Yutaka Enatsu

Who is Yutaka Enatsu?

Yutaka Enatsu is a former Japanese pitcher regarded as one of best Japanese pitchers of all-time. In 1968, he recorded 401 strikeouts, which is still the world record. He recorded 9 consecutive strikeouts in one of the 1971 All-Star games, and 15 consecutive strikeouts in three of the All-Star games between 1970 and 1971. His consecutive strikeouts were broken up by Katsuya Nomura. The two records are still unbroken. In 1985, he attempted to play in Major League Baseball, but generated little interest because at 36 years old, he was near the end of his career.

Enatsu is a major shadow-figure in Yoko Ogawa's novel The Housekeeper and the Professor.