Hirooka played his entire career, from 1954 to 1966, for the Yomiuri Giants.
As a manager for the Yakult Swallows (1976–1979) and then the Seibu Lions (1982–1985), Hirooka was known for his tough-love style.
[1] Nicknamed "The Iron Shogun", he thrice led his teams to the Japan Series championship — in 1978, 1982, and 1983.
He won the Matsutaro Shoriki Award — presented to a person (a manager or player) who greatly contributes to the development of professional baseball — in 1978 and 1982.
[2] This biographical article relating to a Japanese baseball shortstop is a stub.