Troubling update on Japanese umpire after being hit with bat two weeks ago
Japanese umpire Takuto Kawakami remains unconscious over two weeks after being struck in the head by a flying bat during a Nippon Professional Baseball game on April 16, 2026. He underwent emergency surgery and has since been moved from intensive care to a general ward. The incident prompted the NPB to launch a safety review of equipment used by home plate umpires.
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MLB Troubling update on Japanese umpire after being hit with bat two weeks ago By Matt Ehalt Published May 1, 2026, 8:22 a.m. ET A Japanese umpire remains unconscious more than two weeks after being struck in the head by a flying bat, according to the AFP. Takuto Kawakami reportedly underwent emergency surgery after being hit with a bat that escaped a batter’s hand during an April 16 game and landed in intensive care. He has since been transferred to the general ward of the hospital, the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization (NPB) told reporters, per the AFP.
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