The new draft picks got their new uniforms today. Below is the list of new numbers given out, the most recent and most famous players to have worn the number, and comments from the players.
1. Teruaki Sato – IF/OF #8
— Kosuke Fukudome (2013-20); Kazuhiro Yamauchi (1964-67)
“I’m glad to be part of a team with such strong tradition. I hope to get a lot of extra-base hits, win Rookie of the Year, and hit around 30 home runs next year. I also hope that the first name that comes to people’s minds when they hear #8 is mine.”
2. Masashi Itoh – LHP #27
— Yuya Onaka (2018-20); Tomo Wakoh (1964-74)
“It has finally sunk in and hopefully people will remember #27 as Itoh’s number. I feel like I am able to keep my team in the game no matter how I actually feel physically, and I know the team is expecting me to make an impact early on. I’d love to get double-digits in wins next year if possible.”
3. Ren Satoh – RHP #30
— Keisuke Takano (2019-20); Katsuo Hirata (current farm manager, 1982-94) & Tomoyuki Kubota (2003-14)
“This is such a cool uniform, and I finally feel like a part of the team. I hope to be able to throw as fast as Shintaro Fujinami, even faster if possible. Looking forward to playing in front of the fans.”
4. Yuki Sakaeda – C #39
— Kenya Nagasaka (2017-20); Akihiro Yano (current manager, 1998-2010)
“I definitely feel a sense of responsibility when I put this uniform on, and I know I’m going to have to practice hard. I have confidence in my pop time and the accuracy of my throws to second base. I know this used to be manager Yano’s number, but hopefully, I’ll have a nice long career and people will remember #39 as Sakaeda when I’m done.”
5. Shoki Murakami – RHP #41
— Justin Bour (2020); Minoru Kamada (1957-66, 70-72)
“I used to watch the Tigers when I was little, so I’m really happy to be able to wear the uniform I grew up idolizing. I am more of a finesse pitcher than a power pitcher, and hope to use my skills to contribute to wins, pennants, and Japan Series championships throughout my career.”
6. Takumu Nakano – IF #51
— Hayata Itoh (2012-20); Kodai Sakurai (2002-11)
“I know this team has a longstanding tradition, so there is a weight that comes with wearing this uniform. I hope to make the top squad by using my wide range on defense plus an aggressive approach at the plate. I look forward to having the fans remember who I am, and of course, we are aiming for a Japan Series championship in 2021.”
7. Nozomu Takatera – IF #67
— Suguru Iwazaki (2014-20); Craig Brazell (2009-12)
“I really like this uniform, and can’t wait to get out on the field and play in it. I hope people will notice my speed on the base paths, when I’m hitting and on defense, too. One day, fans will say, “Hanshin’s shortstop is Takatera.” Looking forward to pleasing the fans with my playing style.”
8. Daichi Ishii – RHP #69
— Hiroya Shimamoto (2015-20); No one famous
“In the month or so since the draft, it never really sank in that I was a member of this team, but now that I have the uniform on, it feels real. I hope to strike guys out with my fastball. I’m going to do my best to give back to the people who gave so much to me to make this possible.”
D1. Masaki Iwata – LHP #122
— Masaki Ishii (2019-20)
“It’s an honor to wear the Tigers uniform, which has so much tradition, and it finally feels real to me. I hope to recover from my injury as soon as possible and get my name on the protected players’ list as soon as possible. Hopefully, I’ll be able to drop down to double-digits quickly and take in the crowd noise at Koshien.”
Two of the players who were on the 70-man roster last season have apparently accepted development player contracts. Hiroya Shimamoto and Hiroto Saiki both underwent elbow surgery in early November and will likely need at least 2021 to be ready for action again.
In other news, five current Hanshin Tigers have agreed to a number change for next season. They are as follows:
Ryutaro Umeno (#44 → #2)
Fumiya Hojoh (#2 → #26)
Yuya Onaka (#27 → #40)
Suguru Iwazaki (#67 → #13)
Kenya Nagasaka (#39 → #57)