On the 22nd, Softbank Hawks infielder Kenta Imamiya (34) was inspired by the help of his ally. Former DeNA player Yuto Mori (34), who retired from active duty at the end of 2015, also participated in the open voluntary training session held in Miyawaka City, Fukuoka. With support from the knocker and batting pitcher, Imamiya renewed his resolve.

"I'm no longer a regular player," he said. In 2013, he suffered from repeated injuries, including to his left calf, and played in 46 games, the first time he had played in 100 games in five years. Mori, who had been his teammate for 10 years since 2014, played a part in his revival. He pitched for about 70 minutes as a batting pitcher and gave him a heartfelt cheer, saying, "I hope you'll keep working hard for at least another year. You can do it."

Imamiya = Shortstop. In his 17th year as a professional, he aims to become the first short stop in NPB history to play in the opening game for 14 consecutive years as a shortstop. "Mori has given me the desire to give it my all." He has the experience and stability to rival the rise of Nomura and others. He will still have a tall wall to climb. (Moriguchi Noboru)