The shortstop, also referred to as the star of baseball, is an important position.However, in the Rakuten Eagles, there was no player who could reliably take on that role, which, while exciting for fans due to the fierce competition for regular positions, was also a source of anxiety.In the midst of all this, the one who finally stepped up was Itsuki Murabayashi, a player who repeatedly prevents likely hits to the outfield with his solid defense and swift speed, nipping the bud of the opponent's offense.Has the unshakeable shortstop finally been born?There's no doubt that the team is showing signs of becoming stronger...!

Breaking Away from Being a Specialist

The professional player Murabayashi, in his 9th year, has participated in 207 games in the top league over the past 7 years up until the year before last.Most of his appearances were as a pinch runner or for defensive reinforcement.The defensive mastermind, who managed to impress with his batting last season, has not given up his position since the start of this season.

Of course, players who hone their own skills, becoming specialists and valuable assets to the first team, are highly valued.However, what Murabayashi aimed for was to become a regular player.Originally, his defense and baserunning were at a major league level, but he was struggling to make an impression with his batting. However, last season he recorded an impressive batting average of .256.Furthermore, in just 7 years, he increased his runs batted in from a mere 6 to 32, and also improved his batting average in the scoring position to .272, demonstrating his presence with his bat.

“I was never satisfied with the status quo.I’ve always had the desire to become a regular.Therefore, I was always thinking about what I should do to become better at baseball. Instead of looking around, I believed that by leveling up myself, it would lead to results, and I was committed to practice.”

Last season, the turning point in his batting came from a suggestion by then-coach, now Manager Imae Toshiaki. Imae said, “Why not try doing the exact opposite?”. He said that by changing the image of swinging from dropping the bat from above to scooping it up, and by altering the use of his body and the trajectory of his swing, he found something that suits him.It boasts high defensive power, but even so, it can’t secure a regular position. That’s the world of professionals.The stability in both offense and defense became a significant catalyst for securing a regular position.

Continuing to Stick to Regularity

“I don’t think I’ve secured a regular spot yet”.

Murabayashi verbalizes such a sense of crisis.Even during pre-game practice, there are many instances where lengthy discussions with the coach about batting and base running occur.Furthermore, “The professional world is full of people with high physical abilities.I am still continuing with physical enhancement.” he said, not sparing any effort in weight training.The gradual increase in long hits since last season is said to be the result of successful physical strengthening.During his time at Otsuka High School, he had no experience participating in Koshien (Japanese High School Baseball Championship), and he joined the team as a 7th round draft pick.His body frame was slender, not at a level capable of competing in the professional world for a year.However, the results this season are a testament to the solid foundation that was built and the hard work put into practice.It took time, but I never gave up.That could be called an obsession with regularity.

“There was always a sense of regret.I absolutely had the desire to play in the games and the ambition to earn a regular spot on the first team. I always had the thought that if I were satisfied with the status quo, it would all end, so I think I was able to stay consistent there.”

There is no arrogance even in the aspect of defense, which is the greatest weapon.He has saved the team many times with his fine plays, but he says there’s no need for flashy plays.

“I am consciously making sure to get out the hit balls that I think the pitcher has taken care of.Fine play is secondary.”

That sense of stability and accuracy breeds trust from the pitcher, leading to trust from the team.The catcher, pitcher, second baseman, shortstop, and center fielder are referred to as the center line, and they play important positions in defense.For a team to stabilize, it is important that the center line stabilizes.That’s precisely why, the growth of player Murabayashi is significant for the team.Not only is there a great expectation for results in a position that requires the ability to manage the infield, but there is also a self-awareness of this fact and a pledge for further growth.

“Regardless of the position, the premise is to contribute to the team when I’m allowed to participate in the game. Currently, I’m entrusted with the centerline, so I want to lead with my voice and attitude, such as calling out to the pitcher and coordinating with the infield team.”

Further growth for victory

He told me that his goal is to become like Kenta Imamiya, Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks’ player. As an unwavering shortstop, he has long supported the victorious team, and not only his batting and defensive abilities, but his presence is also deemed essential to the team.During the off-season, they have been training together and learning about the approach and attitude towards baseball.

“The happiest thing about playing in a game is when the team wins.First and foremost, I want to play for the sake of victory.I want to strive to secure a regular position among them.I want to level up in all aspects of offense, defense, and running, and become a player who can lead the team to victory.”

There hasn’t been a player who has held the shortstop position for a long time at Rakuten Eagles. The ultimate goal is to undoubtedly secure the shortstop position.Continuing to grow day by day, and evolving further to become a “player who is needed”.

“As a baseball player, I’d like to win the Mitsui Golden Glove Award someday.”

A title given to a defensive master.However, it can only be obtained by regular players* .When this goal is achieved, Murabayashi should be standing solidly on the centerline of the Rakuten Eagles!

*In order to qualify for the Mitsui Golden Glove Award for infielders, a player must have defended a single position in more than half of the team’s games.

TEXT: Chiharu Abe
EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS), Shiori Saeki (IN FOCUS)