Masahiro Tanaka

In 2013, Masahiro Tanaka led Rakuten to their first Japan Series title, creating a legend that remains in baseball history. He achieved an astonishing season record of 24 wins, 0 losses, and 1 save, extending his winning streak from the previous year to 28 games to set a world record. He swept major titles including the Sawamura Award and MVP. In Game 7 of the Japan Series, despite pitching a complete game loss the night before, he took the mound as the closer in the bottom of the 9th. Amidst the roaring cheers of the stadium, his spirited pitching made him the championship-winning pitcher.

Takahiro Norimoto

In 2013, Takahiro Norimoto was Rakuten's young ace who achieved a feat second only to Masahiro Tanaka despite being a rookie. After joining as a second-round draft pick, he was selected as the Opening Day starter due to Tanaka's participation in the WBC. He recorded 15 wins (8 losses), the first time a Pacific League rookie had reached 15 wins in 25 years, and won the Rookie of the Year award. In the Japan Series, he started Games 1 and 5, and pitched brilliantly in relief in Game 7 to bridge the gap to Tanaka. His aggressive pitching contributed greatly to the team's first championship.

Motohiro Shima

In 2013, Motohiro Shima was the cornerstone of the defense who supported the pitching staff with exceptional game-calling and led Rakuten to their long-awaited first Japan Series title. Leading the team as the starting catcher, he supported ace Masahiro Tanaka's historic 24-0 record and the rise of rookie Takahiro Norimoto with his skillful inside work. He also recorded a career-high batting average of .257. In the tense bottom of the 9th inning of Japan Series Game 7, he caught for Tanaka, orchestrating a moment of joy that remains in baseball history. It was a brilliant year in which he won both the Best Nine and Golden Glove awards.

K.C. McGehee

In 2013, Casey McGehee was the ultimate foreign infielder who led the Rakuten lineup with extraordinary power. As the cleanup hitter, he appeared in all 144 games, posting a fierce stat line of a .292 average, 28 home runs, and 93 RBIs. His powerful combination in the heart of the order with Jones, who batted third, was a threat to other teams and contributed significantly to the club's first league championship. He demonstrated his clutch hitting by launching two home runs in the Japan Series and received the Best Nine award as a third baseman. A key figure in the victory, he was loved for his passionate attitude toward the fans and his teammates.