Professional baseball player Atsushi Kataoka (52) updated the YouTube channel on May 8, 2022, and pitched in the official game for the first time after entering the professional baseball game against the Western League Hanshin Tigers on the same day. He explained the reason why the player (22) was appointed as a pitcher.
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Akira Neo (Photo: Naoki Nishimura / Afro Sports)
Marked the fastest 150km on the first pitch in the official game
Neo, who participated in the starting lineup in “2nd short”, went to the mound from the 9th inning with a 6-point lead to 5th. After one death, he made a presence as a pitcher by hitting three times in a row and losing one point, but marking the fastest 150km. On this day, he threw two-thirds and got off the mound with 3 hits and 1 run and returned to the short defense.
Kazuyoshi Tatsunami (52), Eiji Ochiai head coach and pitcher coach (52) and Neo’s pitcher have long cited the fact that there was a 6-point lead as one of the reasons why Neo was appointed to the 9th inning. He revealed that he was discussing the appointment.
When Akira Neo was appointed as a pitcher, Kataoka explained, “For example, if there is something that hurts, or if there is something that bothers me (the pitcher), I won’t do it.” Is talent and potential. I think it’s our job to find and find it. “
He also mentioned the intention that Neo was appointed as a pitcher at Koshien Stadium, where he won consecutive spring and summer championships in high school. “I hope that throwing at the Koshien mound will give you an opportunity to remember various things such as the timing of the batter as seen from the pitcher.”
Fans “Welcome to such a dream challenge”
Regarding how to use Neo in the future, Kataoka 2nd Army coach expects that it will be a big force if he can concurrently serve as a pitcher and short, and Daisuke Yamai 2nd Army pitcher coach (43) is buying a high talent as Neo’s pitcher. Was revealed.
According to Kataoka 2nd Army coach, coach Yamai, who coaches Neo with a bullpen, evaluates that “there is enough material to make a pitcher.”
In the future, based on the defense of shorts, he showed a policy of exploring how to develop the talent and potential of Neo as a pitcher. I think it’s possible to practice if that happens. “
In the comment section of the video, in response to Neo’s dual wield challenge, “I am very welcome to take on such a dream challenge,” “I was thrilled by the news of pitcher Neo,” “Thanks to Director Kataoka for his ingenuity.” I want to see the starting pitcher. “
