After seven seasons in the major leagues with the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants, Whitfield moved to Japan. From 1981 to 1983, he excelled for the Seibu Lions, putting up high offensive numbers. In 1981, he batted .316 with 22 home runs and 100 runs batted in. That season he won a Best Nine Award, awarded annually to the best player at each position. In 1982, he batted .272 with 25 home runs and 71 runs batted in. And in 1983, he batted .278 with 38 home runs and 109 runs batted in. Whitfield was named as a Pacific League All-Star and won another Best Nine Award, the second time in three years.