Kumada, who has experience as U-18 and university representative, joins the workforce and joins Toyota Motor Corporation.
On the 28th, Waseda University won the first round of the Tokyo Six Universities Baseball Autumn League against Keio University, 3-2, held at Jingu Stadium. After the game, manager Satoru Komiyama mentioned infielder Nihiro Kumada and pitcher Kotaro Kato, who were not drafted at the draft meeting on the 26th. Regarding Kumada, who also served as vice-captain, he revealed that he was restricted to finishing in third place, saying, “I think it was quite difficult to break into the top three.”
[PR]Professionals in various fields provide video explanations Baseball development technology improvement program “TURNING POINT”
Waseda University, which produced outfielder Takuya Hiruma (No. 1 in Seibu) last year, had Kumada, ace Kato, and pitcher Aonami Tokaibayashi submit their applications. While at Toho High School, Kumada was also selected for the U-18 national team along with pitcher Aki Sasaki (Lotte) and pitcher Daiya Miyagi (Orix). After entering university, he started playing in league games in the spring of his first year and supported the team as a regular for four years. In the fall of his junior year, he had a batting average of .342 with three home runs, and this season he is also doing well with a batting average of .361.
Kumada had told each team that if he was not selected in the third place, he would move on to Toyota Motor Corporation. Coach Komiyama said, “Looking at the lineup of this year’s candidates, I think it was quite difficult to break into the top three.I think he was also very determined.”
His dream of becoming a professional player was postponed until the year after next. “Toyota Motor Corporation is not an easy place to go to. I’m grateful that Toyota Motor Corporation contacted me and took care of me, and even more so, Toyota Motor Corporation said, “We’ll do our best so that we can send you out to the pros in two years.” I’ve heard this from other people, so I think there are some things that are clear to me,” he reflected.
Kato distinguished himself as a starter from his third year, and won the title of best ERA in the fall with an ERA of 1.41. Although his pitch speed is always around 140km/h, he has shown stable pitching in league games with his flexible ball and high ball control. Manager Komiyama reflected on the draft, saying, “As for Kato, his pitches aren’t fast and he doesn’t look good, so he doesn’t get a lot of attention from the pros.It’s not that easy.”
(Full-Count Editorial Department)
2023-10-28 23:16:20
#Waseda #University #players #left #unnominated #easy #Kumada #tied #ranking.. #Coach #Komiyama #tough #FullCount
