[Rakuten] "It's from here," Koshien With the words of his former mentor, who experienced a semi-V, Gakuho Ishikawa's Toshiya Daiei, the fourth overall pick in the draft, agrees to sign a contract｜Pacific League.com

[Rakuten] "It all starts from here" - With the words of his mentor, who was a runner-up Koshien, in mind, Toshiya Oei of Gakuho Ishikawa, drafted fourth, agrees to a contract

Sports Hochi

2025.11.15(土) 18:31

ボールとマスコットを手に笑顔をみせる楽天ドラフト４位の学法石川・大栄利哉（カメラ・有吉　広紀）

Rakuten Toshiya Daiei catcher (18) of Gakuho Ishikawa, the 4th overall pick in the draft by the National League's National League Baseball Hall of Fame, held negotiations in Fukushima Prefecture on March 15 and agreed to a contract with a 35 million yen signing bonus and a 5.5 million yen annual salary (all amounts are estimates). The day after the draft, Junichiro Sasaki, the school's coach, told him, "This is where you start. I thought he was right, so I stopped rejoicing and worked hard in practice," he said. He realized once again that being selected for the draft is not the goal, but the start.

When asked what words have stuck with her out of all the ones she's been told during her three years of high school, Daiei said, "I was always taught that a good player is one who doesn't cause worry. If people around me get anxious when they see me, it's going to be a nuisance, so even if the results aren't good, I've tried to be cheerful for three years so as not to cause trouble for the rest of the team. I think there are tough times on the professional stage, but even in those times, I want to stick to my characteristic smile." She emphasized that her smile, which comes naturally without her even being conscious of it, "is what I want everyone to see the most." She captivates many fans with her bright smile that brightens up those around her.