Lotte's Ryota Nakamura has found some success with his curveball.

Nakamura, who joined Lotte this season, said during his voluntary training period in January, "I'm practicing every day hoping to really throw a curve as good as Shuta Ishikawa (Hiirita) san's," and at the Ishigakijima spring training camp, "I was told that my curve is good, so I'm in the process of having Mr. Ishikawa teach me his curve. Mr. Ishikawa's curve is a great curve, so I always get catch the ball, and I get a very good image of how I want to throw it every day. I really feel like I'm working on refining it more so that I can make it into my own ball," he said.

"When I'm getting count, I throw a big curveball, or I curve it when the batter leans back, and when I want to get a strikeout, I throw a vertical one as my finishing pitch.The sign for the curveball remains a curveball, but I think if I can communicate well with catcher about what kind of curveball I want to throw at this time, I'll be able to communicate and come up with a good curveball."

He has been focusing on his curveball since his voluntary training and camp in Ishigaki Island. I wonder if he was able to throw a curveball that he was satisfied with throughout the season.

"The curveball was the pitch that I felt most comfortable with all year. When I finally got the curveball right, I was able closer the rhythm of the game under control," he said, feeling pleased.

"I hope to stick to that approach next season and continue to make good use of my curveball and fork, which are my weapons," he said.

Although he was unable to secure a contract this season, his first year since the transfer, he will hone his skills and aim to secure a contract next season.

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita