Seibu Lions' Manaya Nishikawa aims for the most hit title: "I want to win it now. Yes, I'm going to win it." He broke out after winning the GG Award last season | Pacific League

[Seibu Lions] Manaya Nishikawa aims for the title of most hit: "I want to win it now. Yes, I'm going to win it." He broke out with the GG Award last season.

Sports Hochi

2026.1.19(月) 17:17

Seibu Lions On the 19th, Manaya Nishikawa outfielder (26) of the "K" team opened his voluntary training at ground in Saitama Prefecture. This season, he has his sights set on the title of most hit and has shown his determination to mass hit production as a lead-off man.

Last season, his eighth year as a pro, he established himself as the leadoff hitter from the middle of the season. He played in a career-high 124 games, batting .264 with 10 Home Run, 38 RBI, and 25 stolen base, making him a breakout leadoff hitter. His strength in the ball also stood out, earning him the Golden Glove Award for outfielder. Despite being sidelined due to discomfort in his right shoulder, he led the league in runs scored with 64. His 134 hit were just 10 behind Rakuten Eagles 's Murabayashi, who led the league.

"Last season, there was still a lot I wanted to do. This season, I want to add to that. I didn't win any numerical titles, so I want to win those. I want to win the most hit. No, I really want to win it. Yes, I'm going to win it."

He trains independently with his juniors, Daiju Nomura and Asahi Taniguchi. They do hard training that really pushes the lower body. They encourage each other and encourage each other.

"No, I'm just so happy. Even though I have a really strange record (the worst record for a fielder: 62 consecutive no-hitters at bat), they still ask me about my batting and defense, and I feel really happy about that."

The leadoff hitter is now the vice president of the players' association. He will turn his heavy responsibility into strength. Nishikawa will lead the Leo team in their counterattack. (Kato Hiroshi)

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