Rakuten Eagles infielder Yoshiaki Watanabe (29) spoke to reporters at Rakuten Eagles Mobile's Saikyo Park on the 18th, and shared his thoughts on his grandfather, Motonori Watanabe, former manager of the Yokohama High School baseball team, who passed away on the 17th at the age of 81.

He revealed that he "wasn't there in time for his beloved grandfather's final moments. I couldn't say anything to him," but then, holding back his sadness, he added, "He was involved in many things and in many situations. I wonder if I was able to show him some filial piety."

He said he was always taught to "become win in life." He expressed his determination, saying, "I want to do my best at baseball for as long as possible."

As the grandson of a renowned manager, he played in Koshien in the summer of his second year and the spring of his third year while attending Yokohama High School. He went on to Meiji University and was drafted in the sixth round by Rakuten Eagles in 2018. According to people connected to Yokohama High School, Motochi enjoyed watching Yoshiaki play on television while having a drink in the evening. His grandson's successes, such as getting hit, were apparently a source of enjoyment for him while he drank.

In his eighth season, as of before the start of the game on the 18th, he has played in 56 games, batting .266 with 1 Home Run and 17 RBI. Starting on the 18th, he will play a six-game series at home against Lotte and Seibu Lions. He will be hoping to show his grandfather in heaven his best performance.