Softbank Hawks On the 30th, Yuki Yanagita outfielder (37) was looking forward to a matchup with Ken Maeda, a member of the "1988 generation" Rakuten Eagles. They will "meet" for the first time in 13 years at the Rakuten Eagles match (Rakuten Eagles mobile) on the 31st. I am grateful that I can still fight on the professional baseball stage, and I want to prepare for it," he said.

Last time, we met in the Hiroshima match on June 13, 6 (Yahoo Oku D = current Mizuho PayPay). "I don't remember...", but Yanagida, who was still number 44, hit 3 runs and scored 6 runs from the first inning. He knocked out 1/3 innings with 27 pitches. The Giants ・Sakamoto, Chunichi ・Ohno, etc., the number of active players of the same age has decreased as the years have passed. In a match where the team's opening four consecutive victories will take place, he seems to be full of enthusiasm, saying, "One of the few classmates, so that the two of us can get excited."

He played as the cleanup hitter and designated hitter in all three games of the opening series against Nippon-Ham. He got off to a good start with a batting average of .308 (4 hit in 13 At Bat-bats). The right-handed pitcher is a special presence for the player number 9, and will also become a new rival. He will make it a memorable battle with his full swings. (Tosei Moriguchi)