Hattori debuted with Nagoya at the age of 19 in 1939 firstly as a catcher and captured hearts and minds by becoming home run champion in his third year.

In 1950, behind Dragons ace Shigeru Sugishita he put up another impressive season on the mound with a further 21 wins.

Hattori finished his career in 1958 having played 258 matches, achieving 112 wins and 65 losses with an ERA of 2.85.

After retirement Hattori had moderate success as a coach and scout, as well as the occasional television appearance on Professional Baseball News.

Unable to throw a curveball, Hattori found the majority of his success with a cutter delivery.