Nippon-Ham catcher Yuya Gunji (28) welcomed his junior from Keio University on the 23rd. His team selected Keio University infielder Keisuke Imazu as the 5th developmental draft pick in the draft meeting on the 22nd. Gunji, who is also an alumnus of the same school, sincerely rejoiced at his junior joining the team, saying, 'I think being a developmental player is tough, but I want him to do his best to become a regular roster player quickly. I want him to show his own colors more and more and appeal what kind of player he is. The Boss probably likes those kinds of players too.'

Imazu went to Keio University from Asahikawa Higashi, one of the top public preparatory schools in Hokkaido with a deviation score exceeding 65. His grandfather, Hiroshi, is a former member of the House of Representatives, and his father, Hirosuke, serves as the Mayor of Asahikawa; he himself dreams of becoming the Prime Minister. Even in baseball, he is a super elite who excels in both academics and sports, recording a team-high 15 RBI as a second baseman in this spring's league games and being selected for the Best Nine. Gunji has never met Imazu. 'He must be a very reliable kid. His father is the mayor? I guess I can't really act like a senior to him (laughs). He probably knows more about Hokkaido than I do, and I think it's a happy thing to be able to join a local team,' he said, mixing in jokes while looking forward to fighting together.

Furthermore, he shares the commonality with Imazu of having served as the captain of Keio University. With batting coach Yokoo included, there are now three former Keio captains. Reflecting on his university days, he welcomed his fellow alumnus joining the team, saying, 'There are truly many members, everyone is smart, and opinions keep flying in even from the underclassmen. You get told things like "Are you really the one to say that?" and your sharp edges gradually get worn down as you try to lead Keio. I believe he has also experienced those kinds of hardships. I want to work hard together with him.' On this day, he worked up a sweat at Es Con Field with activities such as catch and dashes. In his eighth season next year, he will liven things up as part of 'Team Keio'.