Date played for Waseda University from 1928 to 1932. He began his career as a catcher, compiling a record .469 batting average during the 1928 fall season. By 1931 he had become a pitcher and was nicknamed "Iron Arm" after
defeating rival Keio University in three consecutive games. He was also one of the star pitchers who participated in the 1931 and 1934 U.S. All-Star Tours of Japan. Date was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.