Reference articles found here and here

For the first time in half a decade, the Hanshin Tigers have field representation on the all-Japan baseball team. It was announced on Tuesday (2/20) that Yusuke Ohyama (23) would be a member of the team that would play Team Australia in a couple of friendly matches on March 3 (Nagoya Dome) and 4 (Osaka Kyocera Dome).

The second-year third baseman was scouted by the Samurai Japan manager himself, Atsunori Inaba, on two separate occasions this month at Hanshin’s spring training facilities in Ginoza, Okinawa. He collected three hits in each of the matches, impressing Inaba with his ability to make adjustments during his at-bats. “He’s aggressive on first strikes but is also a tough hitter to strike out. Plus he has experience representing his country,” Inaba commented, referring to Ohyama’s international game experience two years ago as a university student.

Ohyama is taking this selection very seriously. He commented, “I’m really happy about it, but I am also humbled. I know I have to do all I can to represent not only the Tigers, but all of Japan. This is different than my experience in university. I’m surrounded by all-stars this time.”

The ultimate goal is to use these games, as well as any future chances he’s given, to work his way onto the Olympic team in 2020. But Ohyama continues to think only about what’s right in front of him. “I don’t know what I’ll be up to when the Olympics come around. I just have to work hard every day and make sure I’m playing good baseball.”

He will wear #8. For the record, the last Tiger fielder to play for Samurai Japan was Takashi Toritani, who represented the team in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Also named to the team was reliever Tsuyoshi Ishizaki (27). He had been on the radar for about half a year, and though he was pleased to be named to the team, he also knows the competition in the bullpen is strong. Said Ishizaki, “I know [Dragons’ closer Shinji] Tajima throws from the same side as me, and has a way of getting outs that I don’t have. If I can glean anything from him during this time, I will. But I want to throw as much as they let me, and contribute to the team.”

Like this: Like Loading...

Related