2026 Professional baseball Draft Conference supported by Lipovitan D (22nd)

Ryosuke Sueyoshi (17), a left-handed pitcher from Okinawa Shogaku with a maximum speed of 150 km/h who was selected in the third round by Nippon-Ham, was bathed in countless camera flashes as he said, 'I didn't have the confidence (that I would be selected). I am glad I could take the first step toward becoming a professional and mark this as the greatest moment.'

A top-tier authentic pitcher of his generation who won Koshien last summer and was selected for the high school national team for two consecutive years starting from his second year. Regarding the left elbow ligament he injured this April, he stated, "It's no longer a problem at all. I'm fine," and revealed his current status, saying, "I participated in practice almost every day (even after the summer tournament ended), and my condition kept getting better and better."

Born in Urasoe City. Having grown up in the warm climate of Okinawa, he is now set to play in Hokkaido, marking his first time ever landing there. While giving a wry smile and noting that it is 'a cold region, the exact opposite of Okinawa,' he remained focused on enjoying the challenge, stating, 'I hope to somehow adapt to the cold and see how far my abilities can take me.'

The eldest of four siblings. At the school in Naha City, his father Ryoji (40) and mother Iori (39) also witnessed the moment of joy. Seeing his parents breathe a sigh of relief as they said, "We are so relieved...", Sueyoshi bowed his head and said, "Even when I was injured and felt like giving up, they listened to me and supported me. I want to tell them thank you so much for these three years of high school."

Despite receiving offers from powerhouse schools outside the prefecture when entering high school, he chose to compete in his home of Okinawa and brought back the deep crimson championship flag in his second year. 'I was able to experience so many things, from wonderful memories to painful times. I am truly glad I came here,' he said with deep emotion.

Ryosuke Sueyoshi. Born November 18, 2008, in Urasoe City, Okinawa. 17 years old. Started baseball with Nakanishi VBC in his second year at Nakanishi Elementary School, and played for the rubber-ball baseball club at Nakanishi Junior High School. In high school, he joined the bench with number 20 in the summer of his first year and became the ace starting that autumn. He has appeared in Koshien for four consecutive seasons since the spring of his second year. Last summer, he won the national championship as the ace. 176 cm, 94 kg. Left-handed pitcher and left-handed batter.