◆ Practice match Nippon-Ham 8-4 Hanshin Tigers (8th, Nago)

Nippon-Ham The second overall pick in the draft, Kane Edokpolo outfielder (22) of Daiin University, made a shocking debut in his first game on August 8, with Shinjo saying, "Perfect. He made a shocking debut in his first game outside of Japan. Hanshin Tigers hit RBI The first at-bat was a infield hit hit to center field, and the second at-bat was a wall direct hit to center field doble in the fourth inning.

He started camp with the second team, but took part in a first-team game as a trial player. He was told the day before that he would be on the bench, but was unexpectedly selected as the fourth batter, saying, "It's a surprise." In his second at-bat, he perfectly caught Monbetsu's 143 km/h fastball, saying, "I was glad I was able to hit that ball that came in softly with one pitch," demonstrating his power as a long-range hitter, which has earned him a total of 11 Home Run in the university league. The manager also praised him with his unique perspective, saying, "Your bat angle is good."

What caught the manager's eye more than his batting was his unimaginable leg strength. After infield hit in his first at-bat, at the post-game press conference he showed the press a document listing the team's 20-meter dash times. He revealed that he had recorded a time of 2.90 seconds, behind Ichihata, Mizuno and Yazawa, and said, "I was surprised. With that height and that weight, he's the same as Yazawa. What does that mean? (laughs)," widening his eyes at the physical abilities of the 190cm tall, 101kg weight player.

The manager also hinted at an emergency promotion, saying, "I might want to bring him (to Nago, the first team). Life can change in a day or two." The rookie, full of romance, has taken a brilliant step into the professional world. (Haruki Kawakami)

◆ Kane Edokpolo was born on July 2, 2003, in Osaka City. He is 22 years old. He started playing baseball in the second grade of Kitatatsumi Elementary School with the Nagase Boys, and played for the Minami Osaka Baseball Club in Tatsumi Junior High School. He became a regular player from the fall of his second year at Nihon Koku (Yamanashi) and participated in Koshien in the summer of his third year. He hit a total of 24 Home Run in high school. He has been playing in league games since the spring of his first year at Osaka University of Economics. His father is Nigerian and his mother is Korean. His older brother is mixed martial artist Edpolo King. He is 190 cm tall and weighs 101 kg. He is a right-handed pitcher and batter.