Lotte's Tatsuhiro Tamura announced at a press conference following his contract renewal on the 16th 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."

Currently, she comes to Zozo Marine Stadium at 6 a.m., practices until around 10 a.m., and then actively participates in childcare after returning home.

"I think it will take three or four years for my child to be old enough to understand things, so I want to show him his dad playing baseball. That's why I have to work hard to become a regular player again at this time, otherwise that dream won't come true. I've been too easy on myself until now, but this year I want to push myself and work as hard as I can," he declared.

Next January, as in previous years, he will be doing his own off-season training in Kamogawa with Toshiya Sato and others. "For the past few years, rather than going into camp at 100%, I've been more focused on using my shoulders and legs, but next year I want to be in good enough shape to be able to go 100% from February 1st and be able to do all the same training menu as the younger players." He aims to regain his catcher position next year.

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita