[Softbank Hawks] 2024 Draft Pick #1, Taito Murakami struck out three consecutive batters in his professional debut: "Maybe it would be better if I didn't come." He grows through his off-season training with Orix Buffaloes 's Yamaoka, who initially refused. | Pacific League

[Softbank Hawks] 2024 Draft Pick #1 Taito Murakami struck out three consecutive batters in his professional debut. "Maybe it would be better if I didn't come." He grows through training with Orix Buffaloes 's Yamaoka, whom he initially refused.

Sports Hochi

August 16, 2026 05:00

◆ Pacific League Softbank Hawks 4-6 Rakuten Eagles (15th, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks ・ Taito Murakami pitcher (19) made a spectacular debut. In the game against the Rakuten Eagles (Mizuho PayPay) on the 15th, he made his professional debut in the 8th inning, pitching one inning with 1 hit no runs. With runners on first and second and no outs, he escaped the jam by striking out three batters in a row struck out.A native of Hyogo Prefecture, this second-year right-hander was drafted first overall in 2024 from Kobe Koryo High School. Following in the footsteps of Yugo Maeda pitcher (21)—who is one year his senior, was drafted first overall in 2023 from Osaka Toin High School, and is currently on a 10-game winning streak to start the season as a starter—this promising young Hawk is showing signs of emerging as a star.

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It was brilliant and spectacular. Softbank Hawks 's Murakami confidently took his first steps as a professional. "I felt more excitement than nervousness." He made his debut in the 8th inning with his team trailing by four runs. Even when he created a dangerous situation with no outs and runners on first and second base after Walk and hit, he remained calm against the heart of the opposing lineup.

First, he let a curveball from Munayama go by struck out. No. 4 batter McCusker swung and missed at slider struck out. Finally, YG Yasuda also swung and missed struck out. He controlled the curveball low from full count and expressed a sense of fulfillment, saying, “It was a good experience at this time of year.”

He was added to the active roster for the first time on the 14th. “I want to see if my fastball will work,” he said, his eyes sparkling. It was his long-awaited debut with the first team mound. Remaining level-headed, he noted, “I haven’t been able to throw my fastball the way I want to,” and retired three batters in a row struck out—all on breaking ball.That day, his parents and two older brothers from his hometown of Hyogo watched from the stands. He was able to show them what a great performance he could put on.

He was the first overall pick in the 2024 draft. Last year, as a rookie, he injured his right elbow and lower back and did not pitch in regular season. In the offseason leading up to his second year, he relied on his senior and teammate Otsu, who said, "Our pitching styles have been similar since I started pitcher," and joined the offseason training of Orix Buffaloes 's Yamaoka. His "mentor" won the highest winning percentage title in 2013 with a record of 13 wins and 4 losses. His first reply was, "Maybe it's better if you don't come."

The reason was that the training menu, which focused on jumps and explosive movements, was the complete opposite of the theory Murakami had been working on. Yamaoka, through Otsu, expressed concern that Murakami might lose his way, saying, "You're doing something completely different..." Nevertheless, Murakami immediately replied, "Please, I'd like to go ahead." He conveyed his determination, and his participation was approved. He continues to put the teachings of his self-training into practice. He says he's now experiencing the benefits of having a body that engages its core without even trying.

His coaches in elementary and junior high school had high hopes for him to become a "flashy player," and the word "flashy" is embroidered on the palm of his glove. Manager Kokubo, who is keeping him on the first team for a limited time until the 16th, also nodded in approval, saying, "His straight pitches had a good arm motion. I'm looking forward to seeing him play." This promising young player is chasing after fellow first-round draft pick and fellow left-handed pitcher Yu Maeda. He possesses limitless potential. (Tosei Moriguchi)

◆Taito Murakami

▽Birthplace and Size Born February 20, 2007, in Inagawa-cho, Kawabe-gun, Hyogo Prefecture. 19 years old. 179 cm, 76 kg. Right-handed pitcher, switch hitter.

Baseball career: Started playing soft baseball with the Shirokane Mets in the first grade of Shirokane Elementary School, and played for the Osaka Minoh Boys in Inagawa Junior High School. Primarily catcher. At Kobe Koryo High School, he was on the bench with number 11 in the spring of his second year. Joined Softbank Hawks in 2024 as the first overall pick in the draft.

▽A top-notch form: He uses his whole body, and slider with a big break is very similar to that of Orix Buffaloes 's Yamaoka. "It just happened that way naturally ever since I started pitcher."