The WEST Hochi will be introducing newcomers from each sport in a series titled "Ho! Rookies." The fifth installment will feature Softbank Hawks 's third-round draft pick, pitcher Gota Suzuki (22), and second-round development infielder Ayumu Ezaki and sixth-round pitcher Renta Nagasaki (both 18).

The pair that became stars of the development team are the guideposts. Nagasaki admires Senga (Mets), who has spread his wings to the world, and said enthusiastically, "He's a great player who started out as a developmental player and is now active in the majors. I'll aim to be like him and do my best." His fastest pitch is 145 km/h, but he only started training seriously a year ago and is currently in the prime of growth. He has vowed to make a big transformation, just like his great predecessor, who went from a mid-140 km/h range when he joined the team to exceeding 150 km/h through physical training.

His special skills are sewing and Rubik's Cube. While he says he has "dexterous fingers" and can handle a variety of breaking ball, he analyzed himself by saying, "I can use them all, but my weakness is that I don't have any that can get struck out." However, Senga also learned the "ghost fork" after turning pro. "Softbank Hawks has amazing facilities. I want to use the data to find the one that's right for me," he said with shining eyes.

His driving force is gratitude to his mother, Kasumi (52), who raised him alone. "I have a stronger desire than anyone to repay her kindness." His circumstances overlap with those of Kai (currently The Giants), who joined the development team at the same time as Senga. Taking these two legends as his role models, he is taking a step towards an infinite future. (Ando Osamu)

◆Nagasaki Renta: Born June 11, 2007 in Toyonaka, Osaka. 18 years old. Started baseball with the Toshima Powers in his first year at Toshima Elementary School, and played for Toyonaka Senior while attending Toyonaka Municipal Fourth Junior High School. At Shiga Gakuen, he was on the bench from the spring of his second year, and played Koshien in the summer of his second year and the spring of his third year. 187 cm, 85 kg. Right-handed pitcher and batter. number 155.