Rakuten Eagles infielder Yoshiaki Watanabe (29) spoke to reporters on the 18th at Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park before practice for the game against the Chiba Lotte Marines, 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.

Occasionally looking upwards, he continued, "I grew up in a single-parent household, so he was like a father to me, a grandfather, a mentor, and involved in many different aspects of my life. Part of that was baseball, and we were able to play in Koshien together. I've also made it to the professional league, a dream he couldn't fulfill, so I think I've been able to repay him a little. Doing my best at baseball is the best thing I can do right now. I hope that will make my grandfather happiest. I want to keep doing my best for as long as possible."

When asked about the most important lesson he received from his grandfather, he recalled, "He always told me to become win in life. When I turned pro, he told me to take this with me and wrote it down for me. I think it was more about something than baseball."

Under the guidance of his great grandfather, who led the Yokohama High School baseball team to five national championships in total (spring and summer combined), Yoshiaki played in Koshien in his second year (summer) and third year (spring) while attending the school. He went on to Meiji University and was Rakuten Eagles in the sixth round in 2018 by the Rakuten Golden Eagles. According to Yokohama High School officials, Motochika enjoyed watching Yoshiaki play on television while having a drink in the evenings. His grandson's successes, such as getting hits, were apparently a source of enjoyment for him while he hit.

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.