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.

For Haruyama, a graduate of Tsuruga Kehi (Fukui), the Orix Buffaloes is a team where many of his seniors, such as Ryoma Nishikawa and Soichiro Yamazaki, are currently playing. Haruyama, who revealed today that he is a fan of the Orix Buffaloes, expressed his excitement about being drafted by a club with which he has various connections, saying, 'I used to go to the stadium often, and I think it's a great team. With so many seniors there, I think it will be a very comfortable environment to work in, so I'm looking forward to it.' He is thrilled to start his professional career with the team he admires.

In August of last year, he met Nishikawa during a practice game against the Orix Buffaloes' second team. In addition to being told to 'do your best,' he received clothing and a bat. Reflecting on the memory, he said, 'I use them regularly. The bat I received at that time was very easy to swing, and by making my own adjustments from there, my batting improved significantly.'

Nishikawa, who is both a senior from his alma mater and someone he admires, will become his teammate starting next season. He expressed his growing excitement, saying, 'He is a player whose fight song I used to sing, so it feels quite surreal, but I am looking forward to it. Since he is such an incredible hitter, I want to ask him many things.'

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.