Hirokazu Ibata, head coach of the Japanese national team, visited Softbank's Miyazaki professional baseball camp on the 6th, and mentioned Kensuke Kondo, who won the home run and RBI titles last season, as one of his expectations, saying, ``He came to the tournament in good condition. I want you to.''
Japan national team coach Ibata visited Softbank's Miyazaki camp on the 6th, exchanged words with coach Yuki Kokubo, player Kondo, and others, and observed practice.
The Japanese national team will play a warm-up match next month in preparation for the ``Premier 12'' international tournament this November.
After the tour, Coach Ibata responded to an interview with the press and mentioned the name of Kondo, who won the home run and RBI titles last season, as one of the players expected to be included in Softbank's national team.
Coach Ibata said, ``I want him to join the national team because he has a good track record.I want him to come to the tournament in good condition.I just don't want him to get injured.''
Kondo commented through the team, ``I'm happy that people have expectations for me, and I have to do my best.I want to be selected, but I'll do my best to perform flawlessly throughout the season.''