Players born in 1990 are 36 years old, making them "Toshi-otoko" (men born in the year of the year). They were once key players on the team, but in recent years some of them have not been performing as well as they would like. This season, they are known as "Toshi-otoko," and we hope they will make a comeback.
One of them is Yuki Nishi (Hanshin Tigers), born November 10, 1990. Although he only appeared in one game last season, he reached the required number of innings pitched for four consecutive years from 2013 while with Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes, achieved double-digit win for three consecutive years, and after transferring to Hanshin Tigers in 2019, he achieved double-digit win for three consecutive years, including his final year with Orix Buffaloes, and reached the required number of innings pitched for five consecutive years. In 2024, he did not reach the required innings pitched, but he pitched 124 2/3 innings, with a record of 6 wins and 7 losses and ERA of 2.24, showing consistent pitch. In his career, he has pitched 2069 innings in 343 games, with a record of 124 wins and 109 losses and ERA 3.10. Hanshin Tigers Tigers have a deep pitcher staff, but he wants to break into the starting rotation once again.
The same is true for Yasuhiro Ogawa (Yakult), born on May 16, 1990. Last season, Ogawa pitched 78 1/3 innings in 13 games, with a record of 4 wins and 5 losses and ERA of 3.68. In his rookie year in 2013, he recorded the most wins (16) and the highest winning percentage (.800), winning the Rookie of the Year award. In 2015, when the team won the league championship, he marked 11 wins as the ace. He has been the ace of The Swallows for many years, but in the last two years he has not reached the required number of innings pitched or double-digit win. In Yakult, where the starting rotation is thin, he has a good chance if he can make an impression. He wants to bloom again.
Among fielder, expectations are high for the comeback of Hideto Asamura (Rakuten Eagles), born November 12, 1990. Last season, Asamura played in his 2000th career game and became the first player born in the Heisei era to reach 2000 hit, but for the first time in 15 years since 2010, he failed to reach the required number of plate appearances. He also experienced being sent down to the minor leagues, and his total number of games played did not reach 100. Last season ended in disappointment for him, but he will be looking to solidify his position as a key player in the batting lineup and deliver a hit that will contribute to the team's win.
The world of professional baseball is one of high turnover. Among them are players born in 1990 who are still playing at an age considered veteran. I hope that not only them, but as many players as possible can have a satisfying season.
