Nippon-Ham' first-round draft pick, right-handed pitcher Jiei Okawa (22), a Meiji University player with a maximum speed of 155 km/h, attended a triumphant welcome party held at his alma mater, Joso Gakuin, in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, on the 18th. He vowed to surpass manager Naoya Shimada (55), who joined Nippon-Ham as an undrafted player in 1987.
His mentor has become his senior in the professional league. Okawa said with a deep sense of satisfaction that "fate is what it is," about joining the same team. After transferring to Yokohama in 1997, Manager Shimada won the title of best reliever, but he said, "I want to become pitcher who is just as good as Shimada. I want to win all the titles I can, including the best reliever award," and expressed his determination to "surpass my mentor."
Manager Shimada was also overwhelmed with emotion at his pro student's entry into the professional league, saying, "It's amazing that he's ranked first." He gave his stamp of approval, saying, "From here on out, it's a world where you have to win, but Jiei can do it. If he improves his control, he can be a setup man or a closer. His strength is that he doesn't throw high balls, but can compete at a lower level."
The strong-arm fighter revealed that he was also followed on Instagram by Coach Shinjo, who simply called him "Boss." He has rediscovered his originality and is ready to take on the challenge in the northern lands. (Kato Hiroshi)
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