating the most impactful game-winning hits in professional baseball. This initiative, established in 2012, rewards one player from each the Central and Pacific Leagues who delivers a dramatic walk-off hit during any given month. Both winners receive a trophy and a cash prize of 300,000 yen sponsored by Sky Perfect TV.

The winners for August 2023 were announced on September 12. Munetaka Murakami of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows earned the award for the Central League, while Yuma Tonomiya from the Orix Buffaloes secured the honor for the Pacific League. Both players were celebrated in award ceremonies at their respective stadiums.

Winner Highlights

Munetaka Murakami (Tokyo Yakult Swallows)

Murakami expressed his happiness at receiving the prestigious award, saying, "I am thrilled to be chosen for such an incredible recognition. I have hit walk-off home runs before but hadn't received the award until now, so it brings me immense joy! My aim during the at-bat was to get on base and contribute to the game. It was a significant moment for me, hitting a walk-off home run after a tough season with injuries."

The highlight of Murakami's performance came during a match against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars on August 12, where he hit a stunning two-run walk-off home run that crashed into the back screen in the bottom of the ninth inning. The game had been tightly contested, tied at 1-1, following a previous struggle with pitching from both teams. Murakami's decisive hit not only clinched the game for his team but also reaffirmed his return as a powerhouse in baseball after recovering from injuries earlier in the season. This win also marked the third consecutive month a player from Tokyo Yakult received the Sayanara Award, a feat last achieved by the Hiroshima Carp in 2022.

Yuma Tonomiya (Orix Buffaloes)

Yuma Tonomiya shared his thoughts on his achievement: "With the score at a one-run deficit, I stepped up to the plate focused on tying the game. I was delighted to deliver a hit that helped secure a victory for my team. I even stumbled before first base after the home run, but thankfully I wasn't hurt!" He emphasized his determination to keep striving for success as the season draws to a close, with less than 30 games remaining.

Tonomiya's remarkable moment came during a match against the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters on August 1, where he faced crucial pressure in the ninth inning. With the Orix Buffaloes trailing 1-2, he stepped up with runners on second and third base and delivered a dramatic three-run walk-off home run, flipping the game's outcome in favor of his team. This performance highlighted Tonomiya's ability to deliver in clutch situations and marked his first career walk-off home run.

About the Sayanara Award

Designed to honor players who deliver the most impressive game-winning hits monthly, the Sayanara Award has gained recognition since its inception. Sky Perfect TV began broadcasting all official games of the Central and Pacific League since the 2006 season. Their commitment to showcasing the intensity of baseball, right up to the final pitch, aims to enhance fans' experience and contribute to the growth of professional baseball in Japan.

In a similar vein, they also established the annual "Dramatic Sayanara Award Grand Prize" in 2009, celebrating the most dramatic walk-off hits throughout the regular season. These awards continue to build excitement around baseball and highlight extraordinary talent in the sport.