2025 Senbatsu Kicks Off! A Final Look at the ‘Big 3’ Pitchers – Plus Yokohama’s Super Freshman

Genki Ishigaki, Kentai Takasaki (rising junior)

Kendai Takasaki (Gunma), boasting arguably the best training facilities in Japan, echoed with the sound of bursting fastballs in its bullpen. Ahead of the opening of the Senbatsu tournament, the school’s ace right-hander, Genki Ishigaki, was firing his signature fastballs toward the catcher’s mitt as they pursued back-to-back championships.

It’s a rare opportunity to observe the pitching of the top pitcher of his generation from behind the catcher. Last fall, he recorded a speed of 158 km/h—though he laughs it off as a measurement error. However, the quality of his fastball when it fully connects with his fingers draws comparisons to Hiroto Takahashi (22, currently with Chunichi) during his days at Chukyo University Chukyo High School.

“I really look up to Takahashi. Of course, speed is important, but I think my strengths are also the sharpness and carry of my pitches. Since it’s still just spring, there are areas where I’m not fully developed yet. I want to use this Senbatsu as a stepping stone for the summer,” he said.

Ishigaki has experience on the mound in all games of last year’s victorious spring Senbatsu, as well as in last summer’s tournament, where he was the losing pitcher in the second-round match against Chiben Gakuen (Nara). This marks his third appearance at the sacred ground of Koshien.

“I believe I have more experience than anyone else. On the Koshien mound, the batter feels much closer, making it really easy to pitch. The crowd is also close, which makes it even more exciting than usual stadiums,” Ishigaki commented.

Ishigaki has a rival—his teammate, left-hander Ryuga Sato of Kendai Takasaki. Sato, who wore the U-15 Samurai Japan uniform during his days with the Tokyo Jonan Boys, turned down offers from prestigious powerhouses like Osaka Toin and instead chose Takasaki. On the other hand, Ishigaki, born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, was relatively unknown during middle school, and Kendai Takasaki was the only out-of-prefecture school that reached out to him.

“Of course, I knew Sato was coming to the school, but since we’re different types—right-handed and left-handed—I wasn’t feeling competitive in a negative way; rather, I was excited about coming to Takasaki,” he said.

In last year’s Senbatsu final, Sato relieved Ishigaki and was the pitcher on the mound when the team celebrated their championship win. However, last summer, he developed pain in his left elbow and, considering his future, decided to undergo Tommy John surgery. In this Senbatsu tournament, he will only be able to participate as a pinch hitter or pinch runner, but his presence as a teammate aiming for a summer comeback has been a major source of motivation for Ishigaki’s growth.

“We are rivals, but it’s not like we’re always clashing (laughs). We get along really well, and I also hope for Sato’s recovery. But I don’t want to give up the No. 1 jersey,” he declared.

Ishigaki has already expressed his intention to enter the professional draft, aiming to be selected without going through college or the corporate leagues. When asked about his vision as a pitcher, he responded:

“I want to refine my fastball, and eventually, I aim to be the fastest pitcher in the world.”

The fastest recorded pitch in history was 105 mph (169.1 km/h) by Aroldis Chapman (37, Red Sox), meaning Ishigaki has set his sights on reaching 170 km/h. At first, this may sound like an overambitious remark from a high schooler, but he is entirely serious.

“I feel like I’m gradually getting closer to my ideal as a pitcher, but right now, I still have a lot to improve in terms of how I use my body. I don’t think it’s an impossible number,” he said.

His favorite foods are meat and ramen. Whenever traveling long distances by bus, he always listens to music. His current favorite is “Ikuoku Kōnen” by Omoinotake, which was chosen as the entrance march song for this year’s Senbatsu tournament. Even off the field, he envisions himself standing on the mound at Koshien, preparing for his first-round matchup against Meitoku Gijuku (Kochi) on March 18, in the tournament’s third game of the opening day.

“This time, I want to be on the mound at the moment of victory. To achieve that, I want to get revenge on Yokohama High School, who defeated us in the Kanto tournament final last fall.”

Toyo University Himeji’s Ren Sakashita (New 3rd-Year Student)

A full-fledged right-handed pitcher recognized by a famous general.

A true right-handed ace recognized by a legendary coach

In the summer of 2019, coach Tatsuo Okada (63) In the summer of 2019, coach Tatsuo Okada (63) led Rimusho-sha (Osaka) to a national championship. In the spring of 2022, he took on the challenge of rebuilding his struggling alma mater, Toyo University Himeji. Last fall, he guided the team to victory in the fiercely competitive Kinki region and led them to the semifinals of the Meiji Jingu Tournament, securing a ticket to the Senbatsu tournament. One of Okada’s most promising players is his ace, Ren Sakashita.

Born in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture—the home of Koshien Stadium—Sakashita grew up attending professional and high school baseball games. However, despite his deep connection to the stadium, his only experience stepping onto its field was during the Nishinomiya City Junior High School Athletics Tournament.

“I chose Toyo University Himeji because I was determined to play at Koshien. So when we secured our spot in Senbatsu, I was simply overjoyed. The thought of finally being able to pitch in the stadium that means so much to me was overwhelming.”

In recent years, many young players aiming for professional baseball prioritize schools with advanced training facilities over those with a higher chance of reaching Koshien. Sakashita also chose Toyo University Himeji, which has its own baseball field, newly built dormitories, and an indoor practice facility since Okada took over. However, he does not plan to go pro immediately after high school and is likely to advance to a prestigious university in the Tokyo Big6 Baseball League or a similar top-tier collegiate program.

“In terms of velocity, movement, and overall skills, I don’t think I have a single trait that would allow me to compete at the professional level yet. I want to declare for the draft only when I feel I’m truly ready to succeed in pro baseball.”

While Ishigaki, mentioned earlier, stands at 178 cm and weighs 78 kg, Sakashita is slightly bigger at 181 cm and 87 kg. His dynamic pitching motion allows him to hit a max velocity of 147 km/h, but his greatest strength lies in his pinpoint control. Always calm and composed, he consistently targets the corners of the strike zone, forcing batters into weak contact and racking up easy outs.

(Osaka) to a national championship. In the spring of 2022, he took on the challenge of rebuilding his struggling alma mater, Toyo University Himeji. Last fall, he guided the team to victory in the fiercely competitive Kinki region and led them to the semifinals of the Meiji Jingu Tournament, securing a ticket to the Senbatsu tournament. One of Okada’s most promising players is his ace, Ren Sakashita.

Born in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture—the home of Koshien Stadium—Sakashita grew up attending professional and high school baseball games. However, despite his deep connection to the stadium, his only experience stepping onto its field was during the Nishinomiya City Junior High School Athletics Tournament.

“I chose Toyo University Himeji because I was determined to play at Koshien. So when we secured our spot in Senbatsu, I was simply overjoyed. The thought of finally being able to pitch in the stadium that means so much to me was overwhelming.”

In recent years, many young players aiming for professional baseball prioritize schools with advanced training facilities over those with a higher chance of reaching Koshien. Sakashita also chose Toyo University Himeji, which has its own baseball field, newly built dormitories, and an indoor practice facility since Okada took over. However, he does not plan to go pro immediately after high school and is likely to advance to a prestigious university in the Tokyo Big6 Baseball League or a similar top-tier collegiate program.

“In terms of velocity, movement, and overall skills, I don’t think I have a single trait that would allow me to compete at the professional level yet. I want to declare for the draft only when I feel I’m truly ready to succeed in pro baseball.”

While Ishigaki, mentioned earlier, stands at 178 cm and weighs 78 kg, Sakashita is slightly bigger at 181 cm and 87 kg. His dynamic pitching motion allows him to hit a max velocity of 147 km/h, but his greatest strength lies in his pinpoint control. Always calm and composed, he consistently targets the corners of the strike zone, forcing batters into weak contact and racking up easy outs.

Yokohama High School’s Shoki Oda (New 2nd Year)

His idol is Daisuke Matsuzaka

Both Kendai Takasaki and Toyo University Himeji are strong contenders for this year’s Senbatsu championship, but the clear favorite is Yokohama, the “Yokozuna of the East,” which won the Meiji Jingu Tournament. Forming a dual-ace partnership with senior left-hander Raito Okumura is Shoki Oda. Born in Kitakyushu, Oda honed his skills in rubber baseball during middle school.

“In my third year of middle school, Yokohama’s manager, Hiroaki Murata (38), reached out to me, and I decided to enroll. My idol is Daisuke Matsuzaka (44). I watched various videos and studied him during middle school. I always think about how I can get closer to him while practicing.”

Unlike third-year players Ishigaki and Sakashita, Oda was born in 2008 and is still just 16 years old. He was born ten years after Matsuzaka became a Koshien hero with his spring-summer championship wins. Oda made the bench right after entering high school and even pitched a shutout against Meitoku Gijuku, led by legendary coach Shiro Mabuchi (69), in the Meiji Jingu Tournament. His fastball velocity has steadily increased since entering high school, now reaching an impressive 151 km/h. For Oda, the mound is a place where he can feel his daily growth.

“I sometimes get too focused on the stadium’s speed gun, and my coach and Okumura-san have told me, ‘Stop looking at the speed gun (velocity) during games’ (laughs).”

Despite his towering 185 cm height, he weighs just over 70 kg, giving him a relatively slender frame. However, he utilizes his shoulder and elbow flexibility well and possesses an array of pitches, including a changeup, curveball, and slider. His pitching style is actually more reminiscent of Roki Sasaki (23, Dodgers) than Matsuzaka. In other words, he is a raw gem with infinite potential and is likely to be a central figure in next year’s draft.

The 97th Senbatsu Tournament is set to be dominated by one of the “BIG 3” pitchers.

From “FRIDAY”, March 28, 2025 issue.