Baseball players who graduate from university and fly to a new stage. Although they did not reach their dream of being drafted, some of them aim to become professional players again, while others bid farewell to the field and jump into a completely new world of business. Nikkan Sports is serializing the introduction of such athletes, and today we will introduce Waseda University’sYudai OzeOutfielder, Nippon Sport Science UniversityKosuke SekidoPitcher and Hosei UniversityMasahisa KoudaPitchers are introduced. We approach the “Chapter 2” of their journey from their respective conflicts and decisions.
Waseda University, Yudai Oze: Uniform number “99” at Toyota Motor Corporation, insatiable obsession with hits
Was feared as a “hit production machine” at Waseda University.Yudai OzeThe player moves on to Toyota Motor Corporation, a powerhouse of adult baseball. He fell just one hit shy of reaching 100 total hits in the Tokyo Six-University League, and suffered the frustration of not being selected in last fall’s draft meeting.
The jersey number he wanted in his new field was “99,” something he had never worn in his baseball career. “I felt like the god of baseball was telling me, “You only have one more game left in your baseball career.” (Nikkan Sports). It shows his determination to never be satisfied with the status quo and to always pursue one more goal.
“I’ve always had the draft in my head.Whenever I play, I feel like I’m being watched by professional scouts (Nikkan Sports),” he said.In his fourth year, when he was very conscious of being a professional, “I was extremely confident in the results I’d achieved in my four years at university, so it was hard to accept it at first (Nikkan Sports)”He said that it was a big shock to not be selected in the draft meeting. However, he returned to his roots, saying, “I want to pursue (becoming a professional) while enjoying daily practice and games.” (Nikkan Sports) As “Toyota’s hit production machine,” he will once again be knocking on the professional door.
Nippon Sport Science University’s Kosuke Sekido makes a comeback at Hitachi, takes the mound with his mentor’s words in mind
During his time at Osaka Toin High School, he recorded the fastest speed of 154 km, attracting national attention.Kosuke Sekidopitcher. However, during his four years at Nippon Sport Science University, he battled with injuries. After repeatedly suffering shoulder and elbow injuries, he decided to undergo Tommy John surgery in the fall of his junior year. He pitched in only six official university games.
He remembered the words of his high school teacher, coach Koichi Nishitani, “The old man is the horse in all things,” and even though he had suffered for four years, he continued to look forward. On the internet, he was described as a “disappeared genius,” but he says, “My name has taken on a life of its own, so I don’t worry about it.I’ll go up from here.On the contrary, I’ve developed a rebellious spirit within myself.” (Nikkan Sports)
Waving his pain-free arm, he looks forward and says, “I will do my best to create a good future,” in order to regain the shine at Hitachi.
Masahisa Kokufuda, Hodai University: Separated from baseball to self-growth with the unique “Barcelona”
Hosei University’s left armMasahisa KoudaThe pitcher was one grade higher when he was at Iwaki High School.Oki MasamuneThere is a pitcher (Rikkyo University – 77 Bank) who was scheduled to participate in the 2020 Senbatsu in the 21st century slot. Kokuda was also scheduled to be on the bench, but the tournament was canceled due to the effects of the new coronavirus, and he played a close 3-4 loss to Kokushikan in the summer Koshien exchange game.
When he entered Hosei University, he was a left-handed pitcher measuring 168 cm and 67 kg, and although he was not large, he threw a fastball of 151 km. However, he did not appear in the league game.
He received offers from a total of six companies, including real estate and IT, but he chose Barcelona, a new club in Susukino, Hokkaido. The reason he decided to jump into the unique industry of fishing business is, “When you become a member of society, you can’t survive on your own.You can’t stay where you are, so I want to focus on your own growth.” (Nikkan Sports)
The path the three of us are on may not always be bright, and it may be tough, but I think it’s a hill to climb.
Profile of 4th grade students
- Yudai Oze: Waseda University → Toyota Motor Corporation. 172cm, 80kg, right-handed pitcher, left-handed hitter, outfielder. Graduated from Teikyo High School. His weapon is wide-angle blows.
- Kosuke Sekido: Nippon Sport Science University → Hitachi, Ltd. 177cm, 81kg, right-handed pitcher, right-handed hitter. Graduated from Osaka Toin High School. An authentic right-hand man who boasted a top speed of 154km/h.
- Masahisa Kouda: Hosei University → Barcelona. 168cm, 67kg, left-handed pitcher, left-handed hitter. Born in Iwaki High School. He grew up to 151 km at his fastest speed in college.
All years-Iwaki High School (including past players) draft candidates and everyone’s evaluation
We will introduce evaluations of draft candidates, videos, and everyone’s comments.
player.draft-kaigi.jp
Waseda University’s Yudai Oze, who will continue baseball with Toyota Motor Corporation, is the reason why he hopes for “99” / The different paths taken by the 4th graders – From the land of baseball – Baseball Column: Nikkan Sports
In the third installment of “Fourth graders walk their own paths”, which introduces the career paths of experienced college baseball players who will graduate this spring, we will talk about Waseda University outfielder Yudai Oze (4th year), who plans to continue playing baseball at Toyota Motor Corporation, and Hitachi… – Nikkan Sports Shimbun’s news site, Nikkan Sports.com (nikkans…
www.nikkansports.com
Nippon Sport Science University’s Koichi Sekido “Have a good future”… 4th graders go to Hitachi with the support of their teacher’s words / 4th graders walk their own paths – From the land of baseball – Baseball Column: Nikkan Sports
In the third installment of “The Paths Taken by Fourth-Year Students”, which introduces the career paths of those with college baseball experience who will graduate this spring, we will introduce Yudai Oze, an outfielder from Waseda University (fourth year) who plans to continue playing baseball at Toyota Motor Corporation, and Hitachi… – Nikkan Sports Shimbun’s news site, Nikkan Sports.com (nikkans…
www.nikkansports.com
Masahisa Kouda joins Barcelona from Hodai University / Choosing a career path for fourth year students – From the land of baseball – Baseball Column: Nikkan Sports
The final episode of “The Paths Taken by 4th Year Students”, which introduces the career paths of experienced college baseball players who will be graduating this spring, is about Masahisa Kokuda, a pitcher from Hodai who is planning to put a break in baseball and work for “Barcelona”.
www.nikkansports.com
