Director Tsuyoshi Shinjo, also known as “BIG BOSS” of Nippon-Ham, announced that he will invite a temporary coach group “8 people of Shinjoden” by experts from various fields before the camp.
Upon camp-in, So Takei (former Japanese champion of athletics and decathlon), Kyuji Fujikawa (former Hanshin Tigers), Koji Murofushi (Japan Sports Agency Secretary) and others visited Okinawa and sent advice to the players. Former Hanshin “foot specialist” Norihiro Akahoshi is also one of the respondents to Shinjo’s enthusiastic love call.
Norihiro Akahoshi (center of the photo) who teaches base running to Nippon-Ham fighters
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Lotte’s battle that was helpful
Nippon-Ham ranked 5th for 3 consecutive years until last year. Last season, the team batting average was .231, 78 home runs, and 437 RBIs were all at the bottom of the league. He was lackluster in offense and defense, including 76 missteps, which was the worst in the league in defense.
In order to rebuild the team, it was the defense that Shinjo actively instructed himself. Since last year’s autumn camp, we have been focusing on throwing, and the results are gradually coming out.
And in the attack, it seems that the emphasis was not on strengthening the striking line but on “how to get one point”. The hint was the battle of Lotte last year.
Last year, Lotte scored 107 stolen bases (1st in the league) with a batting average of .239 (5th in the league) and scored 584 points, the top of the league. Although there were some scenes that were unsatisfactory in terms of the destructive power of the batting line, Lotte’s attack style definitely permeated the team, such as fighting for the championship until the end of the season.
Director Shinjo is also trying to improve his scoring ability by raising the level of base running, including stolen bases. By the way, the number of stolen bases of Nippon-Ham last year was 77 (4th in the league). However, with Haruki Nishikawa, who was in charge of about one-third of the team, transferred to Rakuten, I thought it was necessary to raise further awareness. There, a white arrow stood on Mr. Akahoshi.
