Shinichi Ishimaru
| Date and Place of Birth: | July 24, 1922 Saga Prefecture, Japan |
| Date and Place of Death: | May 11, 1945 near Okinawa |
| Baseball Experience: | Japanese Professional League |
| Position: | Pitcher |
| Rank: | Ensign |
| Military Unit: | Kamikaze Special Attack Force Jinrai Corps, Imperial Navy |
| Area Served: | Pacific |
Shinichi Ishimaru was born in the Saga Prefecture of Japan on July
24, 1922. A star high school pitcher in Saga, Ishimaru signed with
Nagoya in 1941 and, playing the infield alongside his older brother
Tokichi, he batted .197 in 73. In 1942, Ishimaru made 56 appearances as
the ace of the Nagoya pitching staff with a 17-19 record and 1.71 ERA.
In 1943, he had an all-star season with a 20-12 record and 1.16 ERA. He
hurled a no-hitter on October 12.
In late 1943, Ishimaru entered military service with the Imperial
Japanese Navy and became a student pilot with the Navy Air Service in
February 1944. In December 1944 he attained the rank of Ensign. In April
1945, he was assigned to the Kamikaze Special Attack Force Jinrai Corps
in Kanoya, southern Japan, where he awaited orders to attack American
ships at Okinawa.
At noon on May 11, 1945, Ensign Ishimaru prepared for his final flight.
After giving his comrades his baseball, glove, and a headband with the
word "courage" written on it, he boarded his plane and flew towards
Okinawa.
Ishimaru’s plane was shot down by American fighters enroute.
His last letter home included the following words:
“Playing baseball was my happiness
A life filled with devotion and filial piety
I have nothing to regret even though I die at 22.”
Date Added: February 2, 2012
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