A 158km/h light speed ball in mid-February, plus a player who fosters 28 million won a year, and one inning with six pitches is gone

Feb 18, 2025

The composition of his first appearance in a practice game against Hiroshima on the 16th. He pitched 158km/h fastball in his first real game as a rookie and blocked one hit and no run in one inning. Photo capture = Hanshin Tigers SNS

Hanshin Finishing Legend Fujikawa is aiming to win the title this year, which marks the 90th anniversary of the team's foundation. Photo capture = Hanshin Tigers SNS

In mid-February, rookie pitcher threw a 158km/h fastball. Hanshin Tigers left-hander Daisei (24) made Fujikawa Kyuji's heart flutter in his first appearance game. Moreover, the composition is not an official player, but a nurturing player. He went out wearing a uniform with the number 127 stamped on it.

On the 16th, Hanshin's Kinoza Camp in Okinawa Prefecture. He made his debut in a practice game against the Hiroshima Carp. He took the mound as the sixth pitcher in the eighth inning, trailing 0-11. More than 12,500 spectators were watching the game, which was on the verge of winning or losing.

It added tension to the lackluster game. In his first real game, he threw a fastball of 156 kilometers per hour against the first batter to induce a swing and miss. Soon after, he plugged in a 158-kilometer-per-hour fastball. His speed is close to his maximum speed of 159 kilometers. The stands were buzzing.

He caught the first batter with a fly ball to right field and got a hit. After one death, the two batters were caught with a fly ball to shortstop and a fly ball to center field, and the mission was completed. In total, he allowed one hit and no run in one inning with a total of six pitches. Fujikawa praised "The fastball was strong."

Kudo's fastball on the day exceeded 154 kilometers per hour. Even if ball control is more important than ball control, he left a strong impact from the first game. A powerful fastball that overwhelms the opponent's batter can open up opportunities. He said "I want to throw a ball that the batter knows but can't."

The goal for the first year of the professional league is clear. It is the first-team game at Koshien Stadium, Hanshin's home stadium. To achieve your dream, you must first break away from being a nurturing player. 16

Hanshin team preparing for the season at Kinozha camp in Okinawa. Photo capture = Hanshin Tigers SNS

As of today, there are 14 Hanshin players. We have to win the endless competition. First of all, I started off cheerful and fresh. He was the first Hanshin rookie pitcher to go into practice.

1m77-82kg.

It's not a big size as a fireballer. However, it is said to be so muscular that my teammates are surprised. I built a solid body with steady weight training. Japanese media reported that Kudo's restraint increased after he opened his eyes to weight training in college.

I applied for a rookie draft when I was in my fourth year of college, but I didn't get a professional pick. He joined Tokushima in the Shikoku Island League, an independent league. It is a team of Keisho Shirakawa, who played for SSG Landers and Doosan Bears last year.

He pitched in 20 games last year, recording 8 wins, 1 loss, 1 hold, and a 2.91 ERA. He achieved his dream of becoming a professional with remarkable performance. Hanshin Fostering Draft 1st