Masanichi Kaneda

Kaneda, a fastballer born to Korean parents, won at least 20 games in Japan each year from 1950 through 1964, twice winning 30. While going 30-17 in 1963, he refused to pitch without three days’ rest, causing a national uproar as the first pitcher to violate the ironman “Code of the Samurai.” In 1964, he became the first Japanese star to play out his option and switch teams, leaving Kokutetsu for Yomiuri. There, he immediately rejected strict and strenuous team discipline, choosing to train himself, inciting another uproar.