Orix catcher Kenya Wakatsuki participated in the players' association year-end party held in Hyogo Prefecture on the 1st. His wife, who is serving as players' association president for the second time this season, has been confirmed to continue in the role next season. "It was my second time, so I thought I knew how it went, but I realized once again how difficult it is. (Next season) I will listen more to the players' opinions, and I think there are many areas where we can improve. I hope to broaden my perspective," he promised.
This season marks his 12th year as a player, and he had a batting average of .272 with 6 Home Run and 31 RBI in 121 games. He was named to the Best Nine for the first time as catcher, and also received his second Golden stolen base prevention rate was .219, fifth in the league, he vowed to revamp his game, saying, "I received the award, but defense numbers weren't very satisfying. I want to start again from scratch."
This offseason, Nippon-Ham Torai Fushimi catcher Toratake Fushimi, who played for Orix until 2022, has been traded to the Hanshin Tigers. While warning his former colleague, "Isn't it good that he went to the Tigers (laughs)?", he also envisioned a showdown in the Japan Series that lies ahead, saying, "We can't let this (season where we missed out on the championship) drag on. We'll do our best to aim for victory."
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・ [Hanshin Tigers] Manager Koji Fujikawa welcomes the trade addition of Torai Fushimi, "It's chemistry," and gives a 7-minute speech to all the players.
・ [Orix] Players' Association President Kenya Wakatsuki says "We have nothing to lose" ahead of the game against Nippon-Ham...Press conference before the CS
・ [Hanshin Tigers] Torai Fushimi joins the team at a press conference. He says his name is "Tiger" and that he feels a mysterious connection to the team.
