Lotte's third-round draft pick, pitcher Yorihito Okumura (18) of Yokohama, participated in the third day of the rookie joint voluntary training at Lotte Urawa in Saitama City on the 12th. He worked up a sweat with running menus, training menus, catch balls, and knocking.

Communicating with a smile with players who are university graduates, working professionals, and players from independent leagues, Okumura said with a happy expression, "My seniors are all kind and nice, so I'm spending fulfilling days. Things are going well." He added with a sparkle in his eyes, "I'm having a hard time with the training menu, but I'm glad I did a good job of running in high school."

He also performed the short distance races with ease, and said with great enthusiasm, "I've been training since high school, so I want to be able to show the results. I think Yokohama High School is known for its running, so I'll do my best not to tarnish that image."

With seven pitcher in his class, he says, "It's good stimulation. I have some amazing people in my class, including pitcher who have worked in the corporate world and pitcher who played at the forefront of college baseball. I think it's great to be able to hear about all kinds of experiences." He is determined to learn and grow from everything.