Fighters pitcher Wataru Kitayama was on the stand the other day. Read the article about this video > https://news.ntv.co.jp/n/stv/category/sports/sta10277591f5345a599b6f7c93b9f842d Behind the scenes, there were certain words from Coach Shinjo. (Pitcher Wataru Kitayama) “My last name is Wataru, but today was a roof opener, and the team won and I’m so happy!!” Wataru Kitayama, a pitcher who is in his fifth year as a professional pitcher. Last week, I did my second hero interview of the season, and so far I have 4 wins and 2 losses. He has a team-leading ERA of 2.54 as a starter. It is said that pitcher Kitayama’s success was actually triggered by a certain comment from manager Shinjo. (Pitcher Wataru Kitayama) “My first camp started in Kunigami, and on the third day of camp when I entered the bullpen, Manager Shinjo came to visit and said to me during practice, “Think of it as the mound for the opening game at PayPay Dome and start pitching now.”As soon as I heard that, I thought, “I should aim to be the opening pitcher, too.”I entered the college graduate draft in 8th place, and if you think about it normally, opportunities won’t come your way. At that moment, even though I was in a position like this, I really felt that there was even a 1% chance of it, and I felt like I should try my best to aim for something. (After that) I received a DM from Manager Shinjo, saying, “Next is your turn to be the opening pitcher, leave it to me, enjoy it.” With those words, my life in professional baseball started for me, and I think that was the start of my life in baseball. Pitcher Kitayama then took the mound for the opening game in his first year as a professional pitcher, pitching two innings with two hits and no runs. (Pitcher Wataru Kitayama) “Those words made me realize that from now on, I have to develop my skills to carry the Fighters on my back, and take the lead in leading everyone.I also believe that I shouldn’t let that environment or the appointment I made at the time go to waste, so from that point on, even though I had that feeling from the beginning, I think my desire to contribute even more to the team grew.” Pitcher Kitayama was selected for the first time as a member of the WBC Japan representative team held in March 2026. He said he received a variety of advice from former Fighters pitcher Yu Darvish. (Pitcher Wataru Kitayama) “Regarding Mr. Darvish, I asked him how to use his body, and what I heard the most was the use of data.I asked him to tell me specifically how to plan a game by analyzing the opposing team’s batting lineup and the team’s current situation and how to use that to create pitches. I think it’s important to learn how to live your life with an ignited spirit, so I was able to watch and learn the key points and detailed tips for tackling this problem, so I think there are many things I can do based on that.” Pitcher Kitayama’s goal is… (Pitcher Wataru Kitayama) “Especially this year, the coach is standing in front of us strongly and saying, “I want to win,” and I think all the players want to cheer up the coach, and I personally think so too.I don’t think it would be a problem if we could win the championship just because we have a strong desire, but that’s all we have. But I think if we keep our feet on the ground and focus on what we can do and what I can do ourselves, and spend each day properly, that will lead to such results, so I want to spend each day cherishing it so that I can contribute to that as well.” (Broadcast on June 3, 2026) #Fighters #Wataru Kitayama #Director Shinjo
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