Nippon-Ham' first draft pick, right-handed pitcher Jiei Okawa (22), of Meiji University, who boasts a top speed of 155 km/h, attended a triumphant welcome party at his alma mater, Joso Gakuin, held in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture, on the 18th. He vowed to surpass manager Naoya Shimada (55), who also joined the team as an undrafted Nippon-Ham in 1987.

Regarding the three years he spent training at Joso Gakuin, he said, "It was after I entered Joso Gakuin that I first thought about aiming to become a professional baseball. It was a turning point in my life." He also spoke with deep emotion about being selected by The Fighters with which his mentor began his professional baseball career, saying, "I thought that there really is such a thing as fate."

Coach Shimada, who is also a reliever, won the title of best reliever pitcher in 97 during his time in Yokohama, and appeared in 419 games in his professional career in 14 years. He was loved by fans.

"I want to become pitcher who can compete with Shimada-san. I want to win titles, and it's easier to understand if you have a clear goal. My preferred position is closer, but I also want to win the Best reliever Pitcher award and everything else I can," said Okawa. At his alma mater, where he began, he has renewed his determination to succeed in a new world. (Kato Hiroshi)