Softbank Hawks catcher Yudai Yamamoto (28) revealed on the 19th his burning desire for his first matchup against his former team. During a full team practice at Mizuho PayPay Dome ahead of the Japan Series starting on the 24th in Yokohama, he expressed his excitement after DeNA was confirmed as the opponent. 'Yokohama Stadium is a place where I played often. I am really looking forward to seeing if I get nervous or how it will feel,' he said with a shiver of anticipation.

He played for DeNA from his professional debut in 2018 until May of this year. However, after being transferred via trade, he was unable to participate in the interleague games in June due to a fatigue fracture of the hamate bone in his left hand. Even in 2024, when the team defeated the Softbank Hawks to become the champions of Japan, he suffered a fracture of his right ulna late in the season. Although he was on the bench for the Japan Series, he did not have an opportunity to play. Heading into this championship battle with special emotions, he heightened his resolve, stating, 'Two years ago, I gained a great experience despite being unable to play. This year, I want to do whatever it takes to fight through to the very end.'

After joining The Hawks, he contributed to the team's third consecutive league title with a .267 batting average, a career-high 6 Home Runs, and 41 RBI in 55 games. Manager Kokubo expressed his expectations for him to show his presence even in big games, saying, "The fans might have mixed feelings, but I'm looking forward to the atmosphere of the first game." The man who knows both friend and foe will "repay the favor" by winning the Japan Series for the second consecutive year. (Toui Moriguchi)