Softbank Hawks infielder Yudai Shoji (24) vowed on the 20th to perform dynamically at his "home," Yokohama Stadium. The team held a full practice at Mizuho PayPay Dome in preparation for the Japan Series, which begins on the 24th. The second-year college graduate, known for his speed and excellent defense, maintained his consistent attitude, stating, "I will give my all in every single game."

Born in Kanagawa, he played for Yokohama High School and Kanagawa University. He has competed many times at Yokohama Stadium, which represents his hometown. With the condition of the turf and the height of the walls already in mind, he expressed his excitement, saying, 'It is an easy stadium to play in. I feel great joy being able to play on the stage of the Japan Series at a stadium where I have played for so long.'

In the 2024 Japan Series, when he was a senior at Kanagawa University, DeNA defeated the Softbank Hawks to reach the top. "I watched Gi-san (Yanagita) get struck out at the very end on TV," he said. Many of his seniors are calling for "revenge for two years ago." Now, he has moved from being a spectator to a participant in the Japan Series. Just as he did during the regular season, he is determined to contribute to a win in both offense and defense by utilizing his characteristic speed.

In the final stage of the Climax Series, he recorded a batting average of .455 and won the MVP award, but he is now focused on the championship battle, saying, "Everyone has probably forgotten about that by now." He will run across the familiar diamond and show the local fans how much he has evolved. (Toui Moriguchi)