Professional Career
Egawa repeatedly attempted to join Yomiuri Giants, but failed every time. On November 21, 1978, he forcedly signed with Yomiuri Giants, but other baseball teams protested against the contract. Because there was no reverse-draft, his act was regarded as unfair by the other Japanese professional baseball teams. After many controversies, he officially entered Yomiuri Giants.
Egawa had over 10 wins each year from 1980 to his retirement. He recorded 8 consecutive strikeouts in 1984 All-Star game, but did not reach Yutaka Enatsu's record of 9 straight strikeouts.
In 1985, Randy Bass seemed to break Sadaharu Oh's single season record of 55 home runs. Therefore, pitchers in Yomiuri Giants were said to be given instructions to give intentional walks to Bass. However, Egawa ignored the indication in the first game of the two last Giants' games against Hanshin Tigers (1 hit-1 out-1 walk). After his leaving the mound, Bass received five walks of six at-bats.
On June 26, 1986, he gave up a home run to Bass, which was the last home run for Bass to hit home runs in 7 consecutive games. Sadaharu Oh's record is also 7 consecutive games. He was admired for his fair plays even though he was against his team's known wishes.
Read more about this topic: Suguru Egawa
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