Seibu’ sixth draft pick, Sophia University’s Yuma Masaki, is “happy” about unlimited Gold’s Gym benefits
Sports Hochi
2025.10.31(金) 06:00
Seibu Yuma Masaki pitcher (22) of Sophia University, the 6th overall pick in the draft by the Japan Professional Baseball League (JPS), showed his determination to move up through the ranks by improving his physical fitness with unlimited access to Gold’s Gym on January 30. He is such a “training connoisseur” that he usually visits the gym on a regular basis. When he learned that he would be entitled to unlimited access to Gold’s Gym after joining the team, he said in surprise, “Really? I’m so happy. I’m looking forward to it.” He smiled at the unexpected benefit.
On this day, the 153 km/h right-handed pitcher received a greeting from the school’s campus in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, inviting him to be drafted. He became the first player from the school’s baseball team, which was founded 109 years ago, to be drafted in the NPB. “Meeting the scouts in person, I feel like it’s finally starting. I have to work hard from now on,” he said, sounding determined.
The team is a member of Tohto University’s Division 3 team, but does not have a pitcher coach. Masaki spent his high school years in Washington State, USA, and was accepted into the school under the returnee student quota. He has honed his skills through self-study, including learning pitch techniques from online videos. Kosaku Akimoto, the team’s deputy general manager (57), expressed his expectations for Masaki’s potential, saying, “It’s amazing how much he’s achieved through self-study. I wonder how much he’ll grow once he enters the (professional) environment.”
“The important part starts from now. I want to absorb everything I can and turn it into results,” vowed this unfinished talent. She will train hard and become a player who shines in the “gold” category. (Kitamura Yui)
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Seibu Yuma Masaki, the fastest 153 km/h, will be the first player from Sophia University to play in the NPB.
Yuma Masaki, a Sophia University student, taught himself to hit 153 km/h. If he makes it to the NPB, he will be the first player from his university to do so….