Stanford’s Rintaro Sasaki Embraces Life as College Baseball Pioneer

STANFORD, Calif. (AP) — Rintaro Sasaki, a freshman baseball player at Stanford University, made waves with his unconventional journey from high school baseball in Japan to the NCAA. On Friday, February 7, 2025, Sasaki arrived at the Sunken Diamond baseball field on an electric bike, food in hand, excited for lunch before hitting the batting cage.

“When I kept getting flat tires on my old bike, my teammates advised me to get an upgrade,” Sasaki explained, embracing his new life as a college athlete. “Now, I love this bike as much as I love being a Stanford baseball player.”

Sasaki, a 6-foot, 275-pound slugger, bypassed the traditional path of entering Japan’s professional baseball leagues to join Stanford, which could fast-track his aspirations for Major League Baseball. He will make his college debut against Cal State Fullerton and play at home against Washington the following week.

“I’m very proud to be a Stanford baseball player, but also kind of nervous. It should be fun,” he said. Balancing rigorous academic obligations and a demanding baseball schedule, he remarked, “It’s a long day every day, but I enjoy American life and Stanford life.”

His transition has not only been smooth in terms of baseball but also socially. Senior catcher Charlie Saum noted that Sasaki frequently invites him to In-N-Out Burger, quickly mastering American fast-food favorites like double-doubles and animal-style fries.

Recently, Sasaki took part in an exciting event, tossing T-shirts into the crowd during a Stanford men’s basketball game. Imaging the atmosphere, he recalled, “I pointed up into the stands and let the rolled shirt fly with a perfect follow-through.”

Aware of the challenges ahead, Sasaki expresses maturity beyond his years. He recognizes learning English as vital and has immersed himself in the language, often opting to speak English over Japanese. “That’s sick,” he remarks with pride, a colloquial expression that has become commonplace among his peers.

Saum describes Sasaki as an incredible teammate, saying, “I was anxious about how he would adapt to playing baseball in a new culture. From day one, he was determined to do it on his own.” Despite being granted translation assistance for his classes, Sasaki declined, stating, “I want to do this on my own.”

As a player with prior experience in Japan, Sasaki joined the MLB Draft League after the 2023-24 season, where he showcased his powerful left-handed swing with the Trenton Thunder.

His parents instilled the importance of education alongside athletics, making his college journey all the more essential. Sasaki emphasized his aspiration to be a role model for young Japanese athletes, saying, “You can come here and you can make it.”

“If my journey can inspire the young people, that’s great,” he added. “I don’t know if I will be successful, but I’m challenging myself in life doing something no one’s done before.”

Veteran coach David Esquer shared his admiration for Sasaki’s tenacity. “He showed courage to move here just weeks after high school and adapt to a whole new lifestyle. He’s a Stanford guy — someone who wants to change the world.”

Sasaki plans to enter the MLB amateur draft after his sophomore season, but for now, his focus remains on maximizing his college experience. “The one word to describe him is courageous,” Esquer said. “He’s planted himself in America and embraced every challenge.”