Hanshin Tigers outfielder Tomoaki Kanemoto's Japanese baseball record streak of playing in 1,492 consecutive games without missing an inning has been recognized by Guinness World Records Ltd., the club said Tuesday.
The 42-year-old Kanemoto will receive a certificate from Guinness before a game at Koshien Stadium on June 29 against the Chunichi Dragons.
"I don't know how I'm going to feel until I look at the certificate," Kanemoto said at a news conference. "I have mixed feelings. I kind of feel honored and strange at the same time."
Kanemoto's streak began July 21, 1999 and ended April 18 this year because of a right shoulder injury.
"The time (12 years) really flew by quickly," he said.
Asked when he will resume playing defense after the end of interleague play, Kanemoto said, "I just don't know when. I need to see how my shoulder will feel. It might take some more time."