Rakuten On the 18th, we learned that Shoma Fujihira pitcher (27) had gotten married. The couple, who are the same age, registered their marriage at the end of this season. The right fielder, who has found a lifelong partner, is aiming to participate in the WBC next March.

Rakuten 's Fujihira found his true love after the end of this season. He met his partner through an acquaintance, a 27-year-old who resembles actress Nagasawa Masami. Attracted by her cheerful personality, Fujihira said, "When I wasn't getting results and thought about quitting baseball, I thought, 'I can build a happy family with this person,' even after quitting baseball." In keeping with his fastball style of right-handed pitcher, who can hit a maximum of 156 km/h, he proposed to her in a straightforward manner, saying, "I will make you happy, so please marry me."

He received support from his partner in terms of meals even while they were dating, and last season he recorded 20 hold as a setup man. He was selected for the Japanese national team for the first time in last fall's "Premier 12," and played at full capacity with a 0.00 ERA in six games, the most on the team. He contributed to the team's runner-up finish, and Samurai Japan manager Ibata praised his spirited pitch style, earning him his deep trust.

His new wife's devoted support also gave him strength. When he returned home after being hit hard in a game, she continued to encourage him with positive words, saying, "There is no pitcher who never gets hit! If you're at rock bottom now, you'll definitely get better."

Thanks to his help, he achieved a good record of 2 wins and 2 losses, 21 hold, 12 saves, and ERA 2.11 in 62 appearances, the most of his career. In Samurai Japan, which was selected for the second year in a row, he took the mound from the 8th inning in a warm-up game against the Korean national team (Tokyo D), and 1 hit 1 runs (0 earned) in the first inning. "I won a silver medal in the Premier12 last year, and I still want a gold medal," he said, aiming to contribute to his participation in the WBC in March next year and his second consecutive championship.

"I don't know how many more years I'll be able to baseball, but I want to savor the happiness of being able to baseball as a job and swing my arm with all my might for my family." He is expected to serve as the team's guardian angel next season. He will transform the presence he must protect into strength and support bullpen.

◆ Shoma Fujihira: Born September 21, 1998 in Chiba Prefecture. 27 years old. Played in the summer Koshien as a third-year student at Yokohama High School. Joined Rakuten as the first pick in the 2016 draft. Switched full-time to relief pitching in 2024. ERA: 0.00 in six games at last fall's Premier 12. In nine years as a professional, he has a total of 154 appearances with 12 wins and 19 losses, 41 hold, and 13 saves. ERA 3.48. Height: 185 cm, weight: 85 kg. Throws and bats right-handed. This season's annual salary: 40 million yen. Married.

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