Masao Iriyama (second from right) was among the honorees at the 1998 exhibit and tribute to Nisei pioneers at the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
By KERRY YO NAKAGAWA and BILL STAPLES
Nisei Baseball Research Project
Masao Iriyama, born on Nov. 9, 1921, in San Pedro, passed away peacefully at his home in Westminster on June 6 at the remarkable age of 102.
We remember Masao not only for his longevity but for his significant contributions to Nisei baseball, where he left an indelible mark. Together with his wife, Matsuko, Masao was a charter member of the Nisei Baseball Research Project, which began in 1996. Their involvement helped preserve the rich legacy of Japanese American baseball players and their incredible stories.
Masao’s journey through baseball history is one of resilience, talent, and dedication. Alongside his older brother, Noboru, Masao played for the Guadalupe YMBA, a semi-pro team that became champions in the prewar era and during the internment camps at Gila River in Arizona and Tule Lake in California. The Iriyama brothers were pivotal to their team’s success.
Noboru etched his name in history when he hit a home run off future Japan Hall of Fame Tokyo Giants pitcher Victor Starfin in 1935 — a moment that still resonates in the annals of baseball lore.
Masao, an all-star shortstop, was known for his extraordinary skill on the field. Howard Zenimura, a former Hiroshima Carp player, once remarked that Masao “had a cannon arm and was a great hitter.”
In 1944, Masao’s prowess at the plate earned him the batting title at Tule Lake. Yet, this achievement was bittersweet. On the day he won his handmade wooden trophy, Masao received the devastating news that his youngest brother, Minoru, had been killed during the Doolittle Raid over Tokyo.
Despite such profound personal loss, Masao continued to honor his heritage and the legacy of his fellow Nisei players. He participated in tributes to these “Nisei legends” with major league teams such as the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Oakland A’s. His contributions were also recognized at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and in Tokyo.
One of Masao’s signed baseballs from the Gila River camp serves as a powerful symbol, keeping the spirit of his teammates alive at MLB’s All-Star Games and exhibits. This simple yet profound artifact is a reminder of the enduring legacy of Masao Iriyama and the Nisei baseball players who overcame tremendous odds to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
Masao’s life was a testament to the strength of character, community, and the love of the game. He will be deeply missed, but his story will continue to inspire future generations.
Rest in peace, Masao Iriyama. Your legacy will live on through the game you loved and the people whose lives you touched.
The Nisei Baseball Research Project (NBRP) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization founded by Kerry Yo Nakagawa to preserve the history of Japanese American baseball. For more information, visit https://niseibaseball.com.