Darrell Lasner and Derrick White, who have supported Rakuten Eagles for many years as international scouts, shared their careers and their perspectives on Rakuten Eagles' foreign players.

The first part of this article focuses on Mr. Lazner. During his playing career, he captivated fans with his precise control and passionate pitch, and in 2013, when the team won its first league championship, he was the team's absolute closer, recording 17 saves. Currently, he supports the team as they aim for the top again, in his role as an international scout.

Insights gained from personal experience: What I value in scouting.

Lazner, who transitioned from player to scout in 2014, analyzes the characteristics of Japanese baseball based on his own experience, describing them as "fast-paced" and "the overall strength of the players."

"Playing in Japan taught me a new side of baseball. In a word, it's 'it's a much faster baseball.' It's a fast-paced style baseball with players who have high mobility and contact ability, and based on meticulous strategy. This meticulous and flawless environment helps players evolve into 'more well-rounded' players. The Japanese coaching staff is amazing and helps players grow in all aspects. I myself feel that I was a more complete person, both as pitcher and as a human being, when I left Japan than when I came here."

He also stated that in their current scouting, they place importance not only on technical skills but also on "the ability to change and adjust to culture." He explained, "We value whether they are willing to readily accept and learn about Japanese culture. We also value being smart and well-educated. For example, we believe that players with experience playing in other countries, like the two Dominican pitcher we acquired this year, have a great advantage in terms of adapting to a new environment."

Razner's perspective on new signings Ureña and Contreras

Regarding this season's roster, Lazner revealed that "creating depth in the starting rotation was the top priority," and he spoke about the two right-handed pitchers they acquired as intended.

"First, regarding José Ureña, he is a highly accomplished and professional pitcher. He's a really competitive and nice guy who works harder than anyone else in practice every day. The main reason we acquired him is his experience and his strong desire to help those around him. His pitching quality is also very high, and I'm confident that he will definitely help the team."

Regarding pitcher Roansy Contreras, he said, "Compared to Ureña, he is still young and a little rough around the edges," but added, "He also has a great track record of success, and the power of his pitches is outstanding. With the veteran Ureña and the youthful Contreras together, I'm sure the team will gain a lot of dynamic momentum."

Our goal is simple: to bring the championship back to Tohoku once again.

This year marks Mr. Lazner's 18th season with Rakuten Eagles since joining them in 2009. Although his position has changed from player to scout, what is it that drives Mr. Lazner to dedicate himself to the team for such a long period? The answer lies in the "loyalty" that he values most.

"This place (Rakuten Eagles) is a 'family.' The fans and staff have all warmly welcomed us like family."

I was raised to be loyal. If someone shows me loyalty, I want to reciprocate that with all my might. That was the case with our fans in Tohoku. They treated my family and me with such care. That's why Derrick and I talk every day about wanting to be better and help this organization win. We have only one goal: to bring the championship back to Tohoku once again."

The "Warrior's Mindset" I Learned from Senichi Hoshino

And of all the things that have been etched in Lazner's memory over the past 18 years, it is the image of former manager Senichi Hoshino, with whom he fought alongside in 2013. That year, Lazner, who played a major role as the team's closer in their first-ever league championship, looked back on it with nostalgia.

"That year, we fought together as one under Manager Hoshino. Manager Hoshino was our leader, guiding us. For him, I would have done anything to help us win. He always treated us with respect and kindness. Of course, he was strict and uncompromising, but he was always fair. That's why we could trust him wholeheartedly."

To me, Manager Hoshino is the epitome of both a 'champion' and a 'competitor.' On ground, he was a 'warrior' with tremendous fighting spirit, but the moment he stepped off the field, he was a 'kind gentleman.' This season's team has a mix of young and veteran players, just like back then, and there's an atmosphere of mutual support, giving me a similar feeling to 2013. The desire to bring back the passion that I pursued with Manager Hoshino back then to Tohoku is what drives my scouting activities now."

From Lazner to Rakuten Eagles fans

And at the end of the interview, he said this to Rakuten Eagles fans.

"I believe that the fans in Tohoku are the best fans in Japan and the world. They have been incredibly kind to me and my family. We were able to win the championship in 2013 thanks to the fans. We draw strength from the support of our fans. When the stadium is filled with energy and we can feel your excitement, we feel a strong desire to win for you. Please come to the stadium again this year."

Interview and text: Takashi Takagi