Softbank Hawks The Yuto Akihiro appeal never stops. bases loaded with two outs in the first inning of a 1-0 game. He hit a 151-kilogram straight ball from Whitley into the terrace in right field for his third grand slam, tied for the most on the 12-baseball team. The first time I went to bat, I was aware of what I needed to be aware of," he said, showing his maturity against his old The Giants team.

During the offseason, he changed his batting form to one where he lifts his leg, making his weight transfer smoother. This paid off, as he hit a team-high four Home Run in exhibition games. In his fifth year, he's aiming for his first opening day roster spot, and he's determined, saying, "Until now, if I didn't get results, I would change (my offseason training). I'll continue doing what I've been doing, and if I end up in the minor leagues, then so be it." On this day, he practiced with his "mentor" Yamakawa, with whom he trained during the offseason, starting at noon, six hours before the game, and got a good feeling about it.

hit to center field in the third inning and a timely single to left field in the sixth inning, earning him a multi-hit game. "If I continue what I've been doing since my personal training, the results will come," Akihiro said. He continues to walk the path he believes in and blossoms. (Moriguchi Noboru)