The Fukuoka Softbank Hawks held a press conference on Tuesday to welcome newly acquired catcher Yamauchi Hiroto, who arrived in a trade from the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. The 26-year-old backstop expressed a mix of emotions but overwhelming excitement about his new team.
“I have all sorts of feelings and I’ve been wavering,” Yamauchi said during the press conference at the Hawks’ home stadium. “But honestly, I’m really excited. I want to make this new environment my normal.”
When asked about his former teammate, DeNA pitcher Higashi Katsuki, who recorded his fourth win of the season, Yamauchi admitted with a smile, “I hate to say this, but… I didn’t watch it.” He explained that he was preoccupied with finalizing the trade and settling into his new team, so he missed the game.
Yamauchi, who spent several seasons with the BayStars, is expected to bolster the Hawks’ catching depth. He noted that he wants to quickly adapt to the team’s pitching staff and contribute
