Tokyo International News Agency

The Hanshin Tigers announced on the 1st that they would not be renewing contracts for seven players for the next season, including pitcher Daichi Moriki (22). Moriki, who joined the team as the first overall pick in the 2021 draft and carried high expectations as one of the "High School BIG3," being released after just four years as a professional has sent shockwaves through many baseball fans. Hailing from Kochi High School, Moriki first gained attention as a "super junior high schooler" for throwing 150 km/h. In high school, he became a prime target for the draft, boasting a powerful fastball clocked at up to 154 km/h. The Hanshin Tigers secured him as their sole first-round pick in the 2021 draft, investing heavily in his development as a future ace. However, after turning pro, he failed to secure a single win in the first team (Ichigun). In the minor league (Nigun), he struggled with control issues and an unstable pitching form, enduring difficult seasons. Upon ...

At the 107th National High School Baseball Championship, Okinawa Shogaku's sophomore ace, Mr. Sueyoshi, delivered a commanding pitching performance against Kanashi Agricultural, leading his team to victory in their opening game. In this game, Sueyoshi threw 115 pitches, allowing only 3 hits, no walks, and striking out an impressive 14 batters, securing a complete-game shutout. His pitching was lauded as 'monstrous' and 'terrifyingly good,' with particular attention drawn to his powerful lower body. As he is still only a sophomore, comments such as 'His future is exciting' and 'What will happen next year if he becomes daikichi (great luck)?' (a play on his name, Sueyoshi, meaning 'small luck') have been heard, with some even comparing his potential to Orix pitcher Miyagi. Attention from the professional baseball world is already intense, with many expressing hopes for his future pro career: 'Undoubtedly the top high school prospect in thi...