Stanford University infielder Rintaro Sasaki (21), who was the first overall pick by Softbank Hawks in last fall's draft and is also a candidate for the MLB draft on the 11th and 12th (12th and 13th Japan time), met with Softbank Hawks on the 1st. He participated in negotiations and a meal for about three hours in Fukuoka City, and afterwards watched Seibu Lions game at Mizuho PayPay Stadium. The topic of the posting system, which the team has never approved, did not come up, but he received the highest possible evaluation, including being offered number 1 jersey.

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Sasaki was deeply moved by The Hawks' enthusiasm. He attended his first meeting since being drafted last fall, while enjoying Chinese food. He was given an explanation of his development plan and batting analysis, and was also shown a video message from owner Masayoshi Son (68), whom he said he "respects the most in terms of his way of life." At Mizuho PayPay, he spoke directly with Chairman Oh and Manager Kokubo, and toured the team's facilities. "I think it was a truly profound day in my life," he said with a look of satisfaction.

The number '1' was number that moved me deeply, saying, 'I feel extremely moved.' Legends who joined the Meikkai, such as Koji Akiyama and Seiichi Uchikawa, wore the numbers. As CBO Kenji Jojima (50) said, 'I want The Hawks to grow up as the face of Japan's professional baseball. The core of the next era is Rintaro and the others,' the team's passion for them to become the cornerstone of a team aiming for 'world best' was clearly conveyed.

He said he exchanged greetings with key players such as Yanagida, Shuto, and Kurihara at the stadium. Seeing the NPB clubhouse and training room for the first time, he was thrilled, saying, "It's a wonderful environment where I wouldn't have any problems. It's a dream place. If I'm given the opportunity, I'm sure I can have a truly fulfilling baseball life."

Regarding the posting system, Softbank Hawks has never acknowledged, Sasaki stated clearly, "Today is just a meeting to get to know the team, so we haven't discussed it." CBO Jojima also explained, "Currently, there is no benefit for us, so the owner's message is that he wants you to do your best as a player."

As if to celebrate Rintaro's visit, the team maintained their lead with 11 hit 11 runs, including four home runs. "Ultimately, I will make my decision after seeing the MLB draft," he reiterated, indicating that he will wait for the draft in mid-July. The deadline for negotiations with Softbank Hawks is the 31st. All eyes are on his unprecedented career choice, including the possibility of staying at university. (Tosei Moriguchi)

〇… Softbank Hawks 's CBO, Jojima, revealed that he met with Sasaki's father, Hiroshi, who is the manager of Hanamaki Higashi High School (Iwate Prefecture), in Tokyo in mid-June. In addition to conveying the team's development policies, he also researched Rintaro's background and hobbies. The CBO, who has also been active in fishing programs since retiring from playing, said, "Unfortunately, he doesn't fish, so if there's a connection to Fukuoka, I'd like to teach him how to fish from scratch," showing his willingness to "coach" him off ground.