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

On this day, the players worked up a sweat ground with running drills, catch practice, fielding practice at one spot at short stop (without throwing), and batting practice for fielder, before concluding 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."

Despite the strong winds during catch practice, he wasn't entirely satisfied, saying, "Some of my pitches were a bit off, and I wasn't throwing very good pitches yet." However, he remained positive, adding, "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 the spring training camp on February 1st, he said, "First and foremost, I think the most important thing is to avoid injuries, so I want to proceed at my own pace without rushing." This marks Genki Ishigaki 's first step towards becoming a professional.

▼ Genki Ishigaki

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