“Sōke” Returns to Toyama

Updated: November 19, 2018

“Sōke” Returns

December 17, 2027

With the crazy off-season that has taken place fans, were in need for something to get excited about. And GM Dylan Krupilis delivered by bringing back long-time Toyama captain 2B Shiro Adachi who left at the end of 2026 due to a lack of play time. Adachi played 11 seasons for Lupin/Toyama and despite never being the greatest player, is highly regarded as the natural leader of the Wind Dancers in recent times. With the large shake-up happening, a well-respected voice in the locker room will be invaluable, as well as the need for a 2B for at least 1 more year.

Shiro Adachi is the current leader in games played for the Toyama Org with 1415 and will look forward to the much-anticipated return. “Sōke” is commonly used to describe the leader of a school or art form and is occasionally used to describe the master of a martial art. Adachi’s role as the team captain through the ups and downs of the Cliffhangers/Wind Dancers earned him the unwavering respect of former and current players and staff. Enough so that he is regarded as the “master” of Wind Dancer baseball as he was key in shaping the style and culture of the organization throughout its history. The “Sōke” moniker represents the importance of Adachi to the Wind Dancer faithful. He has been a constant around the community whether it’s signing autographs on the street, helping with disaster relief, or just being the very approachable person he is. The past season while Adachi was playing the Shin Seiki system, there was an evident gap around Toyama which Adachi once filled. Adachi previously formed a leadership partnership with 3B Ivan Juarez, a player he took under his wing and helped develop into the all-star we see today. It fit the Master/Apprentice narrative and the Toyama fans began viewing it as such.

After signing with Toyama out of Mexico in 2022, Ivan Juarez was quickly thrown into the action of the PEBA. Moving to a country far away from home and not knowing anyone, it was Adachi that helped Juarez settle into an unfamiliar environment. From that point on, when Juarez was in the cage or practicing in the field, Adachi was over his shoulder instructing him on how best to use his considerable talent. Juarez mirrored the player that Adachi was in the LRS, an on-base/contact hitter who didn’t have much power but excelled defensively. Over a few seasons, Adachi and Juarez quickly developed the leadership tandem that they became famous for. Adachi was an outgoing leader that was very vocal while Juarez was a bit quieter and was skilled at the finer points of play but became a dependable, “got your back” teammate. It may be a downtime for the Wind Dancers, but a lack of leadership is not going to be a problem.

Adachi struggled to adapt to the steep competition in PEBA but was widely successful in the LRS compiling an 18.3 Total WAR in 5 seasons. His tenure for Toyama in the PEBA was mixed with ups and downs. His bat never really came around against the big arms in the PEBA, but his fielding made him a solid option. Adachi started as a shortstop where he earned a Gurabukin Award in 2019 while in the LRS and an All-Leather Award at 2B in 2024, his first full season in that position. Included in his accolades are 3 All-star appearances in the LRS, 2017, 2018, and 2020.

While past his prime, Adachi will once again play an important role in Toyama baseball. His first experience came during the rebranding from the Cliffhangers to the Wind Dancers and now this new challenge will have him see out the old guard as a new wave of young players come in.

So we at the Wind Dancers Blog speak for everyone when we say, welcome home Shiro Adachi!