Orix Buffaloes outfielder Haruto Watanabe (27) revealed on the 14th that he will become an "apprentice" to his same-grade peer, Softbank Hawks outfielder Tomoya Masaki (27). His former teammate from their Keio University days served as the leadoff hitter for Samurai Japan in the Asia Professional Baseball Championship, going on a rampage with 5 hits in 9 At Bats, 4 Home Runs, and 8 RBI over 3 games. "He was originally a player with good hitting, so it's not a surprise. But that was a bit much (laughs)," he said, inadvertently letting his true feelings slip.

During his university days, his role was to get on base before Masaki, and the two are close enough to go out for meals even after turning professional, saying, "We are the closest friends." This season, as his ally fully blossomed as the "number one hitter for the Hawks," he himself secured a regular position in center field until June and made a leap forward with a career-high 49 hits. Reflecting on his struggles in the second half of the season, he reaffirmed, "I talked with Masaki about it, but I think the cause is definitely myself. Even if the way they attack me changes, if my condition is good, I should be able to lay off those pitches." He plans to hold a joint independent training session during the New Year holidays and is looking forward to their reunion, saying, "Good players are skilled at putting things into words. I want to ask him about technical matters."

His play style leverages his speed, and in this fifth professional season, he achieved a career-high 18 stolen bases. 'The Orix Buffaloes were weak in defense and base running, so I kept playing with the desire to change that somehow,' he said. Immediately after he began proving his worth at the start of the season, the team took the lead in the standings. If he can develop consistent hitting power, he has the potential to become an immovable regular. He is hungrily absorbing everything to make the 'number one hitter and center fielder' position his own. (Shunta Nambu)