On the 13th, Softbank Hawks pitcher Kazuki Sugiyama practiced on his own at Tama Stadium Chikugo in Fukuoka, and spoke of his unyielding desire to be a closer.
In 2013, he made 65 appearances, recording 3 wins and 4 losses, 31 saves, 10 hold, and ERA 1.82. He was given the role of closer midway through the season, and contributed to the team's first Japan Series title in five years by recording the most saves. In 2014, he competed with Osuna and others, saying, "I want to win the ninth inning," and once again took the closer's role.
This time, he will be training with pitcher Koichiro Okada who is in his second year of development. Okada said with shining eyes, "Even in training, (Sugiyama) has a softness to him despite his strength. I'm going to learn everything I can from him," and he is absorbing everything from the ground up. Okada is being registered as a controlled player, while Sugiyama is spending his days working towards regaining his guardian angel position.
Kohei Arihara, who pitched 175 inning and won 14 games in 2013, has been transferred to Nippon-Ham. While expectations are high for new talent to emerge from the starting lineup, Sugiyama commented, "I'd like him to pitch as reliever games, and if it's necessary to win, then we'll just have to do it." This reliable man will be waiting in the wings again this year.
Related News
・ [Photo] A famous actress throws a gorgeous opening pitch?
・ The 11th-year professional leads the team to its first victory in four years, even without Gita.
・ Female announcer who was a vendor until two years ago threw an emotional opening pitch at a Fuji TV show...
・ [Softbank Hawks] 2025 annual salary list
・ A player who was drafted and received a 100 million yen signing bonus confesses, "I'll just buy a Mercedes..."
