Lotte’s Kazuya Ojima “We need to tackle our challenges head-on” -Zozo Marine Stadium Fall Practice on October 8th
Baseball King
2025.10.8(水) 11:45
Lotte’s fall practice was held at Zozo Marine Stadium on the 8th. This was the first practice under the new Saburo pitcher. Seven pitchers, including key players Shuta Ishikawa, Kazuya Ojima, and Atsuki Taneichi, participated, and 14 fielder, including Akito Takabe, Ryusei Ogawa, and Kyota Fujiwara, also practiced.
After warming up, pitcher and fielder practiced separately. pitcher The team went ground to catch ball and running before returning indoors. fielder The team worked hard at base running practice, defense practice, and hitting practice.
It seems that they are particularly focusing on base running practice, and even during batting practice, Shingo Ishikawa hit a fly ball to center fielder, which was then touched up by Raito Ikeda, who was practicing base running at second base, at third base, practicing judging the ball.
This season ended in a disappointing fashion, finishing in last place for the first time in eight years The Marines. As the team tries to get back on track under new coach Saburo, Kazuya Ojima who has reached the regulation innings pitched mark for five consecutive years and is expected to be a key starter next season, said, “The team has to accept the reality, and I had a poor performance, so I have to accept that as well. I am older than him, and I am aware that I have to lead him, so I have to show him through my actions and attitude.
When asked if the atmosphere on the team has changed under the new Saburo regime, Kojima stated his own opinion, “Each individual believes that things can’t continue like this. The only way to improve is to practice a lot, so I think that’s the key. I don’t think you can improve unless you’re the type of person who can do things on your own without being told.”
One year ago, on October 8, 2024, the Marines were practicing at Zozo Marine Stadium in preparation for the first stage of the Climax Series against Nippon-Ham first baseman. A year has passed since then. This season, the Marines finished in last place, and the regular season ended on the 5th, but fall practice began just three days later. Each player is working hard to overcome their challenges and grow, hoping to erase the disappointment of this season. And now, one year from now, the manager, coaches, players, staff, and fans will all unite to celebrate this moment of joy. While the top three Pacific League teams are preparing for the CS, The Marines have already begun their fight for 2026.
Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita
NPBHUB.COM | The Fanbase of Nippon Baseball & Nippon Professional Baseball