Question from a reader:
Who is the 4th batter for the Hanshin Tigers this year? I’m curious about it.
Thoughts on the 4th Batter of the Hanshin Tigers
A friend once asked me, “Who will be the 4th batter for the Hanshin Tigers this year?” To be honest, I’m quite interested in the team’s dynamics, especially in terms of batting order and player performance. So, this question holds a bit of nostalgia for me. Recently, I’ve seen many predictions that Shota Morishita will take the 4th spot. The number of people
mentioning his name likely reflects the high expectations surrounding him. I share that sentiment. It’s natural that performance during training camps and exhibition games will be crucial, but the pressure on the players must also be immense. Speaking of which, I can’t forget the moment last year before the season started when I watched an exhibition game with a friend, and Teruaki Sato hit a home run. The atmosphere in the stadium skyrocketed, and it was so much fun exchanging high-fives with the surrounding fans. At that moment, I thought, “This team really is exciting.”
The Pressure on Morishita
Opinions among commentators regarding Morishita seem to be divided. Some say it might be “premature” for him, but I hope he can meet those expectations. Of course, if he struggles or has an injury, it’s understandable that other players would get a chance. There’s also the possibility of Sato stepping into the 4th position, which could create a new drama altogether. As someone studying law, I can empathize with the performance under pressure. During the lead-up to the bar exam, I pushed myself harder than usual, and the regret of not achieving the desired results hit me deeply. That’s why I feel I can relate to the players’ emotions.
What are your predictions?
Ultimately, who will take the 4th spot will become clear as the season progresses. For now, all we can do is watch with hopeful anticipation. If you have any memories or predictions about your favorite team or players, I would love to hear them in the comments. I’m looking forward to hearing from fellow Hanshin Tigers fans and anyone interested in baseball.
