Professional Baseball Matsutaro Shoriki Award Yakult Takatsu Special Award First two winners

Yakult's director Shingo Takatsu, who won the number one spot in Japan for the first time in 20 years, was selected for the first time in the "Matsutaro Shoriki Award" given to the person who contributed most to this year's professional baseball.

In addition, two special prizes will be selected: Shohei Ohtani of the Angels, who was selected as the MVP of this season in the Major League Baseball, and Atsunori Inaba, the former coach of Japan who won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics baseball. It was.

The "Matsutaro Shoriki Award" is given to the directors and players who have contributed most to professional baseball every year in honor of the late Matsutaro Shoriki, who worked hard to establish and develop professional baseball.

On the 7th, a selection committee was held in Tokyo, and Yakult coach Takatsu, who won the Central League for the first time in 6 years and won the number one spot in Japan for the first time in 20 years, was selected for the first time.

The selection committee evaluated the fact that they won the Japan Series, which was a close battle, and excited the baseball fans.

In addition, this year, Otani of Angels who played an active part in the two-sword style of throwing in the major league and was selected as the MVP of the American League, and Atsunori Inaba, the former coach of Japan who won the gold medal in the baseball of the Tokyo Olympics, are special prizes. Was selected for.

In 2004, Ichiro Suzuki of the Mariners was selected as the special award, and in 2013, Masahiro Tanaka, the pitcher of Rakuten, who became the best in Japan this year, was selected. it's the first time.

Selection Committee Chairman Sadaharu Oh "It was a year with many topics."

Mr. Sadaharu Oh, who was the chairman of the selection committee, said about the selection of this year, "It was a year with many topics, but since this award is the Matsutaro Shoriki Award, the Japan Series became a hot topic. It was a series that was drawn in, and the story was finally settled by Director Takatsu, who became the best in Japan. "

After that, he said about Director Takatsu, "Because I was a student of Katsuya Nomura, I think I remembered thinking about baseball and data baseball with my body. I think it was influenced by Mr. Nomura."

Regarding Otani, he seemed to be surprised, saying, "He has a big topic, and the local people in the United States also cheered him. I never thought that he would be selected as an MVP with a full vote." ..

Regarding the special award, former coach Inaba, he said, "I think I did well after overcoming the pressure of holding my own country. For a long time, I was building a team while preparing my strength."

Director Yakult Takatsu "I want to be proud of the award on behalf of the team"

Yakult coach Shingo Takatsu, who was selected for the Matsutaro Shoriki Award, said, "Everyone on the team has guided me. I want to be proud to receive the award on behalf of me. I am grateful to everyone on the team." ..

The award winner from Yakult said that it was the first time in 20 years since Tsutomu Wakamatsu, "I feel like it's been 20 years since then. I also feel that I am glad I won. "

Regarding receiving the same award as his teacher, Katsuya Nomura, he said, "I don't feel like I'm on the same shoulder or in a row."

Shohei Ohtani "I feel a connection with my seniors in the Fighters"

Otani, who was selected for the special award, said, "I am honored to receive the prestigious award. I am glad that Ichiro has been a major league player since Ichiro, and I am glad that he has been evaluated for his success in the United States. I feel that I received a special award with Mr. I. I would be grateful if you could support me from Japan next season as well. "

Japan National Team Director Inaba "Tamamono of Cohesion"

Atsunori Inaba, the former coach of the Japan National Baseball Team, who was selected for the special award, said, "I am very honored to receive such a wonderful award. I was able to win this award as a manager of the top team. I also think that it is the result of the cohesiveness of all the players, coaches, staff, and everyone who supported us. We will continue to do our best to develop the baseball world, albeit a little. " I am.