Lotte's "New Player Announcement" was held on the 11th at the Lotte headquarters in Tokyo, where first-round draft pick pitcher Genki Ishigaki (18) of Kendai Takasaki University vowed to build a professional-grade physique through curry and achieve a fastball speed of 170 km/h.

The right-handed pitcher, who has a top speed of 158 km/h, appeared at the press conference wearing a uniform with number 18 and the name "G. ISHIGAKI" written above it, and sat next to manager Saburo, where he once again spoke of his big goal: "I want to be the first Japanese player to throw a ball at 170 km/h."

Further growth is essential to achieve this. He is 180cm tall and weighs 78kg, but he plans to gain weight, saying, "I think I can do it if I keep building my physique and keep pitching. I want to get to 80kg by the time I move into the dormitory." He has decided to eat two bowls of white rice with each meal, but "I feel like I can eat as much curry as I want. It's a drink." He plans to build up a physique strong enough to throw "ultra-fast balls" by consuming his favorite chicken curry as if he is pouring it into his stomach.

Manager Saburo also made a request to the rookies, saying, "I want you to eat. You won't get bigger if you don't eat. I ate a lot too. This will help you build muscle and make the ball faster and fly further. Make sure you turn the food into muscle." Professionals remember that eating is also a part of training, and they put their heart and soul into every meal to make their dream of throwing 170 kilograms come true. (Ami Shunsuke)