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

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.