Orix Buffaloes The first is the "Broncos", which is the first team to win the World Cup in the last two years. Yuma Tongu catcher (29) declared on the 13th that he will "mass-produce special hits" for the upcoming season. Softbank Hawks until the 12th ・Joint practice was held with Yamakawa in Fukuoka Prefecture, as is customary off-season, and he seemed to be fulfilled in both mind and body. On this day, he participated in a baseball class led by AU baseball club alumni in Hyogo Prefecture and revealed his determination to be the mainstay of the team.

"What is necessary for the team? I think it's the ability to win and hit." This season, he cleared the required number of at-bats for the first time in two years, with a batting average of .249. Although he sometimes tried to bunt, he decided to take the traditional route, saying, "There is something more important for the team than that."

Along with his colleague Mori, Yamakawa is one of the people he respects. "It's brutal, but I'll endure it. It's all about willpower," he said of the three days of joint training, which were so grueling they pushed him to his limits, involving completing 10 different exercises while carrying 25-kilogram plate. They spent time together in the same space from 9 a.m. until dinner, and he was reminded once again of the importance of "preparation" by his mentor. He continues on the path he believes in. (Toru Nagata)