It was revealed on the 22nd that Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes pitcher Ryuhei Sotani (25) has gotten married. His partner is a woman from the same prefecture as him, Nara, and the same age as him. The couple submitted their marriage registration on that day after four years of dating.

Soya smiled. "She supported me when I wasn't getting results or when I was going through tough times, and she always cheered me on with a bright smile. To me, she's like the sun." His nickname, given to him by a friend because of the sharp turns he makes, is "the rollercoaster slider." But at this new turning point in his life, he decided to "fastball..."

The proposal took place on a holiday during the season. In a room with a beautiful view of the Kobe nightscape, he honestly asked her to marry him. He also prepared a ring and 108 roses. "I was so happy..." he said, overwhelmed with happiness. They are already living together, and he said with a smile, "I especially love grilled chicken breast with cheese and shiso leaves. I want to build a home where we can always be happy and have a happy life together."

He joined the team as the first overall pick in the 2022 draft from Hakuoh University. In his third professional season this year, he achieved a career-high 8 wins (8 losses). In November, he was also selected for the Samurai Japan team. In a warm-up game against South Korea, he made a strong impression by pitch three perfect innings as a starter. "I want to make sure I never waver in my humble attitude. When I'm practicing, I think 'I'm the worst,' but when I step onto mound, I want to approach it with the opposite mindset, thinking 'I'm the best.'" The left-handed pitcher, who is expected to be a member of the WBC team next March, aims for his first double-digit win and the required number of innings pitched. With his life partner by his side, he will become an even stronger and more resilient man.

◆Ryuhei Sotani: Born November 30, 2000, in Nara Prefecture. Age 25. After graduating from Meio High School (Akita) and Hakuoh University, he joined Orix Buffaloes as the first overall pick in the 2022 draft. He earned his first professional win on October 9, 2023, against Softbank Hawks Hawks (at Kyocera Dome). This season, he was selected for the Samurai Japan national team for the first time in a game against the Netherlands in March. He recorded a career-high 8 wins. His career record is 16 wins and 21 losses in 51 games, ERA 3.25. 183 cm, 83 kg. Left-handed pitcher and left-handed batter. His estimated annual salary for next season is 55 million yen. He has been Orix Buffaloes fan since childhood.