There is something magical about the way baseball lingers long after the final pitch. Sometimes, an athlete’s legacy doesn’t end in the box score—it deepens with time, with memories, with meaning. And when that legacy crosses borders, it becomes something even more cherished.

In a moment that feels more like a movie than real life, a former American slugger—who once electrified masses across the Pacific—has now found himself at the heart of a rare and prestigious celebration. But this isn’t just about a bat and a ball. It’s about those things built between two countries, and the man who became a bridge arch, Randy Bass. 

Years after hanging up his cleats, Bass—who later entered the political arena in Oklahoma—was awarded one of Japan’s highest honors in 2025: the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, 4th Class. Speaking from Oklahoma, the former Rangers star shared a heartfelt reaction. He said, “Receiving such a special honor from Japan, a country I deeply love, is truly an immense and joyful honor.” Such a feeling did not just highlight gratitude—it echoed the decades-long link he has had with the country.

Back in the 1980s, not many foreign stars managed to engrave their names into Japan’s baseball history books. But Bass, the left-handed first baseman—after a modest MLB stint with the Minnesota Twins—did far more than just perform. He became a legend. From 1983 to 1988, he donned the Hanshin Tigers uniform and lit up Nippon Professional Baseball. By 1985, he was not just a star; he was the soul of a team that astounded the nation by winning its first and only Japan Series championship.

The former Twins posted back-to-back Triple Crowns in 1985 and 1986. That says driving the league in batting average, home runs, and RBIs—not once, but twice. During that remarkable 1985 season, Bass took home MVP honors in the Central League and the Japan Series. That’s the kind of dominance that doesn’t just win games—it builds folk heroes.

This prestigious distinction is reserved for individuals who have significantly contributed to Japan’s culture and international relations. Only two other American baseball legends, Tommy Lasorda and Hank Aaron, have received this honor. Now, Bass joins that company, forming an elite trio.

Why fans will remember Randy Bass

Bass’s on-field accomplishments were legendary, especially his 1985 season in Japan. In that season, the star batted .350 with 54 HR and 134 RBIs, securing his first Triple Crown. But what truly cemented his legacy isn’t just what he did with a bat—it’s what he did after his retirement.

Despite his fame in Japan, Bass dedicated himself to serving the community. From 2004 to 2018, he served 14 years in the Oklahoma State Senate, representing the 32nd District. There, he pushed legislation to help rural education, public health, and veterans affairs—affecting real lives. His political career wasn’t a vanity project; in 2010, he was re-elected with a commanding 61% of the vote, earning bipartisan respect. That wasn’t celebrity coasting—it was genuine public trust.

In Japan, fans still celebrate the veteran’s holiday appearances as Santa Claus at the Hanshin Department Store. This is a custom in the country dating back decades. And the giving didn’t stop with him. His former wife, Kelley, helped him to launch the “Bassitts Pitch In” program, which donates $10,000 per Blue Jays win when their son, Chris Bassitt, starts the game. In 2023, the initiative raised over $120,000 for the Jays Care, helping underprivileged youth across Canada.

At every turn, Bass defied the template of a retired athlete. He hasn’t just left his mark in record books—his legacy lives on in classrooms, holiday parades, and state policy. That’s why fans will always remember him.

Bass may have started as a ballplayer, but he retired as something far more impactful—a public servant. From dominating the MLB to serving in the Senate and helping the community, Bass’ legacy stretches far beyond the box score.