Hiroki Kokubo became the 41st member of Japan's 2,000-hit club on Sunday afternoon, when the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks first baseman singled in his second at-bat in a month.
The 40-year-old, right-handed hitter, who had not played since May 23 due to a herniated disk, singled in the fourth inning against Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters right-hander Brian Wolfe at Fukuoka Dome.
"It took a long time to make it this far," said Kokubo. "I finally feel like I'll be able to give my all to help the team to a championship. It's a relief."