Masashi Kuwahara (former Yokohama DeNA), who joined Saitama Seibu Lions, held a press conference on the 22nd. number carries a "7".

Kuwabara played in 106 games this season, his 14th year as a professional, and hit .284, 6 Home Run, 27 RBI, and 10 stolen base. He exercised his overseas free agency rights off, and on November 28, an agreement was announced with Saitama Seibu Lions. The following is a question and answer to the representative question.


--Honest thoughts on joining Saitama Seibu Lions

I'm very excited and I can't wait to play through my sleeve in The Lions jersey.

--Why did you choose Saitama Seibu Lions as your transfer destination?

I was very worried, but after receiving passionate words from Mr. Hiroike (general manager of the team), I thought, "I really want to try at The Lions and do my best for The Lions," so I made a decision.

--What left a particularly strong impression on you in the words of the general manager of the Hiroike team?

Of course, the playing style was the same, but it also resonated with me that he appreciated the part of my feelings that are unique to me. It was Mr. Hiroike who pushed my feelings, and I really wanted to do my best at The Lions.

--Impressions of Saitama Seibu Lions so far

I think it's a traditional team. There are active players who have won championships, and the fans are also enthusiastic.

--When deciding where to transfer, what exactly did you hesitate about, and what pushed you back?

I had the option of working hard at Yokohama DeNA, but I think changing the environment would give me more depth in my career, and I wanted to increase my depth as a baseball person and as a person. Various people at The Lions gave me a boost, so I wanted to take on that challenge.

ーー Impression of Belluna Dome

I think it's famous for being hot, but you won't know until you experience it. If I had my heat, I think the heat (Belluna Dome) would blow away.

--Saitama Seibu Lions players who have interacted with each other since the transfer was decided

At the recent Mizuno ambassador meeting, I had a conversation with Mr. Ginjiro (Tanya) and Sumida (Chiichiro). Genda (Sosuke) and Sotozaki (Shuta) had played together for the national team and had known each other before, so I contacted them.

--What are the impressive words?

Mr. Tozaki said, "If something happens, you can always rely on me." I thought it was really reassuring.

--What kind of play do you want me to see?

I can't change what I do just because the team has changed, but I just want to show everyone that I am greedy for winning and play passionately in my own way.

--In Yokohama DeNA, you have been known as "Gutsman", but what is your playing style at Saitama Seibu Lions?

I can't change my fundamental playing style, so I want to contribute to The Lions with my own playing style.

ーー In The Lions, players who are called legends, such as Hironori Ishige, Kazuo Matsui, and Yasuyuki Kataoka, have worn a number "7", but their impression is

As you said, amazing people have carried this number on their backs and pulled the The Lions, so it's not as good as it, but I hope I can carry that feeling on my back and do my best for The Lions.

--A team with seniors who are called Mr. Leo. The desire to get as close as possible

Of course there is. There are wonderful people who have built their careers, and I want to do my best every day with the desire to get closer to them.

--Enthusiasm for regular competition

I am very aware that there are regular competitions every year. I don't think there is a guarantee of a position, so I want to grab it myself first, and I want to prepare well so that I can play my role when entrusted with it.

--Are there any positions or batting order you are aiming for?

There isn't. I think it's a professional to play my role when entrusted with it, so I don't have any particular preferences.

ーーOnce again enthusiasm and message to fans

Once again, I will be playing for The Lions from next year. I'm a clumsy person anyway, so I can't say anything different, but I don't think anyone else is obsessed with winning, so I want to do my best to leave numbers so that I can contribute to The Lions as a result, as well as my feelings. Thank you.