The catcher is the only position that turns its back to the bench and faces the teammates.The Manager aims to embody the essence of Baseball, thinking of tactics according to the situation, and is indispensable to the team.Hikaru Ohta, who is expected to become the regular catcher for the Rakuten Eagles, must gather the utmost trust from his teammates and the managerial staff, in addition to his defensive and offensive abilities. Can he shoulder this heavy responsibility this season?

In his first professional year in 2019, Motohiro Shima (now a Yakult coach) was there, and until last year, Ginjiro Sumitani (now Seibu) and veteran catchers were present, so Ohta could not secure his position as a regular catcher.However, it is said that during that time, there were many things learned from the seniors.What is he thinking now, the ideal image of a catcher, and the type of player he is aiming to be?

―― With the transfer of player Ginjiro Sumitani at the end of 2023, we have moved significantly closer to establishing a regular catcher.Do you feel pressured by that?

At the moment, it feels more like enthusiasm rather than pressure.However, I believe there may be times when you feel that way once the season gets into full swing.That’s why, at this stage, we are preparing to cultivate the ability to withstand pressure.I envision performing such plays in the game, but above all, I want to demonstrate it through results first and foremost.We can only respond to the expectations of our leaders and fans through results.

――You have become the leader of the team’s catchers, including your achievements and age.What have you learned so far from veteran catchers like  Shima and  Sumitani?

There are many factors, but it was the way of thinking, behavior, and the atmosphere that the two of you created that made me feel that you have the potential to become a main catcher.In other words, without that equipment, you can’t function as a proper catcher.

――So, that leads to “a vessel that can withstand pressure”, doesn’t it?So, is mental growth indeed important?

Not only in baseball, but this applies to people as well.As a catcher, there are various elements involved, such as how to confront the pitcher and the opposing batter, but I think it requires the patience and energy not to be overwhelmed by these factors.During a long season, fatigue can build up, leading to a lack of energy and even mental exhaustion. In such times, I want to be the kind of person who can generate their own energy.

――Do you have any methods to increase your motivation, or any specific ways that make you feel energetic from within, according to your style, Ohta?

In simple terms, it’s a change of mood.In my case, that includes eating delicious food.However, the important thing is setting goals.First, set a large goal, then a medium-sized goal, and finally a short-term goal. It is important to firmly establish these and check what needs to be done each day.By doing so, even when times are tough, I believe that you can start to control your feelings, thinking “I have to do it” and “I have to try harder”. Therefore, I would like to control myself so that I can release my energy every day.

――In addition to the mental growth required to be a regular catcher, what kind of player does Ohta want to become in the future?

I think I would like to keep in touch with people who have personal charm even after they retire from professional baseball, so I want to become such a player, such a person.

――Is there anything that you’re consciously doing for that?

When communicating with people, I make sure to pay attention to their facial expressions and gestures.Even if I’m not conscious of it myself, I am aware of how others perceive me, and bit by bit, I think I’m becoming able to consider the people in the same situation as me.While I often find myself overwhelmed with my own issues, I want to be able to always have the capacity to consider those around me as well.

――Such an attitude seems to be useful as a catcher as well.What would you like to convey to children who are aspiring to become professional baseball players?

I hope that young children, like elementary school students, will have curiosity about various things.Since children have a lot of energy, they can take on various challenges.Looking back now, I realize that as I progressed from middle school, high school, to university, and then to the professional world, I gradually began to understand fear.As the things you can’t do increase when you do that, I think it’s important to take on various challenges before you know what fear is.

――Even if you aim to be a professional baseball player, I hope you will challenge yourself in various ways, not just focusing solely on baseball.

Yes.I want you to be interested in various things.Connecting to our earlier conversation, even if you become a professional Baseball player, are extremely good at Baseball, and make a lot of money, I think if you’re not attractive as a person, you won’t be respected by anyone.That’s exactly why I, myself, want to strive to be a player who is attractive as a person.

――This season is crucial for establishing the main catcher.Please tell me your goal.

Of course, it’s a victory.Personally, I am aiming for a career high, and within that, I want to aim as high as possible.However, I’m not really conscious about the number of matches.Of course, I always prepare with the mindset of participating in all the matches.However, it’s the Manager who makes that decision, not me.I don’t want to put too much emotion into the parts that I can’t control myself, and I want to do my best in the areas that have been entrusted to me.

Be aware that your everyday life and posture are connected to Baseball, and pay attention to your actions and words.As a catcher, I value communication and spare no effort to get closer to the image of my respected seniors.That attitude is likely the factor bringing him closer to being the main catcher.Ohta, continues to be a professional baseball player both on and off the field, becoming a figure of admiration for children.

TEXT: Chiharu Abe
PHOTO: Yuki Nara
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)