Softbank Hawks infielder Hotaka Yamakawa is aiming to "realize his dream" by updating his career high. On the 26th, he held an open practice session at ground in Fukuoka City. During batting practice, he and Akihiro hit consecutive home runs, setting his sights on winning his fifth home Home Run title.
"Winning Home Run title five times was the first dream I had when I became a professional. I definitely want to achieve that this year." In 2012, he hit 23 home runs, second in the rankings, and contributed to the team's consecutive league championships and Japan's top spot. However, Yamakawa is not satisfied, saying, "I'm going to fight this year with all my regrets and all sorts of things in mind," and he has been practicing almost without a day off, setting the theme of his voluntary training as "revenge."
He is also making every effort to prepare his body. After the Japan Series ended, his weight was 114 kg, but by this morning it was 105.5 kg. During his university days, he once lost weight by eating only an apple for dinner, but this time he has succeeded in losing 8.5 kg while maintaining his strength by eating a healthy diet. Some say that losing weight reduces the distance you can hit the ball, but he says, "I was a little worried at first, but when I actually tried hitting it, it didn't make a difference at all," and his own hits are proof enough of that. "My movements are very powerful, but my body is light," he says, and his "new body" feels great.
With 25 more at bats, he will reach No. 300, but he is adamant that "that's not what I'm aiming for. He is looking forward to setting new career highs of .281 batting average, Home Run 47 hits, RBI 124 (when he reaches the regulation batting line). I want to fight, home run win the king, win three consecutive championships, and win them all.
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