Seibu's Akiyama announces major league challenge October 29, 21:35
Seibu's Shogo Akiyama, who has the highest number of hits in the professional baseball season, has announced that he will use the FA = free agent rights, including overseas, to challenge the major leagues.
Akiyama was chosen as the representative of Japan for the baseball international tournament “Premier 12” starting next month and held a conference after the practice held in Naha City on the 29th.
Among them, Akiyama said, “Since I was younger, Samurai Japan called me and became aware of the major leagues while playing against overseas players. I wanted to know how much I can pass and “I want to fight on the stage,” he said, exercising FA rights, including overseas, to challenge the big league.
Akiyama, a 31-year-old, won the title of the most hits four times, including hitting 216 hits four years ago with skillful bat control, and starting in Taiwan from the 5th of next month. It is also expected as a team leader in “Premier 12”.
On the other hand, the main players of the major leagues have not participated in the Olympics so far, and asked if they would aim for next year's Tokyo Olympics. I talked with Director Inaba and told me that it was necessary for Premier 12, so I would like to do my best in this tournament first. "