Trailblazer Sasaki forges unique path, continuing his challenge at Stanford

Even after 9 p.m., his day is far from over.

Stanford University sophomore Rintaro Sasaki gets going at 8 a.m., moving through weight training, classes, team practice, and then individual workouts. His schedule, mapped out in 30-minute blocks, leaves almost no room to breathe. The only real break comes during a 30-minute lunch. (That Sasaki is even at Stanford comes from a major break in orthodoxy, opting to come to America for college instead of entering the NPB Draft in 2024 where he was expected to be the top pick.)

Once his individual training ends, it’s time to focus on his role as a student. Day after day, he sits down with stacks of reference materials, working through his academic assignments.

“The hardest part is managing myself and my time,” he said, after a brief pause when asked about the challenges of studying abroad.

He has grown accustomed to life overseas, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. If anything, the level of self-discipline required of him has only increased.

“Physical fatigue is one thing, but controlling your emotions and your thoughts is harder,” he said. “Even when you’re doing something you love, it’s not always easy to maintain the same level of motivation every single day.”

If a student-athlete doesn’t maintain the required academic standards, they aren’t allowed to play in games. Sasaki, fully committed to his studies as a “Student Athlete,” earned last year’s honor of being named to the ACC All-Academic Team, which recognizes players who excel both on the field and in the classroom.

In high school, he struggled with a series of injuries, so he began working closely with strength and conditioning coaches to rebuild his body and prevent future setbacks. Last season, that preparation paid off, as he played a full season without missing a single game. In 52 games, he recorded 54 hits, seven home runs, 41 RBIs, a .269 batting average and a .790 OPS, respectable numbers for a freshman.

Yet Sasaki remains self-critical.

“Honestly, I feel last year was disappointing. I expected a bit more from myself.”

Still, the challenges were clear. He struggled with fastballs, and his fouls and grounders against them increased. Later in the season, he tended to pull the ball more than desired.

During the offseason, he focused on revamping his hitting. He practiced sending the ball all around the field, concentrating on “regaining my most valuable skill: hitting.”

“As a middle-of-the-order hitter, contributing with my bat is my role,” he said.

With the new season approaching, Sasaki’s preparation is well underway.

In MLB, there are alumni from Stanford who successfully balanced academics and baseball. Cal Quantrill of the Rangers, a Stanford graduate, said, “I was excited to hear that Sasaki chose my alma mater. I’ve even been keeping an eye on his game stats. I hope one day we can play on the same stage.”

Quantrill is also encouraged for Sasaki’s life off the field, “I know baseball and academics keep you busy, but make the most of it, expand your experiences, and make lots of friends in college. College friendships are irreplaceable.”

When Sasaki visited Stanford, he met Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner.

“His family really values education, so I think going to college and taking on new challenges was an excellent choice," Hoerner said. "He’s opening a new path. I think he’s showing Japanese high school players that this kind of option exists for them too.”

Hoerner, who is from California, reflected on why he chose Stanford himself: “I’m from that area, and my family also placed a high value on education. It was ideal to have both baseball and academics together.”

Hoerner still cherishes his time at the school.

“In college sports, you form incredibly strong bonds with your teammates. Whether it’s on the field, in class or at parties, you spend all your time with the same people. You learn a lot from each other and understand the importance of friendship. That’s something you can only experience in college.”

Sasaki’s busy schedule sometimes leaves him feeling tired or unaccomplished. On planes and buses, he fights off sleep as he opens his laptop and types away, only to arrive at his destination having made little progress.

This experience isn’t unique to him. Major Leaguers like Hoerner and Quantrill have surely faced the same challenge. Yet, all the time he spends moving between classrooms, gyms and the field is building the foundation for his professional career.

The encouragement from MLB alumni who graduated from the same university gives Sasaki’s daily grind real meaning and the strength to keep pushing forward.

Hearing their words brought a smile to his face.

“I didn’t even know they were checking games and stats, so I was really surprised," Sasaki said. "It made me so happy. It makes me want to give it my all again starting tomorrow.”

During his Little Senior days, Sasaki trained under Shohei Ohtani’s father, Toru Ohtani, before going on to attend Hanamaki Higashi High School, where his own father serves as head coach. Under his father’s leadership, the program has produced Major Leaguers such as Ohtani and Yusei Kikuchi.

In high school, Sasaki drew major attention as the cleanup hitter for Hanamaki Higashi, and his choice of path in his senior year attracted even more attention.

While Kikuchi and Ohtani pursued careers in Japanese professional baseball with the dream of “one day playing in the Major Leagues,” Sasaki chose a different path -- attending college in the United States instead of going pro in Japan. Though their ultimate goal is the same, he decided to take a “different road” from the players he admired.

In last October’s professional baseball draft, Sasaki was selected first overall by Japan’s SoftBank Hawks.

“I was honestly thrilled,” he said, recalling the moment as a return to his childhood self -- a baseball-loving boy nervously watching older acquaintances being drafted on TV. But now, at age 20, his goals are clearer.

“My responsibility now is to compete as a member of Stanford. I don’t know how things will turn out in the end, but for now, I want to focus on the season ahead,” he said, his expression resolute.

The success of Hanamaki Higashi alumni Kikuchi and Ohtani continues to inspire him, even after moving to the U.S.

“They’ve always been my idols, and that hasn’t changed,” he said.

To take even a single step closer those players he looks up to, Sasaki’s challenge continues.