Yu Darvish becomes first Japanese player ever to record 2000 MLB strikeouts

Yu Darvish sets the bar high once again. This time, the San Diego Padres right-hander became the first Japanese player to record 2,000 strikeouts in Major League Baseball. It’s a milestone that not only speaks to his talent but also his longevity in a game that demands more than just skill - it requires grit, resilience, and a bit of fire.

On a warm Sunday afternoon in San Diego, September 22, Darvish added a new chapter to his already impressive career. Facing off against the Chicago White Sox, Darvish reached the 2,000-strikeout mark in the third inning when he fanned Luis Robert Jr. on a breaking ball. The crowd at Petco Park, no strangers to Darvish’s brilliance, gave him the standing ovation he so richly deserved. The Padres ended up winning 4-2, but the moment belonged to Darvish.

At 38, Darvish shows no signs of slowing down. His journey to 2,000 strikeouts in the MLB didn’t just start with his debut in the United States in 2012; it began long before, back in Japan. Born in Habikino, Osaka, to an Iranian father and Japanese mother, Darvish’s path was always destined for greatness. He first made waves as a high school phenom in Sendai, where he pitched his first no-hitter at Tohoku High School in 2004. From there, it wasn’t long before the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball snapped him up.

Darvish made his name in Japan, quickly rising through the ranks to become one of the best pitchers in NPB history. With two Pacific League MVP awards, an Eiji Sawamura Award (Japan’s version of the Cy Young), and three straight strikeout titles, he was already a force to be reckoned with by the time the Texas Rangers came calling in 2011. Texas shelled out a hefty $51.7 million just for the right to negotiate with him, and Darvish proved to be worth every penny, signing a six-year, $60 million deal.

Once Darvish hit the MLB, he hit it hard. He racked up strikeouts like clockwork, earning five All-Star appearances along the way. In 2013, he led the American League in strikeouts, and in 2020, he topped the National League in wins. His ability to mix pitches with precision and keep hitters guessing - whether with his devastating slider or his deceptive fastball - cemented him as one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation.

But Darvish’s career hasn’t been without setbacks. He’s faced injuries, including Tommy John surgery, and dealt with the inevitable wear-and-tear that comes with playing professionally for nearly two decades. And yet, he’s managed to evolve, adapting his game and finding new ways to stay ahead of hitters. When the Padres signed him, they knew they were getting a veteran with an arm that could still light up the radar gun, but also someone who could outthink even the sharpest hitters in the league.

In Japan, Darvish’s reputation is legendary. He’s played for the national team in multiple World Baseball Classics and even the Olympics. He’s been the veteran voice in the locker room, offering guidance to younger pitchers while still delivering when it matters most. Earlier this year, during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he came out of the bullpen, offering six crucial innings to help Japan secure another championship.

It’s easy to forget just how much Darvish has accomplished in both Japan and the U.S. Combined with his NPB totals, he now boasts over 3,250 strikeouts and more than 200 wins. He’s no longer just a star pitcher - he’s a symbol of perseverance, proof that hard work pays off no matter where you’re from.

For Darvish, the 2,000-strikeout milestone isn’t the end; it’s another reminder that he still has more left in the tank. As he continues his career with the Padres, there’s no telling how far he’ll go. All we know is that whenever he’s on the mound, history seems just a little bit closer.