Energetic play and strong competitive batting.Do you know Yuya Ogoh, a player from the Rakuten Eagles, who made a memorable performance with two home runs and 12 RBIs in this year's Interleague play between the Central and Pacific leagues? The strength of this outfielder, who is likely to lead the team for the next few years, surely comes from the efforts he has piled up and his strong will to not give up his position.In response to that earnestness, we who are cheering also inadvertently become "passionate".

The Support of Fans Becomes Strength

In his fifth professional year last season, Ogoh, who had shown signs of blossoming by participating in 120 games and hitting 10 home runs, has finally reached that moment.This season, after winning a fierce competition among outfielders, he continues to play as a starter and, even entering September, he still continues to participate in full innings of every game.As the leadoff hitter, he not only ignited the batting order, but his batting average in the scoring position was .311 (as of September 4), leading the team to victory numerous times with his strong performance in crucial moments.Furthermore, as of the same day, the batting average in extra innings is .364. This demonstrates that they are able to perform powerfully in high-pressure situations, like extra innings, where chances and outcomes greatly matter.The back facing the batter’s box shines brightly, looking large and dependable.

“As the game approaches the end, my concentration intensifies.In situations of opportunity or in extra innings, I feel like I can focus more than I usually can because of the loud cheers I receive. I think the cheering has a big impact.”

It was the Interleague play between the Central and Pacific leagues where they made their presence felt.On June 5th, in the game against Hanshin Tigers at Koshien (Japanese High School Baseball Championship), he contributed to the victory with a comeback 2-run homer from one point behind in the ninth inning with two outs. On the 11th, in the game against the Giants at Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi, he hit a walk-off and led the team to victory.This single victory has had a significant impact, leading to the team’s first interleague championship, and now, Ogoh has become an indispensable presence in the team.

To the Irreplaceable Player

For the first four years after joining the team, I was in a position where I was practicing in the second team while aiming for the first team.Players who haven’t secured a regular position first need to produce results in the second team and make an appeal.However, most of the time, someone is called up to the main team when they are feeling down or injured, allowing them the opportunity to participate.In order to make it to the first team, it is required to seize such opportunities and produce results.In fact, last season, Kosato, the player, had a batting average of .417 in his substitute appearances, consistently delivering results when given the chance.On the contrary, it could be said, “If you show a gap, it will be seized.” This sense of danger, that he doesn’t want to show any gaps in order to fully protect his regular position, is probably what spurs him on.

It can be said that the indomitable spirit and extraordinary passion for regularity, born from experiencing a difficult period, led to this season’s success.As we entered the fatigue-filled August, we went through a period where we couldn’t hit.Even so, he has received immense trust from Manager Toshiaki Imae, who says, “I have no plans to remove him from the starting lineup.”I pledge to break this situation myself and contribute to the team’s victory.Furthermore, I take a positive view that this experience will definitely be utilized in the coming years, and I am working on overcoming challenges.

“I aspire to become a player who is irreplaceable. Not just in terms of gameplay, but also in my existence, or rather, as a human being.Of course, results and grades are important, but I want to become an indispensable presence even beyond that. For that reason, I always try to stay positive and aim not to get too down on myself.”

The growth of Ogoh contributes to the team’s growth

The 28-year-old, in his sixth year as a professional, is a seasoned player on the team.While my sense of responsibility has naturally increased, I can’t definitively say that I’ve secured that position yet.To make it certain, their performance in the coming years becomes even more important.That’s precisely why I’m giving my all to what I can do right now.

There are numbers that have significantly increased from the last season.That’s another weapon, the leg.The number of stolen bases, which was 13 last season, is 25 as of September 4, ranking third in the league.The success rate is marked at .833.

“Since the beginning of this year, I’ve decided to only run when I’m absolutely sure I can be safe.Stealing bases is a strategy that is pointless if you get out. I think that might be leading to a sense of emotional ease.”

Even if a player gets on base due to a hit or a walk, if they’re out due to a stolen base, it’s as if they never got on base in the first place. Therefore, the emphasis was placed on the success rate, not the number of stolen bases.He stated that as a runner on the base, he has learned to calmly observe the pitcher, implying that such a mindset ultimately leads to good performance.

Additionally, the number of walks is also tied for second in the league at 52.As the leadoff hitter, Ogoh quickly created an opportunity at the start of the game, becoming a highly troublesome batter for the opposing team’s battery.That is probably the main factor that made him an indispensable player for the attack.

“Being a regular player, one must outperform the regular players of the top teams in order for their team to rise above.I’m not there yet.”

The growth of jersey number 51, who has begun to become self-aware, boosts the team’s rank.There is no doubt that they are the future of the Rakuten Eagles, but they are still in the process of evolution.This season’s success is surely just the beginning.He will surely become a batter who can stir up the stands more and more.

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