Sakura Miwa, Natsumi Fujimori earn JD.League MVP honours
Japan's JD.League, one of the most important pro softball leagues in the world, announced the 2024 season individual awards. National Team pitcher Natsumi Fujimori and Sakura Miwa received the MVP award in the East and West Division respectively.
Fujimori led Hitachi Sundiva to the Diamond Series, losing to Toyota Red Terries in the final series. She won the batting title in the East Division hitting .476 with seven home runs and 20 RBIs.
Shionogi Rainbow pitcher Miwa, who claimed the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup with Japan in July, posted a 1.66 ERA, with a 19-7 record across the season in the West Division. She pitched 164.1 innings with 118 strikeouts.
Among the international players, Great Britain's ace Georgina Corrick was named best pitcher in the East Division, posting the lowest ERA in the season (1.28); while Italy's star Erica Piancastelli was the best catcher in the West Division. Australian veteran Stacey Porter received a special recognition after reaching the 300-hit mark during the past season.
You can see the full list of awards here (in Japanese).
Led by Olympic gold medalist and World Champion pitcher Miu Goto (who posted the lowest ERA in the league with 0.52), the Toyota Red Terriers won their second consecutive title beating Hitachi Sundiva in the final, 2-1.