On the 8th, Softbank Hawks held a press conference in Fukuoka City to announce the new recruits, and manager Hiroki Kokubo (54) immediately issued instructions. Looking around at the players on stage, he said, "Raise your hand if you keep a baseball notebook," and four people raised their hands. "Please make sure to keep one. It's essential for your growth. Making your own notebook is the start," he said.
The direct orders came at the welcome party the night before. He revealed that he had banned the phrase "contributing to the team's win." As a result, all 12 players refrained from using it at the press conference. The manager said, "First, build your own castle. They understand that you can't contribute to win unless you're in a position to play in a game." He continued, "Once you become a regular player, it will come out of your mouth naturally. Until then, I want you to stop using that phrase."
After the press conference, he emphasized the importance of having the mindset to win the competition, saying, "Don't be afraid of being isolated, and don't get used to being in a group, otherwise you won't be able to move up." Although the team has a well-established training system, he also emphasized the importance of independent practice, and listed these as the "three rules" for joining the winning team. (Ando Osamu)
- Fourth-round draft pitcher Masato Sagara (Gifu Keizai University) attended the game with his right elbow immobilized. He underwent Tommy John surgery in November and joined the team with approximately two years of rehabilitation required. An abnormality was discovered during the team's medical check, and he said, "I was hesitant, but after talking with various people, I decided I wanted to undergo the surgery myself." First-round draft pick infielder Rintaro Sasaki (Stanford University), who has not yet expressed his intention to join the team, was also absent. Of the five players under contract, two will not be able to make it in time for the start of next season.
Related News
・ [Softbank Hawks] Manager Hiroki Kokubo gives new players his first instruction: "Contributing to the team's win" is prohibited; "Make sure to take notes"
・ [Softbank Hawks] New recruits press conference without first-place finisher Ryuta Inagawa to Rintaro Sasaki: "I want to play together"
・ [Softbank Hawks] Manager Kokubo gives encouragement to trade-acquired players Akihiro and Oe, saying, "Help us blossom." He also sends encouragement to Richard.
・ [Draft] After receiving a congratulatory greeting from Softbank Hawks CBO Jojima, Sasaki Rintaro said, "Right now I'm concentrating fully on my university classes and next year's season."
・ [Softbank Hawks] Rotation candidates pitch one after another in the first intrasquad game of this training camp. Manager Hiroki Kokubo: "I was watching that."
