Aoyama Gakuin University pitcher Taisei Suzuki, who was selected as the first-round draft pick by the Softbank Hawks, revealed his vision for the ace role he aims to achieve on the 23rd.

One day after the draft meeting on the 22nd, he met with team executives who visited the school for a post-selection greeting. CBO Johjima handed him the winning lottery ticket from the competitive bid with Lotte, and he appeared deeply moved, saying, 'I was honestly happy. It was my first time seeing one, and since it's something players who were bid on usually don't get to see, I was very grateful.'

When asked about the pitcher he admires, he immediately replied, "Since Kazumi Saito, whom I have watched often since I was a child, is the minor league manager, I want to absorb whatever I can from him and use it for my own growth." He revealed that he had been watching videos of his form since junior high and high school, showing his studious side by saying, "He mainly used three types of pitches: the fastball, curveball, and fork, and I also have similar pitches as my strength. I used his approach as a reference for how to get batters out, or rather, as a hint for how to be a closer, since he has won wonderful awards many times."

During his playing days, Second Team Manager Saito won numerous titles, including the Sawamura Award, using his fastball delivered from his tall frame of over 190 centimeters and his clutch performance as weapons. With a career winning percentage of .775, a formidable figure, he was known as the 'Invincible Ace.' Suzuki, who set a goal of leading the league in wins, analyzed himself, saying, 'My strengths are a fastball that feels even faster than its actual speed, and the ability to establish my own style without being shaken, even in tight spots.' He showed his determination to inherit the 'Invincible Ace' title, stating, 'I want to thoroughly retrain my physical side to be ready for independent training.' He is steadily moving forward toward his goal.

Taisei Suzuki. Born May 28, 2004, in Ibaraki Prefecture. 22 years old. At Tokaidai Sugao, he appeared in the spring invitational tournament during his second year wearing number 11. He contributed to a top-eight finish by starting two games and became the ace from the autumn of his second year. In the summer of his third year, his team lost to Nichidai San in the West Tokyo Tournament final. At Aoyama Gakuin University, he began pitching in league games from the spring of his first year. 187 cm, 79 kg. Right-handed pitcher and hitter.