Chunichi's professional baseball spring camp in Chatan Town, Okinawa Prefecture is on its second day. Last season, 21-year-old pitcher Hiroto Takahashi, who tied the team's most wins with seven wins, entered the bullpen for the first time and expressed his enthusiasm, saying, ``My goal is to pitch in the opening game.''
Pitcher Takahashi played for the Japanese national team at the WBC = World Baseball Classic, which Japan won last year, and remained in the rotation for a year at Chunichi, where he had an ERA of 2.53 and won seven games, tied for the team's lead.
Pitcher Takahashi, who is in his fourth year, is trying to find the ideal form to throw a ``strong ball'' that intimidates batters, while improving his fastest fastball of 158km/h to the 160km/h range during this camp.
On the second day of camp, he entered the bullpen for the first time, and his temporary coach, NHK professional baseball commentator Shinji Imanaka, pointed out that he was missing the ball when he stepped out with his left foot.
Pitcher Takahashi threw 28 straight pitches, carefully checking his form to avoid opening his entire body.
Pitcher Takahashi said, ``My goal is to pitch in the opening game, so I want to show off and win.My condition will get even better from now on.I need to get used to the Okinawa heat and improve my physical strength.'' I want to start the season in good shape.''