On the 27th, Osaka University of Commerce outfielder Akito Haruyama (4th year, Tsuruga Kehi), who was selected in the third round by the Orix Buffaloes, received a post-draft visit at the school in Higashiosaka City from Amateur Scout Group Leader Kazuo Yamaguchi and scout Shinji Shimoyama.

In the second round of the All Japan University Baseball Championship in June against Higashi Nippon International University, the right-handed power hitter, who surprised scouts from all 12 NPB teams by hitting an oversized blast into the middle stands of Jingu Stadium, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, 'It will be an even tougher world than now, and while I have reached the starting line, the real battle begins here, so I want to proceed with firm determination.' He set a future goal, stating, 'I want to hit .300 with 40 home runs. It is quite a big statement, though...' In the Kansai Six Universities League match against Osaka Gakuin University on September 27, he hit his third solo shot of the season in the first inning. This marked his 13th career league Home Run. He broke the league record of 12 home runs, which had been established 34 years ago between 1989 and 1992 by his Osaka University of Commerce senior, Takahiro Saeki (formerly of Yokohama and Chunichi).

After finishing the nomination greeting, Scout Shimoyama praised his attitude toward the game, saying, 'While it is a common expectation, many kids struggle to do it, but he works desperately hard at baseball. I first became interested in his style of sprinting at full speed.' He further expressed high expectations, stating, 'He is ready to contribute immediately starting next year. Of course, we need him to be in the first squad right from the opening of the season!'

Akito Haruyama. Born December 10, 2004, in Yamatotakada City, Nara. 21 years old. Started rubber-ball baseball with The Eagles in his first year at Takada Elementary School, and was selected for The Tigers Junior in his sixth year. Played for the hardball team Gojo Little Senior while at Takada Junior High School. Served as captain at Tsuruga Kehi (Fukui), appearing in the Meiji Jingu Tournament in the autumn of his second year and at Koshien in the spring and summer of his third year. Hit 17 career Home Run in high school. Started playing in league games at Osaka University of Commerce from the autumn of his first year. Selected for the Best Nine in the autumn of his second and third years, and the spring of his fourth year. Selected for the University National Team in the spring of his fourth year. 50-meter dash in 6.2 seconds. 178 cm, 90 kg. Right-handed pitcher and hitter.