On the 6th, Seibu Lions pitcher Yuutaro Watanabe sent a message of encouragement to pitcher Mitsunari Takahashi, who he trains with and who decided to challenge the majors on the 5th, saying, "I'll be sad, but I already know that Mitsunari has always had a dream, so I'm rooting for you."
They have been mentors for three consecutive years, including last offseason in Hanamaki, Iwate, during their voluntary training. During the seven years they spent together at Seibu, Mitsunari has learned many things from his big brother, saying, "The importance of having big dreams, and the way Mitsunari always organizes his schedule around baseball, is a great learning experience. Also, the importance of self-investment, things like that."
Takahashi pitched in 15 games last season, but finished with 0 wins and 11 losses, not winning a single game. However, having watched him closely, Watanabe expressed great respect for Takahashi, saying, "The way he silently did what he had to do without letting others know is burned into my memory. I don't think it's easy to do something like that." Watanabe himself said, "I think I'll be in a position where I have to lead the starting lineup again next year, so I feel very strongly about that." He will spend the autumn reflecting on himself.
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