catcher Hikaru Ito (36), who exercised his overseas free agent (FA) rights and transferred from DeNA to Rakuten Eagles, held a press conference at Rakuten Eagles Mobile on the 10th. number was decided to be "27," which was worn by outfielder Takero Okajima (36), who is in the same grade as him and retired at the end of this season.
Regarding number, Hikaru Ito said, "Speaking of The Eagles 's number 27, it's Takero Okajima," and while he had respect for Okajima, who had been wearing it for seven years, he said, "It's also the number I admire, and I wonder if it's okay to wear it, so I want to wear it." In catcher, he was passionate about the "ace number" worn by The Giants Mori, Yakult Furuta, and Tani Shigeru in the Chunichi era, so he contacted Okajima. "I'm cheering for you, and I'm grateful," he said. Carrying the number 27 with various thoughts on his back will help the team.
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・ [Rakuten Eagles] Free agent Hikaru Ito holds press conference: Even though he is the oldest fielder, he still thinks he is young. number is "27," which was worn by his classmate Okajima.
・ Rakuten Eagles announces acquisition of overseas free agent Hikaru Ito from DeNA. The addition of the experienced catcher intensifies the competition for the starting catcher.
・ DeNA's Hikaru Ito, 36, who exercised his overseas free agent status and is expected to sign a one-year contract with Rakuten Eagles
・ [DeNA] Hikaru Ito says goodbye to the team: "I'd be happy if you would support me except for direct confrontations" and transfers to Rakuten Eagles via free agency
・ [Rakuten Eagles] No. 5 draft pick Taisei Ito appeals to fans with the name "TAISEI" on his back at the press conference announcing new players
