Lotte's rookie joint voluntary training was held at Zozo Marine Stadium on the 10th.

On this day, the players worked up a sweat ground with running training, catch, short stop doing one-point batting practice (no throwing), and fielder hitting off a tee, finishing their practice on ground.

First-round draft pick Genki Ishigaki (Kendai Takasaki High School) smiled and said, "I was reminded once again that this is a professional baseball stadium. It was a lot of fun."

In the period leading up to the start of the joint voluntary training for new recruits, he said, "I wasn't able to play catch much, so I focused on running." He said he had been running intensively.

The wind was extremely strong at Zozo Marine Stadium that day, and Ishigaki was surprised, saying, "It was so strong, stronger than anything I've ever felt before."

He was not satisfied with catch game that took place in strong winds, saying, "I was shooting a little and my ball wasn't going well yet," but he looked forward, saying, "I hope I can gradually improve my condition."

On this day, although it was a bibs, it was the first practice with a number "18" on its back. "If I say number 18, I want to make it a number that people can say myself," he said.

Looking ahead to spring training on February 1st, he said enthusiastically, "I think the most important thing is to avoid injury, so I'll do my best at my own pace without rushing." This marks Genki Ishigaki's first step towards becoming a professional.

▼ Ishigaki Genki

number: 18

Date of birth: August 16, 2007

position: pitcher

Height / Weight: 180 cm / 78 kg

Throwing/Batting: Right/Right

Career: Kendai Takasaki High School - Lotte (1st draft pick)

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita