On the 10th, Nippon-Ham Fighters catcher Yuki Umebayashi (27) vowed to continue practicing the Dodgers' Betts-style drills. He and Betts have kept in touch since they held a joint voluntary training session in Japan in January last year. He had been hoping to meet Betts again when he traveled to the US in January this year, but as of now, he has given up on the idea, as he has not received a reply from Betts. "I found out about Betts' visit to Japan on the day last year, so I hope it happens again this year. But given the timing, it might be difficult to go to the US from here," he said, not giving up on the idea of a reunion in Japan.
Even though he can't meet his master, his teachings are ingrained in him. "Imagine your right hand as you're batting," he says, throwing the flying disc straight with his right hand and practicing throughout the season, being mindful of the batting motion starting with his right elbow. "At first I wasn't used to it, but now I understand what was wrong. It's good that I can do it as if it were a game," he says, expressing his satisfaction.
Last season, he had a batting average of .380 in the second team, but ended up with no hit in two games in the first team. "I need to be at my peak on February 1st, so that I can perform until the end of the season." He will refine his master's teachings and aim to establish himself in the first team this season. (Kawakami Haruki)
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