Lotte's Tatsuhiro Tamura announced at a press conference on the 16th after his contract renewal that his first child, a daughter, was born in September.

Speaking of Tamura, during fall practice he revealed, "(Coach Saburo) has been telling me repeatedly since February of this year to do things carefully. He told me to do things carefully and not to be sloppy, so I've been conscious of that and will do things carefully."

I wonder if he is training carefully even during this off-season.

"Yes, my weakness is that I do things carelessly, so I am careful even when changing a baby's diaper, and I think carefully about even the smallest details."

He unexpectedly announced the birth of his child at this timing. Of course, he also spoke carefully about his playing, saying, "Just like Saburo-san told me, I think that's where I need to be careful, so I don't get careless sometimes, so I'm still playing carefully."

She currently arrives at Zozo Marine Stadium at 6am, practices until around 10pm, and then actively participates in childcare after returning home.

"It will be three or four years before he is old enough to understand things, so I want to show him my dad playing baseball. That's why I have to work hard now with the intention of becoming a regular player again, otherwise that dream will never come true. I've been too easy on myself until now, but this year I'm going to push myself and work hard," he said with determination.

As usual, he will train voluntarily in Kamogawa in January with Toshiya Sato and others. "In recent years, I've been more conscious of using my shoulders and legs rather than going into camp at 100%, but next year I want to be in shape enough to be able to go 100% from February 1st, and be able to complete all the same training as the younger players." He aims to return to his position as the starting catcher next year.

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita