Nippon-Ham pitcher Hiromi Ito renewed his contract at ESCON on the 3rd. He signed for a significant increase from an estimated 220 million yen to over 300 million yen.
He pitched at full power as a starter this season, posting a record of 14 wins and 8 losses ERA 2.52 in 27 appearances. His 196 2/3 innings innings pitched and 195 strike out were career highs. He won the most wins and most strike out titles for the second consecutive year, and also won the coveted Sawamura Award.
Ito firmly stated, "It's over 300 million yen." He added with a wry smile, "I think the taxes are going to be a pain," but nodded and said, "I'm happy" that he's the first player in the team since Darvish to break the 300 million mark in just his sixth year.
Looking back on the season in which he was in full swing, he said, "I think it was good that I was able to stick to my own style for a whole year, but in the end we weren't able to win, so my desire to win is strong." Looking ahead to next season, he said, "I said I was disappointed last year, and I'm saying I'm disappointed again this year. If each and every player has an even higher level of awareness, we'll definitely be a team that can win. I want to be that kind of team that can lead the team."
Regarding the Sawamura Award, he said, "It's a great honor as a player, and the Sawamura Award in particular is something I've been aiming for, so I'm really happy, but when you add the championship to that, the joy is doubled, so I really want to win and really get the title."
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