Rakuten Eagles The two teams launched a joint rookie training session at the Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyou Park Miyagi in Sendai City on the 29th. The third-ranked rookie in the draft, Akira Shigenaga infielder (22), put in a lot of effort to get revenge for Seibu Lions Haruto Yamada pitcher (21) losing in the second round Koshien in the summer of 2021, when he was a junior at Toin Osaka.

He actively encouraged his classmates and boosted their morale. After clearing the first hurdle, the rookie joint voluntary training, Shigenaga was fired up to take on even greater challenges.

"My first goal was to avoid injury, and I've been able to achieve that. After that, I think I'll be more motivated than I thought when I start training camp, and my output will probably increase, so I want to get through training camp without getting injured." Starting in training camp with the first team, he successfully imposed on himself the goal of becoming a great horse.

He is a powerful second baseman who is the pride of Tohto University baseball. At Chuo University, he was a member of the Japan University National Team in his third and fourth years. Last year, as vice captain, he contributed to the team's victory in the Japan-US Collegiate baseball Championship, winning all five games. He is loved by everyone and is highly regarded among the University Samurai as a "spirit of energy" who creates a united atmosphere within the team.

Among Rakuten Eagles rookies, his brilliance remains unwavering. Draft pick number one, pitcher Sota Fujiwara (22) = Hanazono University = revealed that the mood maker among his classmates is "Definitely Shigenaga. He's just so funny," highlighting his growing presence. Shigenaga himself smiled brightly and said, "I don't know if I'm a mood maker, but I'm the one who livens things up the most."

He also has a painful past. In his third year at Osaka Toin, he was one of the favorites to win the Summer Koshien, but despite leading 4-0 until the second inning against Omi (Shiga), which had sophomore ace Yamada, he suffered a 4-6 comeback loss. Shigenaga, who started as the starting line-up hitter and second baseman, was held hitless in three At Bat-bats by the starting pitcher Yamada, and his summer ended with a total of 0 hit in 4 At Bat-bats.

"I've been trying to become number one in Japan, and even if I try my best, I think there are some things that I just can't reach. But this match made me feel like I shouldn't be discouraged, and if I can't do it, I should try harder."

Yamada had a breakout year last year, appearing in 49 games for Seibu Lions, with a record of 3 wins, 3 losses, 1 save, 17 hold, and an ERA of 2.08. There will be plenty of opportunities for a rematch. "I really couldn't hit him back then, so I want to step up to the plate with the desire to get my revenge," he said emphatically.

When he entered Chuo University, he was impressed by Morishita Shota (currently Hanshin Tigers), who was three years older than him. "I thought he was really amazing, and I worked hard to become like him, and I think that's what has led me to where I am today," says Shigenaga. He trained his mind and body on a warm southern island, sharpening his fangs to make the opening day first team. (Kato Hiroshi)