Tetsuto Yamada

Yamada was born in Toyooka, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan.{{Cite web |last=INC |first=SANKEI DIGITAL |date=2015-12-18 |title=【特命記者】山田哲人の知られざる少年時代 |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20151218-XQO3Y5SQWJPRPLAMSG4MBRYCBE/ |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=サンスポ |language=ja}} His father, Tomonori, was a police officer who had competed in Shorinji Kempo in high school. As a child, Yamada did karate and gymnastics, and played soccer when he was in first grade. He started playing baseball as an outfielder in Takarazuka Little League when he was in second grade.{{Cite web |last=INC |first=SANKEI DIGITAL |date=2015-10-21 |title=独自の練習、息子のため転居も...ヤクルト・山田哲人を育てた父は警察官 |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20151021-3N6LR2TCDBLABOX3VBF2MBULLU/ |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=産経ニュース |language=ja}} After starting middle school, Yamada played for Hyōgo Itami, a team in the Japanese youth baseball organization Young League.{{Cite web |last=Full-Count |date=2021-03-12 |title=「指導者にも覚悟が必要」燕・山田哲人を輩出した強豪クラブが見据える少年野球の未来 {{pipe}} Full-Count |url=https://nordot.app/743053463856332800?c=581736863522489441 |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=Full-Count |language=ja-JP}}

He and his family moved to Toyonaka, Osaka when he started attending Riseisha Senior High School.{{Cite news |date=2015-10-21 |title=独自の練習、息子のため転居も...ヤクルト・山田哲人を育てた父は警察官 |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20151021-3N6LR2TCDBLABOX3VBF2MBULLU/ |access-date=2021-08-11 |publisher=産経ニュース}} In summer of his freshman year he started on the bench, and started playing second base regularly in the summer of his sophomore year. That fall, he started playing shortstop, showing great defensive ability and leading his team with a .435 batting average in the spring of his junior year; that term his team won the Osaka tournament and finished second in the Kinki regional tournament.{{Cite web |date=2014-06-30 |title=「はずれはずれ1位」から首位打者を狙え！ ヤクルト・山田哲人 |url=https://baseballking.jp/ns/column/3310 |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=BASEBALL KING |language=ja}} In the Summer Koshien of his junior year, he contributed to Riseisha's first win by stealing home in the second round against Tenri High School. In a game against Seiko Gakuin, Yamada hit a home run off Hiroaki Saiuchi, but his team would end up losing. Kouta Inoue, who would later join the Hanshin Tigers, said that home run made him want to attend Riseisha.{{Cite web |date=2020-06-11 |title=山田哲人がドラ1指名を確実にする一発。歳内宏明から超技ありの一打だった{{pipe}}高校野球他{{pipe}}集英社 スポルティーバ 公式サイト web Sportiva |url=https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/baseball/hs_other/2020/06/11/___split_36/ |access-date=2021-07-16 |website=web Sportiva |language=ja}}

In the first round of the 2010 Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) draft, Yamada was named by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows and the Orix Buffaloes.{{Cite web |title=ヤクルトのドラフト秘話。八重樫幸雄が語る、いろいろ誤算があった選手たち{{pipe}}プロ野球{{pipe}}集英社 スポルティーバ 公式サイト web Sportiva |url=https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/baseball/npb/2020/04/23/___split_75/ |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=集英社のスポーツ総合雑誌 スポルティーバ 公式サイト web Sportiva |date=23 April 2020 |language=ja}} Yakult won the rights to his negotiation, and he signed with them for a 7.2 million yen contract on November 25, 2010.{{Cite web |title=ドラ1の山田仮契約 青木の背番号で新人王「意識」 - スポニチ Sponichi Annex 野球 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2010/11/26/kiji/K20101126Z00001440.html |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=スポニチ Sponichi Annex |language=ja}}

File:Tetsuto Yamada 2011.jpg

Yamada did not play in any regular season games with Yakult in 2011, but played in every game with the Eastern League farm team;{{Cite web |last=修哉 |first=遠藤 |title=山田哲人、宮本慎也、つば九郎......「週刊SPA!」はヤクルトをどう報じてきたか |url=https://bunshun.jp/articles/-/37628 |access-date=2022-03-05 |website=文春オンライン}}{{Cite web |title=高卒新人野手初のCS先発 山田4タコも守備バッチリ - スポニチ Sponichi Annex 野球 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2011/11/04/kiji/K20111104001956480.html |access-date=2022-03-05 |website=スポニチ Sponichi Annex |language=ja}} however, due to injuries on the main roster, he started the second game of the final Climax Series stage against the Chunichi Dragons at shortstop, going 0-for-4. He was the first ever rookie out of high school to start in the Climax Series.{{Cite web |date=2020-05-23 |title=【現役スター名場面5選：山田哲人】応援歌・"新たな時代"を自ら体現し、プロ1年目から数々の記録を作り上げる天才打者 |url=https://thedigestweb.com/baseball/detail/id=15747 |accessdate=2021-11-03 |publisher=THE DIGEST}}{{Cite web |date=2011-11-04 |title=高卒新人野手初のCS先発 山田4タコも守備バッチリ |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2011/11/04/kiji/K20111104001956480.html |access-date=2011-11-05 |publisher=スポニチ Sponichi Annex}} In the fourth game of the series, he recorded his first NPB hit with a 2-out double down the right-field line in the 8th inning, but also committed a costly throwing error in the bottom of the first inning that lead to 4 runs in a 5–1 loss for Yakult.{{Cite web |date=2011-11-06 |title=ヤクルトルーキー山田プロ初安打/CS - プロ野球ニュース |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/p-bb-tp0-20111106-859712.html |access-date=2021-12-20 |website=日刊スポーツ |language=ja}}

His first regular season appearance came on April 5, 2012, in a pinch-hit at bat, during which he also recorded his first hit. On August 10, 2012, he recorded his first home run in a game against the Yomiuri Giants. For Yakult's farm team in 2012, he had a batting average of almost .300.{{Cn|date=January 2024}}

The following season, due to Yamada's defensive difficulties at shortstop and an offensive slump for Yakult 2nd baseman Hiroyasu Tanaka, Yamada was mostly a fixture at second base after being promoted to the main team in May. On October 6, he hit his first professional grand slam homer off Kenta Maeda of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. Although he had not yet shown much power as he did not hit any homers until the end of the season, he demonstrated a good eye at the plate, recording a .354 on-base percentage, and also stole nine bases. By his third year out of high school, he had achieved a level of consistency on the main Yakult team.{{Cn|date=January 2024}}

In 2014, Yamada's hitting improved significantly under the one-on-one guidance of hitting coach Shigeru Sugimura.[https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/baseball/npb/2014/07/29/post_417/ 4年目の覚醒。山田哲人が「ヤクルトの至宝」になるまで] web Sportiva 2014年7月29日 Throughout the 2014 season, Yamada continued demonstrating excellent plate discipline, and his ability to hit for home runs was greatly improved from previous seasons.{{Cite web |title=山田哲人と杉村コーチの師弟コンビが目指す「とんでもない目標」{{pipe}}プロ野球{{pipe}}集英社 スポルティーバ 公式サイト web Sportiva |url=https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/baseball/npb/2016/02/15/post_688/ |access-date=2022-10-10 |website=集英社のスポーツ総合雑誌 スポルティーバ 公式サイト web Sportiva |date=15 February 2016 |language=ja}} He became the first player in NPB history to hit a first-inning lead-off homer in six consecutive months (from April to September).週刊ベースボール2014年10月6日号97ページ After being selected to his first All-Star Series by his manager's recommendation, he won the Fighting Spirit Award with two hits in the second game, including a home run.{{Cite web |date=2014-07-20 |title=山田 球宴初アーチで敢闘賞「知名度上げるのが目標だった」 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2014/07/20/kiji/K20140720008596560.html |access-date=2015-01-08 |publisher=スポニチ Sponichi Annex}} In August, he recorded a league-leading 41 hits and won his first MVP of the month award.{{Cite web |date=2014-09-05 |title=ヤクルト・山田「まさか獲れるとは...」 初の月間MVP受賞 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2014/09/05/kiji/K20140905008876380.html |access-date=2015-01-08 |publisher=スポニチ Sponichi Annex}} On October 6, in a game against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, Yamada went 4-for-5 with a go-ahead grand slam in the 8th inning, which broke the single-season hits record for a Japanese right-handed batter set by Fumio Fujimura in 1950.{{Cite web |title=山田 逆転満塁弾で64年ぶり記録更新「どうしてでしょうね...わからないです」 - スポニチ Sponichi Annex 野球 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2014/10/06/kiji/K20141006009059690.html |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=スポニチ Sponichi Annex |language=ja}} He ended the regular season with a high batting average of .324 and hitting 29 home runs. His on-base plus slugging percentage of .941 was second in the league, and he led the league in weighted runs above average with 48.4, indicating how many runs he produced compared to the average player.{{Cite web |date=2015-01-23 |title=データで見る！最もチームに貢献した打者とは... |url=https://column.sp.baseball.findfriends.jp/?pid=column_detail&id=001-20150202-08 |access-date=2015-01-28 |publisher=週刊ベースボールONLINE}} Sugimura had initially expected Yamada to be a mid-range hitter who could hit the ball to all fields, but was surprised by his development into a power hitter with a high on-base percentage. During the off-season on October 9, Yamada was selected to represent Japan in the MLB Japan All-Star Series.{{Cite web |last=NPBエンタープライズ |title=侍ジャパン トップチーム 2014 SUZUKI 日米野球 選手一覧 |url=https://www.japan-baseball.jp/jp/team/topteam/2014/nichibei/20141009.html |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=野球日本代表 侍ジャパンオフィシャルサイト |language=ja}} In the training game, he played first base for the first time since joining professional baseball.{{Cite web |date=2014-11-21 |title=山田 侍定着誓う「選ばれ続ける選手に」最終戦は一番で先発 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2014/11/21/kiji/K20141121009323380.html |access-date=2015-01-08 |publisher=スポニチ Sponichi Annex}}

After Yamada's strong offensive performance the previous year, Sugimura said before the 2015 season that he thought Yamada had the potential to accomplish a "triple three"—a .300 batting average, 30 home runs, and 30 stolen bases in a single season; this was despite his relatively low stolen base total of 15 in 2014.{{Cite web |date=2015-09-08 |title=トリプルスリー確実！ヤクルト・山田の快挙を生んだ2人の師匠 – 東京スポーツ新聞社 |url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/129300 |access-date=2021-08-14 |website=東スポWeb – 東京スポーツ新聞社 |language=ja}} In the middle of the season, Yakult manager Mitsuru Manaka decided to move Yamada to third in the lineup, leading to improvements in his hitting.{{Cn|date=January 2024}} Yamada had an excellent summer, winning the MVP of the month award in three consecutive months from July to September.{{Cite web |last=SANKEI DIGITAL INC |date=2015-10-07 |title=ヤクルト・山田、史上3人目の3カ月連続月間MVP受賞！ |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20151007-XUNRHBVGEFP6PIFPUUN3OOOAQA/ |access-date=2021-08-18 |website=サンスポ |language=ja}} Between an at-bat on August 21 and three at-bats on August 22 against Chunichi, he hit four home runs in a row, tying an NPB record.{{Cite web |date=2015-08-22 |title=ヤクルト・山田哲人が4打数連続本塁打 |url=https://www.daily.co.jp/newsflash/baseball/2015/08/22/0008328174.shtml |access-date=2015-08-22 |website=デイリースポーツ online}} With this series of homers, he also cleared the 30 home run mark for the first time in his career.{{Cite web |date=2015-08-22 |title=ヤクルト山田、自身初30号到達「ひとつの通過点」 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/1526953.html |access-date=2015-10-05 |website=日刊スポーツ}} On September 6, in a game against Hiroshima, he stole his 30th stolen base, which secured a triple three in his 2015 season,{{Cite web |date=2015-09-06 |title="トリプルスリー"見えた！燕・山田が30個目の盗塁決める |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20150906-YLHFDRPOOFIUXPENSVO7H64TFQ/ |access-date=2015-09-06 |website=サンケイスポーツ}} becoming the first NPB player to accomplish the feat since Matsui Akira in 2002 and the ninth in NPB history,{{Cite web |date=2015-10-04 |title=山田哲人、史上9人目のトリプルスリー！ 100打点同時達成は65年ぶり3人目 |url=https://full-count.jp/2015/10/04/post19415/ |access-date=2015-10-04 |publisher=Full-Count}} as well as the youngest ever in the Central League.{{Cite web |date=2015-10-07 |title=セリーグ最年少「トリプルスリー」ヤクルト山田哲人！球団から30歳まで結婚NG指令 |url=https://www.j-cast.com/tv/2015/10/07247216.html |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=J-CAST テレビウォッチ |language=ja}}

He finished the 2015 season with a .329 batting average, 38 home runs, 100 runs batted in, and 34 stolen bases, which were all career highs.{{Cite web |title=Tetsuto Yamada Japanese Leagues Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=yamada000tet |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} He finished first in the league in home runs, stolen bases, and on-base percentage, finishing second in batting average, hits, and runs batted in.{{Cn|date=January 2024}} It was the first time in NPB history that a player won both the home run and stolen base titles in the same season.[https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/1548405.html 山田哲人トリプルスリー！史上初の本塁打&盗塁王も] - 日刊スポーツ（2015年10月4日22時10分配信、2015年10月27日閲覧）[http://www.sanspo.com/baseball/news/20151004/swa15100421160007-n1.html ヤクルト・山田、トリプルスリー達成 盗塁王獲得は史上初] - 野球 - SANSPO.COM（サンスポ）（2015年10月4日配信、2015年10月27日閲覧） He was named the Central League MVP.{{Cite web |date=2015-11-25 |title=セ・パMVPは山田&柳田！トリプルスリーコンビが初受賞 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2015/11/25/kiji/K20151125011573570.html |access-date=2015-11-26 |website=スポニチ Sponichi Annex}} His season performance greatly contributed to Yakult advancing to the 2015 Japan Series against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.{{Cite web |date=2015-10-29 |title=ヤクルト山田敢闘賞も「1日だけ打っても意味ない」 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/1559262.html |access-date=2021-04-02 |publisher=日刊スポーツ}} In Game 3, Yamada hit three consecutive home runs in one game for the first time in the Series' history.{{NoteTag|Including records that span games, he is the second player in 45 years to hit three consecutive home runs in the Japan Series since Shigeo Nagashima (Giants) in the 1970.[https://www.daily.co.jp/newsflash/baseball/2015/10/27/0008517135.shtml ヤ山田シリーズ史上2人目の3打席連発] デイリースポーツ（2015年10月27日）2015年10月27日閲覧}} Yakult would lose the series 1-4, but Yamada won the Fighting Spirit Award, given to the most valuable player on the losing team. In assessing his MVP season in October 2015, the Japan Times wrote, "Yamada had a 2015 the likes of which is seldom seen in Japanese baseball."{{cite news |last1=Coskrey |first1=Jason |date=2015-10-28 |title=Yamada Stakes Claim as Top Player |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2015/10/28/baseball/japanese-baseball/yamada-stakes-claim-top-player/#.Vr_1fVZlxA9 |access-date=14 February 2016 |newspaper=The Japan Times Online}} {{subscription required}}

On December 8, during the off-season, Yakult renewed Yamada's contract, signing him for an annual salary of 220 million yen.{{Cite web |date=2015-12-09 |title=ヤクルト山田2・2億円！イチ、松井秀に続く高卒6年目最速突破 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2015/12/09/kiji/K20151209011654220.html |access-date=2021-04-02 |publisher=スポーツニッポン}} The team also announced that his uniform number would be changed from 23, which he had been wearing in previous seasons, to 1 starting in the 2016 season.{{Cite web |date=2015-12-08 |title=契約更改について |url=https://www.yakult-swallows.co.jp/news/detail/18994 |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=東京ヤクルトスワローズ |language=ja}} The jersey number 1 has been historically worn by prominent Yakult players; in a special ceremony, Yamada was given his new jersey by Nori Aoki. Yamada expressed that although he felt some added pressure in inheriting a jersey number with such significance, he would do his best to live up to expectations.

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In 2016, he was selected to represent Japan in the Samurai Japan training match against Chinese Taipei on February 15, before the season started.[https://www.japan-baseball.jp/jp/news/press/20160215_2.html 3月開催の侍ジャパン強化試合、出場26選手発表！] 野球日本代表 侍ジャパンオフィシャルサイト (2016年2月15日) 2016年2月17日閲覧 In June of the regular season, he played in 23 games and ranked first in the league in batting average, home runs, and runs batted in with a .346 batting average, 28 hits, 10 home runs, and 28 runs batted in, earning him his fifth monthly MVP award, tying Alex Ramírez for a Yakult record.{{Cite web |date=2016-07-06 |title=6月度の月間MVPが発表 ロッテ・田村が球団捕手24年ぶりの受賞！ |url=https://baseballking.jp/ns/78745 |access-date=2021-04-02 |publisher=BASEBALL KING}} However, on July 30, in a game against the Giants at Tokyo Dome, he was hit in the back by a pitch.[https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2016/07/31/kiji/K20160731013066730.html ヤク山田 背中にズドン...3四死球「人生初の息苦しさを感じた」] スポニチ Sponichi Annex、2016年7月31日 He continued to appear in games, but on August 9 he complained of pain and was replaced midway through the game. He was diagnosed with a contusion of the left eighth rib, and was struck from the roster on August 10.[https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/1692587.html ヤクルト山田が登録抹消 肋骨骨挫傷で全治期間未定] 日刊スポーツ、2016年8月10日 After a two-week absence, he returned to the lineup and showed signs of recovery, hitting three homers in one game against the Hanshin Tigers on September 10, but was hit again in the back by a pitch in his first at-bat against Hanshin the next day. Although he appeared to be in great pain for several minutes, he stayed in the game.[https://www.sanspo.com/article/20160911-7MD347PYI5N3RA3PMHL6763FLU/ ヤクルト・山田、また背部に死球受ける 苦悶の表情で打席に倒れこむ] サンスポ、2016年9月11日 Despite his injury, he ended the season hitting .304 with 38 home runs and 30 stolen bases, achieving a second consecutive triple three. It was the first time in NPB history that a player had achieved a triple three in consecutive years.[https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLSSXK60494_R01C16A0000000/ ヤクルト山田、2年連続「トリプル3」記録] 日本経済新聞、2016年10月2日 He also won the stolen base title for a second year in a row and led the league in walks.{{Cn|date=January 2024}}

In 2017, he was the only player on the team to play a full inning in every game, despite struggling with lower body conditions.ベースボール・マガジン社『週刊ベースボール』2018年10月1日号 p.27. However, he continued to underperform throughout the year, and finished the season with a .247 batting average, 24 home runs, and 14 stolen bases.{{Cite web |last=SANKEI DIGITAL INC |date=2017-12-13 |title=【球界ここだけの話（1118）】不振だったヤクルト・山田が今季から頼んだ出前の焼き魚定食 |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20171213-XKR7MF5REVI6ZMVO5QFKGQHW5Y/ |access-date=2021-08-14 |website=サンスポ |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2018-03-01 |title=山田哲人、8年目の雪辱。もう「感覚だけのバッティング」はしない |url=https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/baseball/npb/2018/03/01/___split_24/ |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=web Sportiva |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2017-12-26 |title=【絆トーク】初の減俸も晴れやかだった燕・山田の表情 |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20171226-CXBLHZ2SAFNJLGB3F72ZIBHWKQ/ |access-date=2018-01-04 |website=SANSPO.COM}} Yakult had a very poor season overall, losing a franchise record 96 games.{{Cite web |date=2017-10-11 |title=ヤクルト・山田の涙...3年連続「トリプル3」ならず : 深読み |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/fukayomi/20171010-OYT8T50026/ |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=読売新聞オンライン |language=ja}}

In 2018, Yamada aimed to get another triple-three.{{Cite web |last=SANKEI DIGITAL INC |date=2018-01-01 |title=ヤクルト・山田、2018年の誓い！3度目のトリプルスリーで3年ぶりVだ |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20180101-FKYEDAYTZZMBLEJ4F3TTLQWX4A/ |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=サンスポ |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2018-01-12 |title=ヤクルト山田哲人3度目トリプル3へ バットに金色 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/201801120000074.html |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=日刊スポーツ |language=ja}} He broke free of his slump from the previous year and was consistent from the start of the season.{{Cite web |date=2018-02-11 |title=ヤクルト山田哲人2018年"1号弾" 昨季大不振...復活へ確かな一歩 |url=https://www.daily.co.jp/baseball/2018/02/11/0010975286.shtml |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=デイリースポーツ online |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2018-03-24 |title=ヤクルト山田哲「凄くいい時の自分」OP戦4号 スロースターター返上 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2018/03/25/kiji/20180324s00001173430000c.html |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=スポニチ Sponichi Annex |language=ja}} He reached a double digit home run count for the fifth consecutive season with a solo homer on May 11 against Yokohama.{{Cite web |date=2018-05-11 |title=ヤクルト山田哲人5年連続2桁弾 スイングに好感触 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/201805110000810.html |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=日刊スポーツ |language=ja}} In a home game against Chunichi on June 28, he recorded his first professional walkoff hit with a three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning.{{Cite web |date=2018-06-29 |title=殿馬推し山田哲人「ドカベン」ばりプロ初サヨナラ弾 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/201806290000092.html |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=日刊スポーツ |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2018-06-28 |title=【ヤクルト】山田哲人が初のサヨナラ打!3ランに「野球やっててよかった」 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20180628-OHT1T50264.html |access-date=2021-05-09 |publisher=スポーツ報知}} On July 9 in an away game against the Giants, he became the first player born in the Heisei era to hit for the cycle.{{Cite web |date=2018-07-09 |title=史上66人目!ヤクルト山田哲人がサイクル安打達成 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/201807090000821.html |access-date=2021-05-09 |publisher=日刊スポーツ}} On his birthday he had a ninth inning RBI that tied the game and allowed Yakult to complete a comeback victory against DeNA.{{Cite web |date=2018-07-16 |title=ヤクルト山田哲人、自ら誕生日を祝う"ラッキー"打 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/201807160000955.html |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=日刊スポーツ |language=ja}} His 12-game RBI streak from July 20 to August 4 ranks second all-time in the NPB.{{Cite web |date=2018-08-03 |title=ヤクルト山田哲トドメ弾で11戦連続打点 M灯&自力V消滅阻止 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2018/08/03/kiji/20180803s00001173069000c.html |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=スポニチ Sponichi Annex |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2018-08-06 |title=ヤクルト山田哲人「1つ出なかった」連続打点止まる |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/201808060000102.html |access-date=2019-01-23 |website=日刊スポーツ |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2018-08-05 |title=2度の得点圏生かせず...ヤクルト山田哲 連続試合打点12で止まる |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2018/08/05/kiji/20180805s00001173390000c.html |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=スポニチ Sponichi Annex |language=ja}} He reached the 30 stolen base mark again on August 31 against Hiroshima.{{R|besuma}}{{Cite web |date=2018-08-31 |title=ヤクルト・山田哲、30盗塁に到達！トリプルスリー条件満たす |url=https://www.sanspo.com/baseball/news/20180831/swa18083120550005-n1.html |access-date=2018-09-25 |publisher=SANSPO.COM}} He finished the 2018 season with a .315 batting average, 34 home runs, and 33 stolen bases, achieving the third triple three of his career.{{Cite web |date=2018-10-09 |title=ヤクルト山田哲、史上初3度目のトリプルスリー |url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASLB93GR8LB9UTQP007.html |access-date=2018-10-14 |website=朝日新聞デジタル}} He also posted an OPS of 1.014 and led a strong Yakult lineup.{{Cite web |date=2018-09-24 |title=2018スワローズはココが違う！「再起」の物語はいよいよ最終章へ {{!}} 野球コラム |url=https://column.sp.baseball.findfriends.jp/?pid=column_detail&id=001-20181001-53 |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=週刊ベースボールONLINE |language=ja}} He was named to the NPB Best Nine for the first time in two years.{{Cite web |last=SANKEI DIGITAL INC |date=2018-11-27 |title=ヤクルト・山田哲、得票率1位の座奪回！2年ぶり4度目ベストナイン |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20181127-DLJQZQVAM5LL3EAUD4RICZAYYM/ |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=サンスポ |language=ja}}File:Gk ryoDSC 93972.jpgIn 2019, Aoki, Yamada, and Wladimir Balentien hit three consecutive home runs off Tomoyuki Sugano on April 26 against the Giants at Yakult's home Meiji Jingu Stadium.{{Cite web |date=2019-04-26 |title=ヤクルト 6年ぶり14度目3連発 前回は番長から |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/201904260000089.html |access-date=2021-05-09 |publisher=日刊スポーツ}} A month later, on May 26, the same trio again hit three consecutive home runs.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-26 |title=ヤクルト 1イニング3者連発でも黒星は20年ぶり 逆転負けで泥沼11連敗 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2019/05/26/kiji/20190526s00001173435000c.html |access-date=2021-05-09 |publisher=スポーツニッポン}} On September 4 against Hiroshima, Yamada hit a grand slam, bringing his career home run total to 200. At 27 years and one month old, he was the fifth youngest player in NPB history to reach the milestone and the youngest in franchise history.{{Cite web |date=2019-08-17 |title=山田哲人サヨナラ満塁弾200号「自分が決めると」 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/201908170000020.html |access-date=2019-09-04 |publisher=日刊スポーツ |language=ja}} He also set a new NPB record by successfully stealing 38 consecutive bases, continuing a streak from the previous year, until he was caught stealing against DeNA on September 14.{{Cite web |date=2019-09-14 |title=山田哲人「ソトもセーフと...」悔し連続盗塁ストップ |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/201909140001188.html |access-date=2019-11-21 |publisher=日刊スポーツ}} On December 24, he renewed his contract with an estimated salary of 500 million yen.{{Cite web |date=2019-12-24 |title=プロ10年で69倍超5億到達/山田哲人の年俸推移 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/201912240000197.html |access-date=2021-05-09 |publisher=日刊スポーツ}}

On June 28, 2020, in a game against the Giants at Jingu Stadium, he hit a 6th-inning grand slam off Takahiro Fujioka.{{Cite news |date=2020-06-28 |title=山田哲人が4年連続満塁弾、ラミレスら球団記録並ぶ |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/202006270000588.html |access-date=2023-11-17 |work=日刊スポーツ |publisher=日刊スポーツ新聞社}} On August 30 at Yokohama Stadium against DeNA, he hit his sixth career grand slam off Kosuke Sakaguchi with two outs in the second inning, for his second grand slam of the season.{{Cite news |date=2020-08-30 |title=ヤクルト・山田哲、6号満塁弾 4試合ぶりの一発 |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20200830-XIN7IRWTTBJKJFGPCQQVT7J3SA/ |access-date=2023-11-17 |work=サンケイスポーツ |publisher=産経新聞社}} He hit two grand slams that year, and on September 20 against Hiroshima at Jingu Stadium, he hit a three-run homer for the second year in a row off Yuta Nakamura, with Taiki Hamada, Nobuchika Aoki, and Yamada.{{Cite web |date=2020-09-20 |title=ヤクルトが25年ぶりプロ野球タイ記録達成！浜田の初回先頭打者弾から青木、山田哲と3者連続アーチ |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2020/09/20/kiji/20200920s00001173307000c.html |access-date=2021-08-09 |website=スポニチ Sponichi Annex |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2020-09-20 |title=ヤクルト初回先頭から3者連続ホームラン！ 浜田2号、青木15号、山田哲がトドメの10号 |url=https://full-count.jp/2020/09/20/post904905/ |access-date=2021-08-09 |website=Full-Count |language=ja}}{{Cite web |last=SANKEI DIGITAL INC |date=2020-09-21 |title=ヤクルト初の一回先頭から3連発！浜田&青木&山田哲弾で25年ぶりプロ野球タイ記録 |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20200921-CC7GL57WYZMZ7JKIWMCM2WRMNI/ |access-date=2021-08-09 |website=サンスポ |language=ja}} In the 2020 season he posted his worst batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS since 2014. On September 3, he acquired free agent rights in Japan and his status attracted a lot of attention,{{Cite web |date=2020-09-03 |title=【ヤクルト】山田哲人が国内FA権の節目に感謝「ヤクルトにドラフトされて本当によかった」 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20200903-OHT1T50148.html?page=1 |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=スポーツ報知 |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2020-11-11 |title=ヤクルト・山田哲人、国内FA権行使に前向き 巨人に楽天、ソフトバンクが候補 年俸9億円の複数年用意の球団も |url=https://www.zakzak.co.jp/spo/news/201111/bas2011110005-n1.html |access-date=2021-07-03 |website=zakzak |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2020-09-22 |title=移籍か残留か、注目される今オフ FA権取得のヤクルト・山田哲人 |url=https://www.47news.jp/5258814.html |access-date=2021-07-03 |website=47NEWS |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2020-11-04 |title=巨人がもしもFAで山田哲人を獲ったら・・・理想オーダーを組んでみた |url=https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/baseball/npb/2020/11/04/fa___split/ |access-date=2021-07-03 |website=web Sportiva |language=ja}} but he decided to stay with Yakult instead of exercising his free agent rights, and signed a new seven-year contract with an estimated annual salary of 500 million yen plus piecework.{{Cite web |date=2020-12-04 |title=山田哲、年俸5億円でサイン 「居場所はヤクルト」—プロ野球 |url=https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2020120401176 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509005429/https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2020120401176 |archive-date=2021-05-09 |access-date=2021-05-09 |publisher=時事ドットコム}}{{Cite web |date=2020-12-04 |title=燕・山田哲人は7年総額40億円、DeNA大和は1億円...各球団4日の主な契約更改は？ |url=https://full-count.jp/2020/12/04/post992382/ |access-date=2021-05-09 |publisher=Full-Count}}{{Cite web |date=2020-11-18 |title=ヤクルト山田哲人が残留決断 7年の超大型契約濃厚 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/202011180000896.html |access-date=2021-07-03 |website=日刊スポーツ |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2020-11-19 |title=山田哲人がヤクルト残留 7年総額35億円プラス出来高払い |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20201119/k00/00m/050/039000c |access-date=2021-07-17 |website=毎日新聞 |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2020-12-11 |title=ヤクルトの山田哲人がFA宣言せずに7年契約で残留 |url=https://www.tokyoheadline.com/526624/ |access-date=2021-07-17 |website=TOKYO HEADLINE |language=ja}} He also volunteered to replace Aoki as team captain starting in 2021.{{Cite web |date=2020-12-05 |title=【ヤクルト】山田哲人が残留で来季主将「パで挑戦したい気持ちも正直あった。球団の誠意、愛を感じた」 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20201204-OHT1T50357.html?page=1 |access-date=2021-07-03 |website=スポーツ報知 |language=ja}}

Yamada's slump continued into the start of the 2021 season,{{Cite web |date=2021-03-28 |title=「準備が整っていないように見える」燕の巻き返しに欠かせない山田哲人の復活 |url=https://full-count.jp/2021/03/28/post1065944/ |access-date=2021-07-03 |website=Full-Count |language=ja}} but his performance gradually improved after the start of interleague play.{{Cite web |last=SANKEI DIGITAL INC |date=2021-07-04 |title=ヤクルト・山田、2打席連発弾「後ろにつなぐ気持ちだった」 |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20210612-LQ67MZMEIFM7NEHMFR4YBOZI34/ |access-date=2021-07-03 |website=サンスポ |language=ja}}{{Cite web |last=SANKEI DIGITAL INC |date=2021-07-04 |title=ヤクルト・山田&村上&青木、「負けたら切る」高橋光を"散髪"KO |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20210605-DSC76QJWIRLSDAXNNNGFIDLZUM/ |access-date=2021-07-03 |website=サンスポ |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2021-06-12 |title=豪快な2戦連発は打棒完全復活？ 不安の声が途絶えない山田哲人のバッティング本領発揮か |url=https://npn.co.jp/article/detail/200013955 |access-date=2021-07-03 |website=リアルライブ |language=ja}}{{Cite web |last=日本テレビ |date=2021-06-10 |title=ヤクルト山田哲人2試合連発の14号ソロ{{pipe}}日テレNEWS24 |url=https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/sports/887012 |access-date=2021-07-03 |website=日テレNEWS24 |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2021-07-03 |title=【ヤクルト】山田哲人が2戦ぶり22号ソロ「終盤のいいところで打つことができてよかった」 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20210703-OHT1T51120.html?page=1 |access-date=2021-07-03 |website=スポーツ報知 |language=ja}} He made his sixth appearance in the 2021 All-Star Series, where he celebrated his 29th birthday during the first game.{{Cite web |date=2021-07-16 |title=【球宴】ヤクルト・山田哲人にサプライズ...記念撮影で誕生日ケーキ登場 この日29歳の誕生日 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20210716-OHT1T51124.html?page=1 |access-date=2021-07-16 |website=スポーツ報知 |language=ja}}{{Cite web |last=SANKEI DIGITAL INC |date=2021-07-16 |title=【カメラマン日記】試合前にサプライズ 山田哲人選手、29歳の誕生日に |url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20210716-6CUB6P6VBBNNBP4CFZIVMVYYN4/ |access-date=2021-07-16 |website=産経ニュース |language=ja}} He hit his 30th home run on September 26, a grand slam off Shinnosuke Ogasawara against Chunichi at Jingu Stadium,{{Cite web |date=2021-09-26 |title=首位ヤクルト 山田が30号満塁本塁打！中日から大量リード |url=https://www.daily.co.jp/baseball/2021/09/26/0014711367.shtml |access-date=2021-09-27 |website=デイリースポーツ online |language=ja}} marking his fifth 30-homer season.{{Cite web |date=2021-09-26 |title=【ヤクルト】山田哲人が30号満塁本塁打 5度目の30発 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20210926-OHT1T51204.html?page=1 |access-date=2021-09-27 |website=スポーツ報知 |language=ja}} In that game he had two home runs and seven RBIs.{{Cite web |date=2021-09-26 |title=ヤクルト 山田が2発7打点の大暴れ 30号満塁弾、31号2ランも飛び出した |url=https://www.daily.co.jp/baseball/2021/09/26/0014711524.shtml |access-date=2021-09-27 |website=デイリースポーツ online |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2021-09-26 |title=ヤクルト・山田2発7打点 5度目30本塁打で池山に並ぶも「ある人物にすぐ抜かれると思う」 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2021/09/26/kiji/20210926s00001173639000c.html |access-date=2021-09-27 |website=スポニチ Sponichi Annex |language=ja}} Although his stolen base attempts were greatly reduced due to a leg condition he suffered from throughout the season, he was fourth in the league with 34 home runs, third with 101 runs batted in, and fourth with an OPS of .885.{{Cn|date=January 2024}} As captain, he also went to the mound to inspire pitchers in a pinch and actively gave advice to younger players on the bench.{{Cite web |date=2021-11-28 |title=【ヤクルト・山田哲人独占手記】絵馬に込めた「導」 新主将の決意、"甘え"からの脱却 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2021/11/28/kiji/20211128s00001173244000c.html |access-date=2021-12-01 |website=スポニチ Sponichi Annex |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2021-11-28 |title=ヤクルト森岡良介コーチが明かす"山田哲人&村上宗隆"守備力UPの秘策とは〈メンタルに"表情改革"の効果あり!?〉（佐藤春佳） |url=https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/850462 |access-date=2021-11-04 |website=Number Web |language=ja}} He formed a strong duo with Munetaka Murakami who was batting fourth, and Yakult reversed their poor performances of the past two years to top the Central League standings at the end of the season.{{Cite web |date=2021-10-26 |title=ヤクルトが2年連続最下位からのリーグ制覇。サクセスストーリーを完結させた「4つのシンカ」 |url=https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/baseball/npb/2021/10/26/post_221/ |access-date=2021-11-04 |website=web Sportiva |language=ja}} In the Japan Series against the Orix Buffaloes, he hit a game-tying three-run homer off Tyler Higgins in the 8th inning of Game 5, tying him with Katsuo Osugi and Takahiro Ikeyama for the most Japan Series home runs in franchise history.{{Cite web |date=2021-11-25 |title=泣けた鳥肌立ったヤクルト山田哲人3ラン空砲も...大杉、池山に並ぶ球団最多タイ日本シリーズ4号 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2021/11/25/kiji/20211125s00001173676000c.html |access-date=2021-12-01 |website=スポニチ Sponichi Annex |language=ja}} Although Yamada was in a slump with a .167 batting average in the series overall, the team won its first championship in 20 years.{{Cite web |date=2021-11-29 |title=【燕のキャプテン山田の闘い（1）】「キャプテンになって良かった」ヤクルトを日本のテッペンに導いた |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20211129-NC3Q7IE3VBIULJZ6CT7QTBTFGE/ |access-date=2021-12-09 |publisher=サンケイスポーツ}} After the season he said he was aiming for a fourth triple three in 2022 as well as becoming a great defender and winning another championship.{{Cite web |date=2021-12-08 |title=ヤクルト山田哲人来季は「トリプルスリー&Gグラブ」7年契約の2年目現状維持の年俸5億円プラス出来高 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2021/12/08/kiji/20211208s00001173587000c.html |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=スポニチ Sponichi Annex |language=ja}}

Yamada was determined to be aggressive on the base paths in order to achieve another triple three in the 2022 season.{{Cite web |last=赤尾裕希 |date=2022-03-11 |title=ヤクルト・山田哲人、開幕へ意気込み「状態をマックスに」 4度目トリプルスリーへ「今年はどんどん走る」 |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20220311-D7WEQXSTKVIQVIIBKE4MIGZDDY/ |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=サンスポ |language=ja}} In his first at-bat on Opening Day, he was hit by a pitch from Shintaro Fujinami.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-25 |title=【阪神】藤浪晋太郎、初回ヤクルトに先取点許す 山田哲人への死球ヒヤリ |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20220325-OHT1T51183.html?page=1 |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=スポーツ報知 |language=ja}} Later that game, he hit a game-tying solo home run in the top of the ninth inning to contribute to a 7-run comeback victory, the largest in Opening Day history.{{Cite web |last=赤尾裕希 |date=2022-03-26 |title=ヤクルト、開幕史上最大7点差逆転！山田哲人が同点弾、サンタナV弾 |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20220326-FCT2C2JW7ZOYZHGWX22G7VZ46M/ |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=サンスポ |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2022-03-26 |title=【ヤクルト】高津監督、試合前に「君らはできる男」終盤7点差大逆転...山田哲人「誰一人諦めていなかった」 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20220325-OHT1T51278.html?page=1 |access-date=2022-03-28 |website=スポーツ報知 |language=ja}} He was a key figure in Yakult's victory in interleague play.{{Cite web |title=ヤクルトが交流戦優勝 4年ぶり2度目 プロ野球 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20220611/k00/00m/050/155000c |access-date=2022-06-11 |website=毎日新聞 |language=ja}} After contracting COVID-19 in July, his condition, which had been seeming to improve, worsened and he began to slump further.{{Cn|date=January 2024}} According to his teammates, after a sixth consecutive Yakult loss in August, Yamada tearfully .{{Cite web |last=晶一 |first=長谷川 |title=リーグ優勝の瞬間、6連敗の試合後...ヤクルト・山田哲人の"涙"の意味 |url=https://bunshun.jp/articles/57495 |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=文春オンライン}} By the end of the season he posted 23 home runs, an OPS of .800, and a league-worst 140 strikeouts. His on-base percentage of .333 was the worst since he became a regular starter.{{Cn|date=January 2024}} In spite of Yamada's individual struggles, Yakult secured the Central League pennant for a second consecutive year.{{Cite web |last=INC |first=SANKEI DIGITAL |date=2022-09-26 |title=ヤクルト・山田、村上の胸で涙「みんなに感謝したい」 |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20220926-LHYNQO3QXFL6ZGK7NUJF6PUAIU/ |access-date=2022-10-04 |website=サンスポ |language=ja}}

In 2023, he injured his lower body in a game against DeNA on April 12, was removed from the roster the next day, and returned to the starting lineup on April 28.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-28 |title=ヤクルト・山田哲人、1軍復帰即スタメン チーム一番乗りで球場入り |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20230428-6UQPYBKWVNOU5H3AF3HJ4B5FUA/ |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=サンスポ |publisher=産業経済新聞社}}{{Cite web |date=2023-04-28 |title=【ヤクルト】山田哲人が一軍復帰 零封負けも手応え「みんな勝ちたい思いを持っている」 |url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/261640 |access-date=2023-05-06 |website=東スポWeb |publisher=東京スポーツ}} On May 23, he hit a two-run homer in the 6th inning of a home game against Hanshin, becoming the third player in history to hit 150 homers at Jingu Stadium.{{Cite news |date=2023-05-24 |title=ヤクルト・山田哲人、池山&バレに次いで3人目！神宮通算150号本塁打 2戦連発6号2ランも5連敗 |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20230524-EBAVIBKW7BJAPEIROKOBG7D2OA/ |access-date=2023-11-17 |work=サンケイスポーツ |publisher=産経新聞社}} He injured his right leg in a game against Hiroshima on July 2, and was struck from the roster the next day.{{Cite news |date=2023-07-03 |title=【ヤクルト】山田哲人が2度目の抹消、2日全力疾走した際に右足を気にするそぶり 4月に続き |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/202307030000738.html |access-date=2023-11-17 |work=日刊スポーツ |publisher=日刊スポーツ新聞社}} He returned to the roster on August 1,{{Cite news |date=2023-08-01 |title=【ヤクルト】山田哲人、1軍復帰戦は無安打も好守で貢献「バットは振れている。明日は打ちたい」 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/202308010001618.html |access-date=2023-11-17 |work=日刊スポーツ |publisher=日刊スポーツ新聞社}} and on August 13 he hit a two-run home run against Hanshin, achieving a double-digit home run total in 10 consecutive seasons, tying a franchise record with Katsumi Hirosawa.{{Cite news |date=2023-08-13 |title=【ヤクルト】山田哲人10年連続2桁本塁打で球団記録に到達「1年1年勝負だと思います」 |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/202308130001903.html |access-date=2023-11-17 |work=日刊スポーツ |publisher=日刊スポーツ新聞社}} In Yakult's final game of the season, Yamada hit a walk-off sacrifice fly, which saved Yakult from finishing last in the Central League.{{Cite news |date=2023-11-10 |title=ヤクルト・山田哲人、故障しない強い体づくり徹底！悔しさ胸に来季の巻き返しへ「けがをしないことが大事」 |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20231110-5JHY3FCWMRGLTC6ZYHVZSCL2JQ/ |access-date=2023-11-17 |work=サンケイスポーツ |publisher=産経新聞社}} He finished the season with a .231 batting average, 14 home runs, and 40 runs batted in in 105 games, marking the first time in 10 years that he did not have enough at-bats to qualify for the batting title rankings.

File:20230323wbc_e1.jpg in 2023 after winning the 5th World Baseball Classic]]

On October 9, 2015, Yamada was named to the Japanese national team, Samurai Japan, for the inaugural WBSC Premier12,{{Cite web |last=NPBエンタープライズ |title=「WBSC プレミア12」侍ジャパントップチーム最終ロースター28名発表！！ |url=https://www.japan-baseball.jp/jp/news/press/ |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=野球日本代表 侍ジャパンオフィシャルサイト |language=ja}} in which Japan won the bronze medal.{{Cn|date=January 2024}} He again represented Japan in the 2019 WBSC Premier12. He struggled offensively for most of the tournament, but drove in two runs in the team's penultimate game and hit a three-run homer in the championship game to help Japan win the tournament for the first time.{{Cite web |date=2019-11-17 |title=侍山田哲人「やってやった」4年前の雪辱逆転3ラン |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/201911170001343.html |access-date=2020-04-22 |publisher=日刊スポーツ}} He represented Japan in the 4th World Baseball Classic held in March 2017. He played primarily as the designated hitter in the leadoff spot, and hit two home runs in one game against Cuba in the second round, becoming the eighth batter in tournament history to do so.{{Cite web |title=山田、先頭打者本塁打で侍ジャパン先制 WBCで日本人3人目 - スポニチ Sponichi Annex 野球 |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2017/03/14/kiji/20170314s00001004194000c.html |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=スポニチ Sponichi Annex |language=ja}}{{Cite web |date=2017-03-15 |title=イチロー、鳥谷、山田/WBC先頭打者本塁打メモ - WBC |url=https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/wbc/2017/news/1792360.html |access-date=2017-03-18 |website=日刊スポーツ}} He was selected to represent Japan in the 5th World Baseball Classic before the start of the 2023 season.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}

On October 10, 2018, he was selected to play in the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series.{{cite web |date=October 10, 2018 |title=「2018日米野球」に出場する侍ジャパントップチーム選手全28名が決定 |url=http://www.japan-baseball.jp/jp/news/press/20181010_1.html |access-date=October 14, 2018 |work=野球日本代表 侍ジャパン オフィシャルサイト |language=ja}}

In 2021, Yamada played for Team Japan at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.{{cite web |title=東京オリンピック内定選手決定について |url=https://www.japan-baseball.jp/jp/news/press/20210616_3.html |access-date=August 12, 2021 |work=野球日本代表 侍ジャパン オフィシャルサイト |language=ja}} Overall, he went 7-for-20 with a home run and seven RBIs, starting in all five games the team played.{{Cite web |date=August 7, 2021 |title=WBSC names MVP and Tokyo 2020 All-Olympic Baseball Team |url=http://www.wbsc.org/en/news/wbsc-names-mvp-and-tokyo-2020-all-olympic-baseball-team |access-date=October 5, 2022 |website=World Baseball Softball Confederation |language=en}} He hit a 3-run home run in the third inning of a 7–4 win over Mexico.{{Cite news |date=July 31, 2021 |title=Second Loss of the Ninth Mexican at the Olympics; Falls 4-7 to Japan |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2557177729 |access-date=October 5, 2022 |work=CE Noticias Financieras |publisher=ContentEngine |location=Miami, Florida |id={{ProQuest|2557177729}}}} His bases-loaded double in the semifinal round against South Korea gave Japan a 5-2 lead, which they maintained and secured a spot in the final.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=August 4, 2021 |title=Olympics: Yamada blast lifts Japan into baseball gold medal game |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/08/9d8f9fcc402a-olympics-yamada-blast-lifts-japan-into-baseball-gold-medal-game.html |access-date=October 5, 2022 |website=Kyodo News}} In the gold medal match versus the United States, he scored the second of two runs in Japan's 2-0 victory.{{Cite news |last=Wagner |first=James |date=August 7, 2021 |title=Japan Brings Home the Gold Medal in Baseball, a National Passion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/07/sports/olympics/japan-olympics-baseball-gold-medal.html |access-date=October 5, 2021 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Yamada was named the Tokyo 2020 MVP by the World Baseball Softball Confederation.

During the fourth round of the 2017 World Baseball Classic, in the fourth inning of a game against Cuba, Yamada hit a ball to left field that was caught by a junior high school student in the stands. The hit was initially ruled a home run, but upon replay review the call was overturned and it was ruled a double instead. Following the play, the student received a large amount of criticism on the internet, and users identified his Twitter account. Comments about the incident falsely attributed to Yamada were also spread on the internet.{{Cite web |title=WBCキューバ戦、山田哲人の"幻のホームラン"を巡ってネット上ではデマも拡散 |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1703/08/news073.html |access-date=2024-01-07 |website=ねとらぼ |language=ja}}

After the game, Yamada did comment on the play, saying that he did not mind the student catching the ball, and expressed his desire for the boy to continue to attend baseball games.[https://full-count.jp/2017/03/08/post60045/ 侍・山田、V打も"幻の本塁打"に...「ウェートトレして打球飛ばしたい」] Full-Count 2017年3月8日 同日閲覧[https://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/wbc/2017/news/1789496.html 山田から幻弾少年へ「またグラブ持って応援に来て」] 日刊スポーツ 2017年3月9日 同日閲覧

File:山田哲人２.jpg]]

Yamada was well-regarded for his power before he became a professional player, hitting 31 home runs in high school.{{Cite web |date=2010-10-13 |title=【ドラフト】注目の候補たち（2）履正社・山田哲人〜急成長でドラフト上位候補に躍り出た、T−岡田の後輩 |url=http://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/baseball/2010/10/13/article72/ |access-date=2014-04-26 |publisher=sportiva|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302165519/http://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/baseball/2010/10/13/article72/ |archive-date=2016-03-02 }} Although he has been called the best NPB player in terms of power and speed, Yamada does not call himself a home run hitter.{{Cite web |date=2020-05-14 |title=「自分はホームランバッターじゃない...... - 山田哲人の名言 |url=https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/843428 |access-date=2021-08-14 |website=Number Web |language=ja}} He is a right-handed hitter who has always had a strong tendency to pull the ball into left field, and has been increasing that percentage year by year.{{Cite web |last=DELTA |date=2016-06-01 |title='スイングしない打者'山田哲人がスゴイ 際立つ「引っ張り」と「見極め」 |url=https://full-count.jp/2016/06/01/post33733/ |access-date=2017-12-30 |publisher=Full-Count}} Multiple foreign players in the league have said that Yamada, despite his relatively small size, can hit for home runs so well because of his ability to hit under the ball and apply backspin, as well as his quick bat speed.{{Cite web |last=島村誠也 |date=2016-06-01 |title=セの外国人スラッガーに聞く「なぜ山田哲人は本塁打を打てるのか？」 |url=https://sportiva.shueisha.co.jp/clm/baseball/npb/2016/06/01/post_757/index.php |access-date=2017-12-30 |website=集英社 |publisher=web Sportiva}} Yakult's home Jingu Stadium is one of the smallest stadiums in NPB, contributing to players' ability to hit home runs there, but in 2018 Yamada's average home run distance at Jingu was 121.7 m, with only a few home runs that were aided by the stadium dimensions.{{Cite web |last=伊藤昇 |date=2018-12-14 |title=【科学特捜隊】ヤクルト・山田哲、来季大チャンス！40本塁打40盗塁 |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20181214-U3NB4TEZ2JKDLFH7VG44HLVIZA/4/ |access-date=2019-04-26 |website=SANKEI DIGITAL Inc. |publisher=SANSPO.COM}}

He swings very infrequently, with a 38.8% swing rate in 2014, the seventh lowest among qualifying NPB batters, and 36.6% as of the end of May 2016, the third lowest among qualifying hitters and the lowest in the Central League. His chase rate led NPB hitters in 2016 as of May, decreasing from 24.9% to 17.6% since 2014.

In 2015, he recorded an 89.5% stolen base success rate,{{Cite web |last=金沢 慧 |date=2015-10-16 |title=山田哲人は「本塁生還力」も優れている！？ |url=http://www.baseball-lab.jp/column/entry/247/ |access-date=2018-04-14 |publisher=Baseball LAB}} and topped the NPB in BsR (total contribution to runs scored from stolen bases and base running), with high contributions to runs scored from both stolen bases and base running. According to Tsuyoshi Ueda, who played with him until the 2020 season, Yamada finds success in base-stealing because of his aggressiveness and his ability to read the opposing pitcher and catcher.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-08 |title=【ヤクルト】山田哲人の盗塁技術の凄味はどこにある？ 走力だけなら山田哲人の上をいく選手がいる！！《ファンを楽しませる天才・上田剛史オンライントーク》 |url=https://love-spo.com/sports-talk/ueda008_20210608.html |access-date=2021-07-03 |website=ラブすぽ |language=ja}} According to the pitchers he has played against, he surprises by having a small lead when he gets on base and not giving a sense of wanting to steal a base, but running on the first pitch.{{Cite web |date=2020-11-23 |title=山田哲人のヤクルト残留理由は...張り込みカメラマンが目撃した超一流の「危機察知能力」 |url=https://smart-flash.jp/sports/122818/ |access-date=2022-01-12 |publisher=Smart FLASH}} He has also drawn attention for his sliding technique at home plate, which he has specifically worked on in practice.{{Cite web |date=2021-10-09 |title=ヤクルト・山田、セオリーの逆を突く「右手」生還 左手おとりに捕手の意識誘いタッチかいくぐった |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2021/10/09/kiji/20211009s00001173030000c.html |access-date=2021-12-20 |website=スポニチ Sponichi Annex |language=ja}}

Yamada initially played shortstop during his tenure in Yakult's Eastern League farm team, before becoming the regular second baseman on the main roster.{{Cite web |date=2014-06-12 |title=ヤクルト打線変革の理由に迫る |url=https://column.sp.baseball.findfriends.jp/?pid=column_detail&id=002-20140623-02 |access-date=2016-08-24 |publisher=週刊ベースボールONLINE}} Although he is primarily a second baseman, he has also played first base and third base for Samurai Japan due to conflicts with other position players.{{Cite web |date=2010-10-24 |title=山田 哲人 （履正社） |url=https://www.hb-nippon.com/player/124 |access-date=2021-05-09 |publisher=高校野球ドットコム}}{{Cite web |date=2021-06-23 |title=【侍ジャパン】山田哲人、稲葉監督の"一塁準備指令"に即答「ファーストミット、大事にとってあります」 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20210623-OHT1T51274.html |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=スポーツ報知 |language=ja}}

According to a veteran scout for another team, those scouting Yamada had no problems with his hitting or base running, but his defense was bad enough that he was considered a second- or third-round pick.{{Cite web |date=2015-08-24 |title=4冠狙うヤクルト山田はなぜ「外れの外れの1位」だったのか |url=https://www.nikkan-gendai.com/articles/view/sports/163016 |access-date=2021-12-20 |website=日刊ゲンダイDIGITAL}} However, since entering NPB, his fielding ability, especially his range, has been praised by the American media.{{Cite web |date=2018-11-12 |title=【日米野球】侍・山田哲人、二塁守備でも米メディアから称賛浴びる「並外れた守備範囲」 |url=https://full-count.jp/2018/11/12/post246987/ |access-date=2021-12-25 |website=Full-Count |language=ja}} Up to the start of the 2013 season, he struggled with throwing balls from the shortstop position, but after starting to play primarily second base after his call-up in May, his defense improved considerably. In his 2015 MVP season, he was second among Central League second basemen with a .989 fielding percentage{{Cite web |date= |title=2015年度 セントラル・リーグ セントラル・リーグ 個人守備成績（規定以上） |url=https://npb.jp/bis/2015/stats/fld_c.html |access-date=2016-08-24 |publisher=日本野球機構}} and posted a 17.6 ultimate zone rating, which compares fielders to the league average.[http://1point02.jp/op/gnav/leaders/pl/pfs_advanced.aspx?sn=2015&lg=0&tm=0&ps=4&pn=-1 Essence of baseball]（DELTA社） He has never won a Gold Glove Award, which he has described as one of his most important goals.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-17 |title=［天才打者が挑む壁］山田哲人「僕が本当に欲しいもの」（佐藤春佳） |url=https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/852398 |access-date=2022-03-19 |website=Number Web |language=ja}}

{{Reflist|group=note}}

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{{commons category|Tetsuto Yamada}}

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