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

Kansai University pitcher Yuto Yonezawa (22), who was selected as the first-round pick by Lotte, held a press conference at the university in Suita City and vowed to inherit the status of the team's star from Kakunaka, who retired from active play this season. Taking the example of his senior, who was also born in Ishikawa and played for Lotte for 20 years, he renewed his determination, saying, 'It is a joyful thing for the local community when a local player succeeds. I want to become that kind of player.'

Born in Suzu City in the northeastern part of the prefecture, he was affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake during the 2024 New Year holidays. His home was left in a state of being a 'solitary house,' and the surrounding damage was extensive. On the 13th, the day after the final league game of this autumn, his great-grandmother Ayako, whom he had carried in his arms to the evacuation center during the disaster, passed away at the age of 92. 'She was a grandmother who always maintained a bright smile. I can give her a good report,' he said, reflecting deeply on her memory.

He overcame the disaster as well as shoulder and elbow injuries during the summer of his second year. In the All Japan University Baseball Championship in June, he led his team to their first victory in 54 years as the ace left-hander. Although he was a third-round alternative pick, he entered the professional world as a long-awaited first-round selection. Stating that he has finally 'reached the starting line,' he will now climb his way up to becoming one of the top pitchers of his generation. (Yuji Hatanaka)