Kenji Johjima

Born: 6/8/1976 in Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan

MLB Debut: 2006-04-03 | Final Game: 2009-10-03

Bats: R | Throws: R | Height: 6'0" | Weight: 205 lbs

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Biography

Kenji Johjima was a Japanese professional baseball player who made a significant impact in Major League Baseball during his tenure from 2006 to 2009. Born in 1976, Johjima transitioned to the MLB after a successful career in Nippon Professional Baseball, where he established himself as a formidable catcher. He played a total of 462 games in the majors, achieving 431 hits and posting a batting average of .268. Known for his power at the plate, Johjima hit 48 home runs and recorded 198 RBIs, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively while also handling the demands of the catching position. Johjima's arrival in Major League Baseball coincided with a growing interest in international players, particularly from Japan, following the success of stars like Ichiro Suzuki. His playing style was characterized by a combination of solid defensive skills and a powerful bat, which made him a valuable asset to teams such as the Seattle Mariners. Over his four-year career, he not only adapted to the challenges of MLB pitching but also brought a unique cultural perspective to the game, further enriching the landscape of baseball during the mid-2000s. After retiring in 2009, Johjima left a lasting legacy as one of the pioneering Japanese catchers in the league.

Career Batting Statistics

G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	PIV
462	1609	166	431	84	1	48	198	7	66	148	0.268	0.310	0.411	0.721	-1691.4

Career AVG .268 vs. league average .266 across their career seasons — near league average.

Career OBP .310 vs. league average .335 across their career seasons — 7.2% below league average.

Career SLG .411 vs. league average .422 across their career seasons — near league average.

Career OPS 0.721 vs. league average 0.757 across their career seasons — near league average.

Season-by-Season Batting

Year	Team	Lg	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	BB	SO	AVG	Lg AVG	Lg OBP	Lg SLG	Lg OPS	PIV
2006	SEA	AL	144	506	61	147	25	1	18	76	3	20	46	0.291	.269 (+8%)	.336 (-1%)	.431 (+4%)	.768 (+2%)	166.7
2007	SEA	AL	135	485	52	139	29	0	14	61	0	15	41	0.287	.268 (+7%)	.335 (-4%)	.422 (+2%)	.758 (-1%)	-109.4
2008	SEA	AL	112	379	29	86	19	0	7	39	2	19	33	0.227	.263 (-14%)	.333 (-17%)	.416 (-20%)	.749 (-19%)	-1429.2
2009	SEA	AL	71	239	24	59	11	0	9	22	2	12	28	0.247	.262 (-6%)	.332 (-11%)	.417 (-3%)	.750 (-7%)	-319.4