Orix Buffaloes 's fourth-round draft pick in the development league, pitcher Issei Watanabe (22), began his professional career on the 7th, bringing with him his "one-toothed geta" (wooden clogs). He moved into the training camp "Seitokan" in Maishima, Osaka, along with nine other rookie players. Armed with his secret weapon, he aims to "become pitcher who represents Japan, not to be outdone by Udagawa-san," and is following the same "road to success" as his senior from Sendai University, who also came up through the development league.

"It helps develop your ability to support the entire ground with your feet and your balance," he said, introducing the one-toothed geta as soon as he entered the room. It's a piece of equipment that former team member Yoshida (Red Sox) and others also love. "I got used to it quickly," he said, and after repeated training, he has now grown to the point where he can squat with a 40kg weight. During his university days, he mainly used it to "build core strength" during warm-ups, and is considering bringing it to the Miyazaki camp in February.

The 153-kilogram left arm, who takes pride in "throwing 150 kilometers breaking ball pitcher," is determined to "hone his quality straight ball. His favorite word is "MOKKEI," which means steadfastness. He is taking one step at a time toward becoming a manager. （Shunta Nanbu)