Nippon-Ham Ham infielder Hideki Yamagata played in 84 games last season, including 51 starts, and posted a batting average of .232. In the opening game of this season on March 27th (against Softbank Hawks at Mizuho PayPay Dome), he is tentatively scheduled to play as the "number 5 hitter and shortstop" with Moineiro as the opposing starting pitcher, and further progress is expected from him.

His acrobatic infield defense is unique and among the best in the league. Reflecting on his first year as a pro, he said, "Even as an amateur, I believed that being a pro meant making sure to get outs on balls that could be turned into outs. I've come to realize that this is definitely true. Now, my challenge is to expand the range of balls I can turn into outs." Last season, he played second base and shortstop and only committed two errors, but he is far from satisfied. "There were a lot of plays, like throw on cut plays, where I thought, 'I could have made that out,' and I think there are about 10 mistakes that didn't get recorded," he said, meticulously analyzing his own play. "I absolutely cannot forget that, especially if it means gaining the trust of pitcher," he added, demonstrating his high level of awareness.

During last season, he received unexpected encouragement from a legend. That was Makoto Kaneko, who served as defense base running coach for the Lotte Marines' first team until last season. "He told me to 'do my best,' and Pin (Ishii) said, 'He's not the type of person to normally say something like that.' I was so happy. I'll do my best to get even a little closer to him," he recalled. The words from his senior, who spent 21 years with Nippon-Ham Fighters and won the Golden Glove Award three times as a short stop and second baseman, boosted the 23-year-old's motivation.

If he wins the Golden Glove Award as short stop for the team, it would be the first time since Kaneko in 2009. "I want to think that it's me. If I don't win it, I'll be disappointed. On the other hand, if I don't win it, I'll be able to feel disappointed for a long time. Maybe it's good that it keeps me constantly feeling disappointed." This highly motivated defense specialist is chasing after the legend and will continue to improve his skills. (Haruki Kawakami)

◆YAMAGATA Shu, born May 1, 2002 in Sanjo, Niigata, Japan, is 23 years old and a native of Kokubunji, Tokyo, Japan. He played for Kokubunji Little, Inagi Little Senior, and Waseda University Gakuin before entering Waseda University. He is the second professional baseball player from Waseda Gakuin in 66 years since former Chunichi ・Toru Mori. In his senior year at Waseda University, he made the best nine in the spring and was a member of the Japanese national team. He is 176 cm, 80 kg. Pitches right-handed and bats right-handed.