Ayami Sato

Sato attended Kamimura Gakuen High School in Ichikikushikino, Kagoshima, Japan. She then attended Shobi University in Kawagoe, Saitama where she played on her college women’s baseball team. Sato began playing baseball with her older brother at the age of 9. At the time, there was no women’s team in Japan. "I played against boys, and then I wanted to be them," Sato emphasized through a translator. "I love to pitch because the pitcher is in the spotlight," Sato said. "I like being in control." Her family was supportive when she decided to become a professional pitcher. Sato left home when she was in high school, "so after[wards] ... there was a little distance between the family and [myself]." But her parents would follow along with Sato's career through the media — she played on her college women's team, and joined the Japan Women's League after it was founded in 2009 — and they continue to be "very supportive." Sato considered giving up on her dream of becoming a professional baseball player many times. There weren't many opportunities for young women who wanted to pursue a career in baseball. However, the Japanese women's league was founded in 2009, just in time for Sato to begin her career. == Professional career ==

Women's World Cup In 2010, at the age of 20, Sato debuted in the 2010 Women’s Baseball World Cup (WBWC), going 3–0 with a 0.53 ERA, beating Puerto Rico and shutting out Venezuela. She then beat the United States, only allowing two hits and no walks, and in effect eliminating them from a shot at the gold. Japan won the title that year, and Sato was named the Cup All-Star starting pitcher. In the 2012 WBWC, Sato was 1–0 with a 0.72 ERA. The Japanese team was undefeated in that tournament and won their third straight gold medal. During the 2014 WBWC she led with two wins, a 0.00 ERA, and 10 strikeouts in 12 innings. She pitched in the gold medal game against the U.S. and outdueled Sarah Hudek. She led her team to a third straight gold medal and received her first MVP award for her dominant performance. At the end of 2014, she was named the World Baseball Softball Confederation Player of the Year, given annually to the best women's or men's baseball player. In the 2016 WBWC, she had another dominant performance. She led with 21 strikeouts and a 3–0 record, while posting a 1.33 ERA. She was the starting pitcher in the championship game against Canada, pitching a two-hit, one-walk shutout. She received a second consecutive MVP award and was also named the tournament's best starting pitcher. In the 2018 WBWC, Sato won her third straight MVP award and led Japan to their sixth straight title. With that win, she extended Japan's tournament win streak to 30 games. She never allowed an American hitter to reach third base and allowed only one hit. Japan won the game, 3–0. In the 2024 World Cup, Sato was 2–0 in the group stage in 2023. In the final round, she started once, allowing 3 unearned runs in five innings as Madonna Japan lost their first World Cup game since 2012. Japan Women's Baseball League In 2013, Sato made her debut in the Japan Women’s Baseball League with . She had a record of 6–10 with a 2.23 ERA in 29 starts. The league would not hold another season and folded in 2021. Saitama Seibu Lady Lions Sato joined the when they formed in 2020. The team competes in the amateur . She debuted with Toronto on May 11, 2025. She started 3 games, going 1–0 with a 14.04 ERA. Women's Pro Baseball League On November 20, 2025, Sato was the second overall draft pick at the inaugural Women's Pro Baseball League draft, being chosen by the Los Angeles team. == References ==