Meiji University, which achieved an undefeated 10-game winning streak to start the Tokyo Big Six University baseball Autumn League, achieving its second undefeated victory since the fall of 1996 and the first since Waseda University in the fall of 2003, held a victory parade from Kanda Surugadai in Tokyo to Jimbocho on the 26th, and held a victory party attended by approximately 500 fans.

Manager Totsuka Toshimi (61), Seibu' first draft catcher Kojima Taiga (4th year, Tokai University Sagami), Nippon-Ham' first draft pitcher Okawa Jiei (4th year, Joso Gakuin), and Lotte Marines' second draft pitcher Mori Kaidai (4th year, Fukuoka University Ohori) all smiled and responded to the cheers of fans along the road.

Okawa, who contributed to the team's 44th victory as the guardian deity and first in five seasons, expressed his gratitude by saying, "Thank you for your enthusiastic support over the past four years. I feel great to be standing here." At the Meiji Jingu Tournament, the team lost in the first round after a heated battle with Ritsumeikan University extra inning 10 extra innings in a tiebreaker. "I hope that after winning all of their games in the spring, they will also win the championship tournament with all of their games. I hope that you will continue to support them," he said, expressing his hopes for his juniors.

At Nippon-Ham, he will be teammates with pitcher Tamon Asari (23), a senior at Meiji University who is one year older than him. "I received a photo of him on the morning of the draft. It was a positive message saying, 'Do your best today,' but after I was selected, I checked my LINE and it said, 'I didn't hear that The Fighters were going to be the first pick...'" he revealed, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Looking to succeed in his new environment, he said, "There are many players in my year, so I want to make sure I don't lose. I also want to work hard so I can pitch in the first team soon," which drew loud applause from the purple and blue fans. (Kato Hiroshi)

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