Softbank Hawks 's third-round draft pick, pitcher Gota Suzuki (22) of Osaka University of Commerce, moved into the "Young Hawks Dormitory" in Chikugo City, Fukuoka on the 5th. He brought with him a "winning daruma" from Katsuoji Temple (Minoh City, Osaka), a temple famous for praying for good luck in victory, where the J1 soccer team Gamba Osaka once prayed for victory. "I used to go every year with my university team, but this year I bought a daruma for myself. It's the first time I've bought one," he said, also hoping for good luck in victory.

He also didn't break his routine. Suzuki said, "During the four years I was in Osaka, I went (to Katsuoji Temple) on January 4th, so I went on the 4th this year and moved into the dormitory." He has been on mound in national tournaments since his freshman year at Osaka University of Commerce, and as an ace pitcher, he achieved seven consecutive championships, breaking the record in the Kansai Six Universities League. The right-handed sidearm pitcher, with a top speed of 147 km/h, aims to play for The Giants' Daisei and will take on the challenge like a rookie, saying, "I'll just keep going without changing anything."

On the winning Daruma doll, he will write, "I will complete the year without injury," and first plan to fill in one of its eyes. He plans to achieve his goal of winning Rookie of the Year and then "open his eyes" during the offseason. (Moriguchi Noboru)