interview
2022.05.06
Former Chiba Lotte Marines catcher Tomoya Satozaki (C) SPREAD editorial department
It’s been a month since professional baseball started. In the Central League, the Hanshin Tigers, who were expected to be involved in the high-ranking battle, suffered nine consecutive losses in the opening season, and the development included a turbulence that was delayed from the beginning. In the Pacific LeagueChiba Lotte Marines(Hereafter, Lotte)Roki SasakiIt is a new place to remember that it became a big topic all over the world, such as achieving a perfect game for the first time in 28 years.
In the SPREAD editorial department, under the direction of Bobby Valentine, a famous catcher and baseball critic who led Lotte to the league championship and the best in Japan in 2005.Tomoya SatozakiI talked to Mr. From the controversial “that” turmoil in professional baseball to the episodes of the active era, catcher theory and current activities, we will deliver everything.
◆[Video]Roki Sasaki, Tomoya Satozaki talks about a perfect game for the first time in 28 years, “Matsukawa’s pitching that completely suppressed Masataka Yoshida”
■ Lotte’s juniors who will lead the next generation
First of all, Mr. Satozaki talked about Konosu Lotte, who is still involved as a special advisor.After allRoki SasakiWhenMatsukawa ToraI can’t help but hear about the golden battery that will carry professional baseball in the future.
“As for Roki Sasaki, why don’t you try it after (season)? It feels good now, but it’s still in the middle. Rookie Ko Matsukawa is doing his best for 18 years old, isn’t he? In the future, in order to be called a great catcher, it is all about “beating or winning”. If you do not achieve that, you will end up with the existence of (that is to say). “
About the “that” case that these two people are getting more and more close-up.Roki Sasaki on the mound said he was dissatisfied with the racy ball judgment.Kazuyuki ShiraiHow did Mr. Satozaki perceive the series of turmoil that the ball umpire rushed to?
“Because it’s Roki Sasaki, it’s just talked about. It’s not a daily occurrence, but there are cases like this, big or small. It’s natural that the referee is also a human being, so the catcher must match it. I don’t think it’s possible. I think the Shirai baseball umpire would have had a little more way to deal with it. “
In his video delivered after our interview, Mr. Satozaki also talked about the future challenges of rookie Ko Matsukawa, saying, “It is a professional catcher to prevent that situation before it happens,” and many viewers said. Was calling for a response.
■ Inspired top-notch comrades
During his active career, Mr. Satozaki contributed not only to Lotte’s number one in Japan, but also to SAMURAI JAPAN’s number one in the world as a regular catcher in Japan at WBC (World Baseball Classic). Was there a player he admired when he was a child, which inspired him to become a professional baseball player?
“I didn’t have any players I longed for. I usually only watched anime and didn’t watch baseball broadcasts. In 2006, when I was selected as the Japan-US baseball team, my opponent’s catcherJoe MauerI went to get the uniforms and bats (* I won the top hitter in the American League this year). I don’t think I’ll have a chance to meet again for the rest of my life, and I thought it would be worth it (laughs). “
Mr. Satozaki who fought with players from other teams in many international games. For pitchers he found great from the catcher’s point of view,Koji UeharaI often mention his name.
“Koji Uehara has great control and changing balls, and he even draws in the intention of pitching. It was the first time he was a catcher and he thought,” It’s my responsibility if I get hit. ” In addition, Motonobu Tanishige is one of the best catchers. That attitude had a lot to emulate. “
■ Sharpened sensibilities created by efforts
The data analysis tool “Statcast” that is familiar to MLB. The “ballistic measuring instrument” “Trackman”, which is also used in the system, has been introduced to professional baseball in recent years, and various information such as the pitcher’s ball speed, the number of ball rotations, the flight distance of the hit ball, and the direction of the ball are available. It’s time to collect. What kind of consciousness did Mr. Satozaki have when he was active in the game regarding data?
“Whenever I was asked, I had the data for about 120 batters in each team and regular class in my head. That’s the basics of the basics. Based on that basics, the most important thing was” “Sensitivity”. The data is the past, and the important thing is the present. If the data and the sensibilities are inconsistent, I believe in the sensibilities 100%. “
It is said that the intuition of a veteran detective, backed by many years of experience and deep knowledge, is worthy of belief. The keen sensibility that made Mr. Satozaki a first-class catcher is undoubtedly the result of daily study. With the evolution of technology, data-dependent strategies are becoming mainstream, but the deciding factor for victory or defeat may be in areas that can only be reached by those who have mastered the path.
■ I like playing baseball better than watching it
Recently, Mr. Satozaki, who has gained popularity as a Youtuber because of his remarks that he does not wear on his teeth. There are many fans who crave for coaches, such as supervisors and coaches, but he seems to be surprisingly unfriendly, saying, “I’m not very interested (because I’m free to do it now).” He also said that the preliminary research for video distribution has a high affinity with the work of commentary, and that it is the best activity to grasp the “now” of professional baseball, and he showed a calm and rational side unique to catchers. Was impressive.
The long pennant race has just begun. This year as well, every time a number of dramas are born, they will cut through with their “dryness” and will greatly enliven the professional baseball world. Along with the daily heat battle, pay attention to Mr. Satozaki’s future activities.
◆[Video]Roki Sasaki, Tomoya Satozaki talks about a perfect game for the first time in 28 years, “Matsukawa’s pitching that completely suppressed Masataka Yoshida”
◆ The Pacific League supreme pitcher game is a perfect game, Roki Sasaki vs. a perfect ace, Kodai Senga, a competition between a different dimension fork and a ghost fork.
◆ “The best pitcher in the world who does not belong to MLB” Perfect The high evaluation of Roki Sasaki remains unchanged even if it is interrupted, pointed out by the US media
Text and SPREAD Editing Department
