Padres’ Hiroki Matsui Unveils the Secret Behind Overpowering Major League Hitters Despite His Height of 173cm
An expert in motion analysis explains thoroughly. With a fastball up to 154 km/h and a sharp breaking ball, Hiroki Matsui has been very active as a relay ace since his first year in the major leagues!
“In ①, he immediately shifts his weight onto his pivot foot from the set position, initiating his movement. This is likely to generate explosive power. It contrasts with larger pitchers like Ohtani, who move more leisurely.”
In ②, attention should be paid to the movement of the lower body.
“While utilizing the hip joint and sinking deeply, the buttocks are directed towards the batter. This represents an ideal state known as Hip-First. It’s evidence of effective weight transfer, ensuring that the center of gravity remains on the pivot foot and the lower body doesn’t lunge forward unnecessarily.”
The highlight is said to be ③.
“By imagining swiftly extending the hip joint that was bent in ② and driving the right leg into the ground, he transfers the power from the lower body to the upper body. He forcefully swings down his arms like a bow, while lifting his chest prominently in recoil. Executing this series of movements instantly adds strength to the ball. While conventional Major League pitchers leverage their body size, pitcher Matsui overwhelms even power hitters with his explosive force.”
In ④, the key point is the right leg.
“By firmly planting his stretched right leg into the ground, he swiftly rotates his upper body from second base towards the batter, leveraging the principle of leverage. In ⑤, it becomes clearer how he utilizes his right leg to tilt his upper body significantly. During his time with Rakuten, pitcher Matsui relied on his fastest straight pitch of 154 km/h and a dropping ball, but in the Major Leagues, he blends various breaking balls to enhance the power of his fastball even further.”
Matsui boasts one of the team’s highest numbers of appearances, but there are challenges.
“The problem lies in how to overcome the fatigue that accumulates during the summer. If the number of appearances increases and the power of the pitches decreases, the breaking balls won’t be as effective.”
The small but big pitcher who surprises expectations is now facing the crucial summer battles.
From the May 31, 2024 issue of FRIDAY
PHOTO： Yushi Taguchi
