Rakuten Eagles outfielder Daisuke Nakashima (24) revealed the voluntary training he has been doing in Okinawa Prefecture up until the 14th. Last season he was established as one of the regular outfield. He had a breakthrough season, reaching the required number of at-bats for the first time, batting .266 with 6 Home Run, 31 RBI and 22 stolen base. "I want to surpass last year. I want to make this year one in which I can surpass myself from last year," he said, expressing his determination.
He was spending some precious time before his voluntary training. Last December, he was blessed with the opportunity to speak directly with Red Sox outfielder Yoshida Masataka, a senior at Aoyama Gakuin University. "I asked him things like what he does in situations like this, and what his mindset is when hitting the ball in the opposite direction." He asked many questions while watching batting practice video. "If I could become the batting hitter and hit home run, I'd be the best, so I've always thought that I should aim to be like that," he said, as a "lesson" from a senior he respects. He was exposed to the high level of skill and the wide range of skills that top players possess, and it became clear to him what he himself was lacking. "I learned a lot, so it was a good time," he said, looking back with a satisfied expression.
Yoshida played in every game for the first time in his third year, posting a batting average of .321, 26 Home Run, and 86 RBI. He quickly climbed the ladder to stardom. Nakajima is also in his third year this season. "Of course, I want to play in every game, and I want to hit .300," he said, brimming with fighting spirit.
The competition for a regular position in outfield is fierce, but he has no intention of losing. "I want to surpass last year. I want to make this year one in which I can surpass who I was last year." He plans to use Yoshida's teachings to establish a firm place in the team.
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