◆ Pacific League Nippon-Ham 2-4 Rakuten (22nd, Escon F)
Rakuten 's Hideto Asamura, who started as the third batter and first baseman, hit his 300th starting line-up Home Run run in his fourth at-bat, into the right field stands off Sugiura. count at 1-2, he hit a 151 km/h fastball high and on the outside corner.
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I was surprised by Asamura's reaction. Just before the start of the 2019 season. Before practice at home, my colleague Norimoto spoke to me. "Asa (Asamura), it seems you've hit the most hits among those born in the Heisei era." As far as I could tell, the answer was "Oh, really?" I wonder if he's not interested in his own records. I still remember that impression.
He won the Home Run title in 2020 (32 home runs) and 2023 (26 home runs). However, I don't remember hearing him make any comments about being obsessed with winning individual titles when I was in charge of Rakuten in 2019 and 2020. His catchphrase was "team win."
It was easy to imagine his positive impact on the team. He joined the team as a free agent from Seibu in the offseason of 2018. He was generous in giving advice to the young players during the training camp. Switch hitter Kazu Tanaka, on Asamura's advice, stopped using the no-step batting style when batting from the right side and changed to lifting his left foot. "It's rare to have the opportunity to practice with such a great player and learn from him," he said with gratitude.
Successive directors also appreciated it, including his attitude toward baseball. He may not be uninterested in records, but there are things he values more. Asamura swings the bat just to make his team win. (12, 13, 19, 20 years Rakuten by Hiroki Takahashi)
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・ [Rakuten] Wins in extra inning innings to stop six-game losing streak! Manager Hajime Miki praises Hideto Asamura for his game-winning hit, saying he "saved the team."
・ [Rakuten] New foreign right-hander Asamura pitches well against veteran Abe in live BP, "I got more strikeouts than I expected"
・ Rakuten 's Hideto Asamura is converted to first base and is back to hitting power. "To get my body back sharp," he says as he sprints silently.
