Image by: Gizzo media Posted on: @twinsbaseball.nl / @honkbalhoofdklasse
The Oosterhout Twins have pulled off one of the most eye-catching signings in recent Honkbal Hoofdklasse history with the arrival of Ayumu Ishikawa, a former NPB Rookie of the Year and long-time ace of the Chiba Lotte Marines. The Japanese right-hander brings more than a decade of top-level professional experience to the Netherlands and immediately elevates the competitive level of Dutch baseball.
Who Is Ayumu Ishikawa?
Ayumu Ishikawa (石川 歩), born April 11, 1988, is a Japanese professional pitcher best known for his consistency, command and durability at the highest level of Asian baseball. After announcing his retirement from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) following the 2025 season, Ishikawa chose a new challenge overseas, signing with the Twins Oosterhout in the Netherlands’ premier baseball league.
From Overlooked Prospect to NPB Star
Amateur & Industrial League Years
Despite dominant college numbers at Chubu University, including a 0.69 ERA in spring 2010 and 1.27 ERA in fall, Ishikawa went undrafted in 2011. He joined Tokyo Gas in Japan’s industrial league, where his development over three seasons transformed him into one of the most sought-after arms in the country.
At the 2013 NPB Draft, both the Yomiuri Giants and Chiba Lotte Marines selected Ishikawa in the first round. Lotte won the draft lottery, and Ishikawa officially entered NPB in 2014.
Dominance with the Chiba Lotte Marines
Rookie of the Year (2014)
Ishikawa made an immediate impact in his rookie season:
- 10–8 record
- 3.43 ERA
- 1.26 WHIP
- Led Lotte’s rotation in wins, ERA and WHIP
His performance earned him Pacific League Rookie of the Year, marking him as one of the league’s top new pitchers.
Sustained Excellence (2015–2025)
In 2015, Ishikawa followed up with 12 wins, becoming the first Lotte pitcher in 64 years to begin his career with back-to-back double-digit win seasons.
Over 10 NPB seasons, his résumé includes:
- 79 wins – 66 losses
- 3.49 ERA
- 1,211 innings pitched
- 769 strikeouts
- 2018 NPB All-Star selection
Even as injuries and workload management shaped later seasons, Ishikawa remained a reliable rotation piece known for control, pitchability and professionalism.
Career Numbers at a Glance
Across 12 professional seasons (including foreign leagues):
- 89–73 record
- 3.45 ERA
- 1,355.1 innings
- 863 strikeouts
- 1.22 WHIP
These numbers underline a pitcher who succeeded through precision and intelligence rather than raw velocity, an ideal profile for international competition.
Why Ishikawa Chose the Oosterhout Twins
After the 2025 season, Ishikawa was offered a coaching role with the Chiba Lotte Marines. Instead, he opted to continue playing, embracing a new cultural and competitive challenge with the Oosterhout Twins.
For the Twins, this signing represents:
- One of the most accomplished pitchers ever to play in the Hoofdklasse
- Immediate leadership for a pitching staff
- Valuable experience for young Dutch and international players
What Ishikawa Brings to the Hoofdklasse
- Elite game management developed in NPB
- Consistency over long seasons
- Professional preparation and leadership
- International credibility for Dutch baseball
His presence is expected to raise both the competitive standard and global visibility of the Honkbal Hoofdklasse.
A Landmark Signing for Dutch Baseball
The arrival of Ayumu Ishikawa at the Oosterhout Twins is more than a transfer, it is a statement. A former NPB Rookie of the Year, All-Star and decade-long rotation anchor choosing the Netherlands highlights the growing appeal of Dutch baseball on the international stage.
As the Hoofdklasse season unfolds, all eyes will be on Oosterhout to see how Ishikawa’s elite experience translates to European diamonds, and how much impact one of Japan’s most respected pitchers can make in his next chapter.