Mar 26, 2015 2 min read

The Pennsylvania Rebellion signed Japanese softball standouts Yuri Masuyama and Haruna Sakamoto for this season. These are the franchise’s first signings from Japan.

“We are beyond thrilled to have Sakamoto and Masuyama join our team in 2015,” Rebellion general manager Steven Zavacky said. “They both are extremely respected players in the Japanese Softball League and we are excited to see their talents and how they can help our team this upcoming season.”

Masuyama has competed in the Japanese Softball League as a member of Team Denso since 2002. The 4-8 left-handed hitter can play center field and shortstop. The Japan native has captured three awards for Best Outfielder of the Year (2004, 2011, and 2012) and most recently took home the JSL’s Best Shortstop of the Year in 2013.

Since 2011 with Team Denso, Masuyama has 274 at-bats, 106 hits, 57 runs, 26 RBI, five home runs, nine doubles, four triples and a .387 batting average along with 42 steals. Last year, she hit .438 and stole 11 bases. Her 13 steals led the league in 2013.

Sakamoto is no stranger to the National Pro Fastpitch League. The USSSA Pride signed her for the 2013 season. She was part of the NPF champions. In her only season with USSSA, Sakamoto played in 30 games, scored six runs and drove in four runs. She had a .216 batting average along with three doubles and one triple.

Sakamoto has been playing professionally in Japan for the past 11 years. She won back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2012. She spent four years with Team Toda then went to Team Toyota. Sakamoto has been a member of the Japan national team member since 2009, and was a part of the team that captured the Asia Cup in 2009. She also appeared in the Canada Cup in 2011 and won the World Championships with Japan in 2012.

The Rebellion opens the season against the Chicago Bandits at Consol Energy Park Friday, May 29.