Kazuya Fukuura

Kazuya Fukuura (福浦 和也, born December 14, 1975) is a Japanese professional baseball first baseman for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. He began his career as a pitcher.

His play and build drew comparisons to former Chicago Cubs player Mark Grace.

Career
Starting his career as a pitcher before transitioning to a first baseman, Fukuura's skill set drew comparisons to former Chicago Cubs player Mark Grace. His debut in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) came in July 1997, marking the beginning of a prolific career. Over the years, Fukuura achieved a batting average of .284, with 118 home runs and 935 RBIs, reaching the significant milestone of 2,000 hits.

His accolades include three NPB All-Star selections (2000, 2004, 2005), three Golden Glove Awards (2003, 2005, 2007), and a Best Nine Award in 2010. Notably, he was the Pacific League Batting Champion in 2001 and contributed to the Japan Series Championships for the Marines in 2005 and 2010. Fukuura's consistent performance, characterized by a career .302 batting average as of 2005, and his ability to maintain an average above .300 every season since 2001, underscore his prowess as a contact hitter in a position often dominated by power hitters.

His exceptional double plays, leading the Pacific League with 50 doubles in 2003 and again in 2004 with 42, demonstrate his remarkable ability as a hitter. Despite the competitive environment and the presence of other talented players, Fukuura's dedication and skill earned him a place in the Meikyukai in 2018, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the sport.

In addition to his playing career, Fukuura also served as a coach for the Chiba Lotte Marines, sharing his experience and knowledge with the next generation of players. His legacy as a franchise player for the Marines, spanning over two decades, reflects not only his individual achievements but also his commitment to the team and the sport of baseball in Japan. Kazuya Fukuura's career is a testament to his enduring talent and the impact he has had on Nippon Professional Baseball.