On the 29th, Seibu Lions' third-round draft pick, outfielder (22) of Chukyo University, expressed his desire to face off against fellow Hokkaido native and first-round draft pitcher Genki Ishigaki (18) of Kendai Takasaki. The two are "neighbors" who "play in the same youth baseball district," and Akiyama was excited to face them.
Two "golden eggs" from the northern land are stepping into the professional world. Akiyama and Ishigaki are from the same district in their youth baseball. There is a four-year age difference between them, so Akiyama has no memory of ever playing against Ishigaki, but he says, "I was in the same class as (Ishigaki's) older brother, so we played against each other a few times."
outfielder with exceptional talent, he is well-rounded in running, hitting and defense. While Ishigaki thrilled the crowds at the 2013 Spring and Summer Koshien, Akiyama was not selected during his time at Sendai Ikuei High School. "They were the No. 1 pick, and they were getting all the attention as high school students, so I don't want to lose. I'll do my best not to lose." The "third generation Akiyama," who inherits the golden lineage of Koji Akiyama and Shogo Akiyama, is enthusiastic, saying, "I want people to see my batting, which can hit in a wide range."
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