The Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya will open in September. This time, we will focus on "baseball." CBC caster Keiichi Wakasa has conducted an in-depth interview with two players from a corporate team in Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture, who were selected for Samurai Japan at the Asian Games.

The hottest sport in the Tokai region is... baseball, after all! Baseball is also included in the Asian Games. This time, it's not professional baseball, but amateur baseball's Samurai Japan.

Among them, two key players from the strong Oji team in Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture, who won the title of "Amateur Baseball Champion of Japan" and are attracting attention from professional teams, will participate in Samurai Japan.

The first is Masato Shibasaki (24), a laid-back player with excellent running, hitting, and fielding skills.

And the ace, Shin Higuchi (24), who throws at a maximum of 151 km/h but is a bit lonely?

So, Wakasa, who has 28 years of experience covering baseball, went to interview the two players.

Beyond the center field fence!?

(Wakasa)
"The Asian slugger was in Kasugai."

First, player Shibasaki. His biggest weapon is his overwhelming power to hit home runs with ease. In practice, he repeatedly hits balls that pierce the back net.

(Wakasa)
"Almost every swing is a home run. This feeling is like BlanCo of the Dragons."

And then, a shocking hit...
(Wakasa)
"He hit it, it flew straight to the center field fence... Could it be...? Did it go over? Huh? It went over the center field fence?"

The distance of the hit, which even confused Wakasa, was about 140 meters. This distance is comparable to the home runs of Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers.

(Wakasa)
"I heard it went over the right field net... If it goes over that, I think it flew quite a distance..."

(Player Shibasaki)
"It was a pretty good hit. I'm told it's the first time anyone has seen it go over the net."

(Wakasa)
"I'll probably be back here for draft coverage again."

The secret to stealing bases learned from "that legend"

Another weapon of player Shibasaki is his speed, boasting 6.0 seconds for 50 meters. He honed this skill with the help of that legend.

Masaaki Araki, who holds the record for most stolen bases in Dragons history (378 stolen bases), taught him the secrets of stealing bases directly when he served as the team's coach until last year.

(Shibasaki)
"Technically speaking, you turn your body sideways. You turn your body towards third base and stay low and quick."

(Wakasa)
"Did your stolen bases increase?"

(Shibasaki)
"The number of attempts increased, and the success rate went up."

A southpaw who can control all pitches, with a fastball reaching 151 km/h

Another player to watch is pitcher Shin Higuchi. In the Samurai Japan training camp held in July, he pitched 5 innings without allowing a run.

He boasts a fastball of up to 151 km/h and is a highly versatile southpaw who can control all pitches, including curveballs, sliders, changeups, and two-seamers.

(Wakasa) "I'm going to stand at the plate. Pitcher Higuchi, please try to avoid inside pitches."

(Wakasa) "How fast was that one?"
(Catcher) "About 145 km/h."
(Wakasa) "I've never seen that in amateur baseball!"

(Wakasa) "I've seen all your pitches, but which breaking ball is your specialty?"
(Higuchi) "Everything is average. Being able to throw all of them evenly is my strong point."
(Wakasa) "I couldn't tell until halfway through."
(Higuchi) "It probably wasn't breaking (laughs)."
(Wakasa) "No, no, it was breaking! It was amazing to see it live."

"Come over, I bought a sofa..." The private lives of the two

Player Shibasaki and Pitcher Higuchi, who are attracting attention from professional teams and have been selected for Samurai Japan for the Asian Games.

In fact, the two are the same age and are so close that they even spend time together in their private lives.

When asked about each other's personalities...

(Wakasa) "From Higuchi's perspective, what is Shibasaki like?"
(Higuchi) "He's extremely laid-back. How many times, how many minutes, have I waited for him? Always 2-3 minutes."

(Wakasa) "What kind of classmate is Pitcher Higuchi?"
(Shibasaki) "He's extremely lonely, and he bought a sofa and rearranged his room, and he's like, 'Come over, come over, let's hang out here' (laughs)."
(Wakasa) "Do you ever call people over after redecorating? (laughs) Did you want him to see it?"
(Higuchi) "I wanted him to see it. (Since he came) my love grew."
(Wakasa) "Huh? (laughs)"

"I want to liven up amateur baseball" - Thoughts on the Asian Games

Baseball at the Asian Games will be the first gold medal in 32 years if they win. This friendly duo aims for the top.

(Higuchi)
"Since the Oji manager put me in, I can't play poorly."

(Shibasaki)
"It was good timing that it's being held in Japan. I want to play well and liven up amateur baseball."

In September, the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya will feature 43 sports at 54 venues. Baseball will be held at two venues: Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park Baseball Stadium and Toyohashi Municipal Baseball Stadium. Keep an eye on these two players, who may go pro this fall.

(Wakasa)
"The Asian Games are going to be incredible. I have to go see it."