Seven rookie players, including two Nippon-Ham development players, moved into the Yusho dormitory in Kamagaya City, Chiba Prefecture, on the 5th. Ed Polo King, outfielder from Daigakuin University who was drafted second overall, revealed that he had met Darvish (Padres) for the first time on the previous day, the 4th, through his brother, martial artist Ed Polo King. He excitedly recalled, "His aura was incredible. He told me, 'Do your best.' It made me even more motivated to try my best."

baseball talk lasted about an hour in his hometown of Osaka. He kept the advice from the former legend a secret, but he reaffirmed the importance of mental strength, saying, "I think that without mental strength, your skills won't improve." The 190cm tall, 101kg slugger has put his name forward as a new star candidate. (Haruki Kawakami)