Umpire Takuto Kawakami Seriously Injured and Unconscious After Being Hit by Bat; NPB to Penalize 'Dangerous Swings'

(Central News Agency, Tokyo, 12th, comprehensive foreign report) Japanese professional baseball umpire Takuto Kawakami was hit in the head by a batter's bat during a game last month and fell unconscious, and has not yet regained consciousness. NPB decided to penalize 'dangerous swings' starting today. Violators could face ejection, and the rules apply to both the first and second leagues.

Japanese media Sponichi Annex and Kyodo News reported that on April 16, during a game where Kawakami was serving as the home plate umpire, Tokyo Yakult Swallows batter Jose Osuna's bat slipped from his hands during a swing and hit Kawakami on the left side of his head.

Kawakami immediately staggered backward a few steps, fell to the ground, and was carried off the field. Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) later explained that the 30-year-old Kawakami was initially admitted to the intensive care unit, then transferred to a regular ward, but has not yet regained consciousness and is still receiving treatment.

In response, NPB decided that starting April 18, all home plate umpires in all games must wear helmet-style masks.

After the incident, NPB also began evaluating new regulations, and then finalized the new rules for 'dangerous swings' yesterday with the executive committee composed of 12 NPB teams.

According to the new regulations, a 'dangerous swing' occurs when the bat leaves both of the batter's hands. The first offense will result in a 'warning,' and the second offense will result in 'ejection.' If the bat directly hits another person, the player will be immediately ejected.

Furthermore, if the bat flies into the dugout, camera area, or spectator stands, even if it does not hit anyone, the player will be immediately ejected.

The above new regulations take effect today and apply to both the first and second leagues of NPB. (Compiler: Yang Wei-ching) 1150512

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