Sompo Japan Establishes New NPB Award: The HIKESHI Award for Relief Pitchers
The Japan Baseball Organization (NPB) and Sompo Japan Insurance Co., Ltd. Have announced a new partnership and the creation of the Sompo Japan HIKESHI Award, starting with the 2026 regular season. This annual award will recognize outstanding relief pitchers in both the Central and Pacific Leagues.
Background and Inspiration
Sompo Japan, tracing its roots back to 1888 as Japan’s first fire insurance company, “Tokyo Fire Insurance Co.,” has a historical connection to firefighting. This legacy is reflected in the new award, which aims to honor relief pitchers – often referred to as “firemen” in baseball – who excel at controlling risk and providing stability in critical game situations. The award seeks to highlight the often-unquantifiable value relief pitchers bring to a team.
Award Criteria and Evaluation
The Sompo Japan HIKESHI Award will utilize a unique evaluation index developed in cooperation with Data Stadium Co., Ltd. Unlike traditional metrics like wins and saves, the HIKESHI Award will quantify a pitcher’s contribution to preventing runs in high-pressure situations. The core calculation focuses on the magnitude of the crisis a pitcher inherits and overcomes.
HIKESHI Point Calculation Formula:
- HIKESHI Points = (A) – (B) – (C)
- (A) Earned Out Value: 1 point per out recorded, with additional points awarded for runners left on base by the previous pitcher (1 point for a runner on first, 2 for second and 3 for third).
- (B) Runners Allowed: 2 points deducted for each runner allowed on base.
- (C) Runs Allowed: 4 points deducted for each run allowed while pitching.
Relief pitchers are eligible, excluding starting pitchers. In the event of a tie, the award recipient will be determined by prioritizing (A) number of outs, then (B) runners allowed, and finally (C) runs allowed.
Award Details
- Start Date: March 27, 2026, the beginning of the regular season.
- Prize Money: 1 million yen will be awarded to one winner in each league (Central and Pacific).
- Announcement: The award winners will be announced around November, after the conclusion of the season.
Fan Involvement and Special Awards
To engage fans, a special award component will be introduced. After candidates are selected by the Sompo Japan HIKESHI Award/Special Award Selection Committee, fans will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred winner. Details regarding the fan voting process will be announced at a later date.
Sompo Japan Overview
Sompo Japan Insurance Co., Ltd. Is one of Japan’s largest non-life insurance companies and a core component of Sompo Holdings. Founded in 1888, the company serves approximately 20 million customers, specializing in automobile, fire, marine, and accident insurance.