Former MLB star Tsuyoshi Shinjo reveals why he used a $52.50 glove for 17 years without replacing it, thanks to his father's lessons

Tsuyoshi Shinjo says that he was able to use the same glove throughout his baseball career (Photo Source:Getty)
Tsuyoshi Shinjo says that he was able to use the same glove throughout his baseball career (Photo Source:Getty)

Tsuyoshi Shinjo might be one of the biggest and most lively personalities in the the baseball community. The former MLB outfielder and current manager of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters has gained a number of fans, as well as haters, because of his eccentric and sometimes outrageous antics.

Although Tsuyoshi Shinjo only spent three seasons in the MLB, he someone who's impact will be forever be remember by fans. The former outfielder of the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants has made headlines for a number of moments, including entering a game in Japan while riding a hoverbike.

"Japan's Tsuyoshi "Big Boss" Shinjo just entered the game on a hover craft for his managerial debut with the Nippon-Ham Fighters" - @FarmToFame_

He found himself in the spotlight yet again on social media after sharing a story about one of his prized possessions, his baseball glove. According to Shinjo, he used the same glove throughout his enteire 17-year baseball career.

In post on social media, the 52-year-old explained that he purchased the glove from 7500 yen, roughly $52.50 USD and was able to use it until he retired. Shinjo explained that a glove is like a heart for baseball players and something that needs to be taken care of.

"People who take good care of their tools also take good care of others, and are taken good care of by others," - Tsuyoshi Shinjo wrote in his post.

In a lesson from this father, the Nippon manager learned that people need to, "take good care of your tools of trade," which is what he did with his glove. Over the course of 1,754 combined games in Japan, minor leagues and the majors, this is exactly what the former San Francisco Giants outfielder did.

Tsuyoshi Shinjo's celebrity extends well beyond the baseball diamond

Known as "Big Boss," Shinjo's larger-than-life personality has seen his influence expand well beyond the game of baseball. Even though he continues to let his playful personality shine through as the manager of a Japanese club, his celebrity status has reached a level beyond the game of baseball.

One of his most notable moments off the field came in 2004 when he correctly answered 10 questions on "Kuizu $ Mirionea," the Japanese version of the "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" game show.

The manager even took it upon himself to design the alternate uniforms for his club, which caught the eye of baseball fans across the globe. Love him or hate him, there is no denying that Tsuyoshi Shinjo is someone to watch.

Quick Links

Edited by Heather Stewart
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications