Although he played in only 3 games in the 1st team this season, he had the second-highest batting average and third-most stolen bases in the league in the second team.
On the 12th, outfielder Atsumasa Chano, who was transferred from Orix to Seibu in the active draft, attended a press conference to join the team in Tokorozawa, Saitama. Seibu is currently strengthening its offensive line by acquiring outfielder Masashi Kuwahara from DeNA and infielder Kazunari Ishii from Nippon Ham as free agents this off-season. What do you want from the 26-year-old Chano?
Koji Hiroike, head of Seibu’s organization, said, “Chano’s quality is that he has a high level of base running, batting, and defense,” and says, “Since last year, when his playing opportunities have decreased, my professional scouts have repeatedly told me that Chano is good.”
Joined Orix from Tokushima of the Shikoku Island League Plus in 4th place in the 2022 training draft. In his first year, he was quickly registered as a member of the team, and even earned a spot in the starting lineup for the first team. He played in 91 games and had a batting average of .237 (74 hits in 312 at bats), one home run, 23 RBIs, and seven stolen bases.
After that, his opportunities to play in the first team decreased, and this season he played in only three games, finishing with a batting average of .167 (2 hits in 12 at bats). Still, as a second-team player, he had a batting average of .288 (101 hits in 351 at bats), which ranked second in the Western League, and 28 stolen bases, which ranked third in the Western League, showing his high potential.
Seibu also paid attention to Chano’s personality. Manager Hiroike praised him, saying, “He is honest and plays baseball in a straight forward manner.Even when playing second-team baseball in the heat of summer, he doesn’t cut corners.Whether it’s switching offense or defense or making every single play, he finishes until the end.It may be natural for him to be a professional, but I think it’s a big deal.”
“Although we haven’t been able to score many points this season and didn’t win, I think it’s very important to at least convey to the fans the spirit and spirit of “We’re going to do it.” I want to build a team that can show that kind of attitude. Chano has that kind of character, so I have high hopes for him.”
In the last three years, Seibu has been in 5th place, last place, and 5th place. The batting lineup was particularly poor, with a total score of 410 and a team batting average of .232 this season, both the worst in the league. As a result, many of the matches had a bland impression. That’s why we need players who can convey their passion. Kuwabara, who was acquired as a free agent, is also the type to bring his fighting spirit to the forefront.
He played as a reserve in high school and in the second division in college, “I just had the desire to get better.”
“In the case of Kuwabara, his fighting spirit comes through in his expressions, including his words.On the other hand, Chano is not the type of person who speaks a lot, but I would like to add a player with guts like him to change the atmosphere of the team,” head coach Hiroike said with a nod.
Behind Chano’s perseverance is his experience of climbing out of the “weeds”. During his time at Gifu and Chukyo High School, he often played as a substitute, and during his time at Nagoya University of Commerce, he played in the second division of the Aichi University Baseball League. “When I was in high school, I sometimes participated in games and sometimes I didn’t, and my university was not a famous place in the second division league, but even through that, I’ve worked hard so far with one thought, “I’m going to get better.” I want to keep that mindset and keep going,” he says with emphasis. When he joined Tokushima of the Shikoku Island League Plus, he decided to “work hard to become a pro for just this one year,” which led to him becoming a pro.
Even at Seibu, there is fierce competition for outfield positions for survival. Chief Hiroike said, “First of all, I think it’s important for him to remain as a member of the first team.” Chano himself is aware of the difficult position he is in. “I’m going to put everything I have into this one-year battle and do my best,” he says with confidence.
(Hirohisa Miyawaki)
