Seibu Lions 's underhand right-handed pitcher Kaito Yoza (30) welcomed former The Giants Rei Takahashi, whose signing as a developmental player for next season was announced on the 16th, on the 19th.

Takahashi, who also throws underhand, and Makita, who was then with Rakuten Eagles, participated in the "Makita Academy" in the offseason of 2020. Last offseason, the four of them, along with Nakagawa Hayate of DeNA and Shimokawa Yakult, held an "Underhand Pitching Club" meeting to exchange information. As it is a rare pitching style in the baseball world, he said, "I'm happy. It's like there's one more person who understands how I feel, or rather, one more person I can empathize with," and he is looking forward to the day when they can fight together in the "Underhand Pitching Club - Saitama Branch."

On this day, he practiced independently at the team's facilities in Tokorozawa, Saitama. Imai and Takahashi have announced that they will be trying out for the majors. Yoza, who has six wins this season, will also be expected to play a central role. "I think there is a lot I can absorb from watching (Takahashi) up close." Even though he has entered his thirties, he has no intention of stopping his growth. (Onaka Ayami)