Softbank Hawks Hawks outfielder Ukyo Shuto (30) wrote to Sports Hochi about his determination to win Pacific League title for the third consecutive year. Although they missed out on their 10th interleague championship in two consecutive years, they also showed their strength in Central League with a 14-4 record. He is keenly aware of Seibu Lions, who are in first place and trailing by 3.5 games. He also expressed his gratitude for the contributions of catcher Yudai Yamamoto (27), who joined the team in a trade from DeNA in May, and revealed his feelings for the team.

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We managed to build a lead of 10 games in the interleague series. It was a really good performance for the team. In terms of fielder, Shoji and Masaki fulfilled their roles, and Yudai (Yamamoto) was also a significant presence.

Whether he was playing in games or not, he would give us all sorts of information about Central League. He would say things like, "This type of pitcher is like this, and has these characteristics." I was impressed by how he always gave everyone positive words.

For Yudai, it was a trade that meant changing leagues mid-season. Key players like Gīta (Yanagita), Kondō, and Kuri (Kurihara) were the ones who reached out to him the most. I myself had a meal with him during our trip to Osaka in May and we talked about a lot of things. I think we were all able to welcome him well.

Yuta is cheerful and has a strong will. His wrist must have been in considerable pain [Note 1], but he said, "I'll play!" and he was incredibly upset when he struck out in the first inning. I could feel his determination and tenacity to play in the game no matter what.

The team has its rules. Running at full speed is a given, as is flawless base running and covering. Even Gīta and Kondō don't slack off. If a player isn't doing it right, they'll be given a strict warning on the spot. It doesn't matter whether they have a track record or not. It's the history and tradition of The Hawks that hasn't changed since I joined the team.

Kuri has been outstanding in the interleague games. His hitting zone has expanded, and he seems to be able to hit the balls that come into that zone with one swing. Even when there are close strike ball calls that make him go "oh no...", he's been able to recover well this year. As the players' association chairman, a role he passed on to the team with a "do it," he's also leading from the front. So far, anyway... (laughs).

It's rare to see the gap in the standings not narrow this much during interleague play. In particular, we've been hit hard by the same The Lions pitcher [Note 2], so we have no choice but to crush him directly. When you think of The Hawks, you think of Gaita-san. I myself want to be a ray of sunshine, a mental pillar that people can rely on when they're in trouble, just like Gaita-san. (Yuki Shuto)

[Note 1] Yamamoto complained of pain in his left wrist during the June 3 game against the Chunichi (at Vantelin D) and was substituted out mid-game.Even after being removed from the active roster on the 6th, he continued to travel with the team, providing valuable information on the Central League. He underwent surgery on the 12th to remove the hook of the left hamate bone and is expected to be out for two to three months before returning to play.

[Note 2] Their record against Seibu Lions League team. They have also struggled against Takahashi, losing all 4 games, and against Sumida, losing both games.

◆Ukyo Shuto: Born February 10, 1996, in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture. Age 30. After attending Tokyo University of Agriculture Second High School and Tokyo University of Agriculture Hokkaido High School, he joined Softbank Hawks in 2017 as the second pick in the developmental draft. He was registered as a regular player in March 2019. In 2020, he became the first player from the developmental league to win stolen base title with a career-high 50 stolen base. He experienced world championships as a member of the Japanese national team in the 2019 Premier12 and the 2023 WBC. Last offseason, he signed a large 5-year, 2 billion yen contract and was also selected for the 2026 WBC Japanese national team. 180 cm, 74 kg. Right-handed pitcher, left-handed batter.