The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters would like to announce that seven players renewed their contracts today, December 3rd (Tuesday).

Contract renewal

Fukuya Yamazaki, Daigo Kamikawahata, Daiki Narama, Yukiya Saito, Shun Mizutani, Daiki Asama, Tsuyoshi Matsumoto

Player comments

Yamazaki (pitcher)

"I'm happy that the team finished in second place, but having come so far, I wish we could have won the championship and made it to the Japan Series. I think I did the minimum required this year, but next year I want to aim even higher and grow myself so that I don't fall behind the younger players. I want to increase the number of wins next season and improve my numbers in all categories."

Kamikawabata

"I was praised for my defense at second base and shortstop. I feel like I've gotten used to Escon, so next season I want to improve my accuracy so I can contribute even more defensively. In order to continue as a regular, I need to raise my batting level by one or two. I want to focus on my hitting this offseason. There are many rivals, but I will concentrate on what I can do and I will definitely become a regular."

Narama

"To put it simply, it was a frustrating season. My biggest regret was my hitting; I couldn't even reach the minimum standard. Next season, I want to be a player who can start from the beginning and stay on the field until the 9th inning. I want to be on the field until the very end and do the closing cheer with the fans. It's tough, but I think it's about how I seize opportunities. I want to enjoy myself and be able to think, 'It was a good season,' when it's all over. I'll be back next year with lots of energy."

Pitcher Saito

"The team told me they have high expectations for me. There was also a surprise from the manager at F FES, but now that I've been told this, I'm determined to work hard and not lose in the competition. I didn't reach my goal of 162 km/h this season, but I still feel I have a lot of potential. My goal is to have that final boss feel as a closer. If I can overwhelm them with my pitches, I think the atmosphere will follow. I'm not satisfied with my performance this year, so I want to go for the league championship and the Japan Series title that the fans are hoping for."

Mizutani

"I'm grateful for the recognition. This past year has been a year where I felt the joy and fulfillment of playing in the first team, but also a year of frustration and many challenges. I feel that there are still many areas where I'm lacking, not just technically, so I think I just have to practice to aim higher. This offseason, I'll focus on getting to know myself and challenge myself with training to be able to control my body properly. Also, my mother's birthday is coming up soon, so I'd like to buy her a present with the salary I received."

Asama player

"I received encouraging words like, 'You're capable of so much more.' I was only able to contribute to the team in the second half of the season, and I regret not being able to contribute throughout the entire year. Nevertheless, I think it was good that I was able to gain experience in getting hits through trial and error, even when I wasn't in top form. I want to play center field next season. I know it won't be easy, but I will prepare myself to improve my condition so that I can compete in hitting, fielding, and baserunning."

Matsumoto

"This season was very significant because the team finished second and we were able to play in the Climax Series at Escon Field for the first time. Personally, because I wasn't hitting well, I became more conscious of my defense and rediscovered the joy of baseball and playing center field. In terms of batting, there are still areas where I haven't figured out what I should be, so I have some challenges to work on. Next season, as the starting center fielder, my eternal goal is to hit .300, and the team will aim for nothing less than to become the best in Japan."