Seibu Lions Lions pitcher Yamato Fuji who was promoted from a developmental player to a regular roster player, held a press conference at the team's office in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture on the 24th.

Putting on the brand-new uniform with number "67," Fuji expressed his joy, saying, "This is something I've been aiming for. I'm so happy."

This left-handed pitcher, in his second year with the team, was the first overall pick in the 2024 developmental draft from Omiya Higashi High School. Standing at 186 cm and weighing 80 kg, he has a tall stature and a unique three-quarter delivery with a slightly delayed arm release, making it difficult for hitter to time their swings. He throws fastballs exceeding 150 km/h and also utilizes a palm ball. In his first year, he gained muscle mass through weight training, and his fastball velocity increased after motion analysis of his pitching form. He recalled a moment in last year's Eastern League where he struck out two-time hitter Kakunaka with a 150 km/h fastball, saying, "I really felt it," and it gave him a great sense of confidence.

His older brother pitcher Hayato Fuji, who joined the Chiba Lotte Marines last year as the fifth pick in the draft. When he told his brother that he had been registered as a regular player, his brother congratulated him. Lotte games are scheduled in his hometown of Omiya on April 10th and May 20th, and he said, "There's a chance I can face my brother, so that will give me strength."

Hiroike, the team's general manager, commented, "I didn't expect him to come up to the level of the managerial ranks at this speed. I didn't expect him to come up this fast," said Hiroike. For the time being, he will likely be used in the reliever lineup, but he has his sights set on becoming a starter in the future. I hope to stay in the first team and become the team's representative pitcher," said Tomishi. He dreams of becoming the best pitcher in Japan.

◆Yamato Fuji was born on August 26, 2006 in Saitama, Japan. 19 years old. He was a member of the softball baseball club at Mitsuhashi Junior High School and was selected for the Saitama Prefecture Selected Team Saitama Seibu Lions Junior Youth. At Omiya Higashi, he was an ace from the spring of his second year but Koshien did not appear in any games. 24 years later, he was drafted first in the development draft Seibu Lions and joined the team. His older brother is Hayato Fuji, who was drafted 5th overall by Lotte pitcher last year. 186 cm, 80 kg. He throws left-handed and bats left-handed.