The 2022 draft picks got their new uniforms today. Below is the list of new numbers given out, as well as the most recent and most famous players to have worn the numbers. (Source: Tigers Official)
Round 1: OF Shota Morishita – #1: Takashi Toritani (2004-19) / Toritani, Tom O’Malley (1991-94)
“My goal in my first year is to win Rookie of the Year. I want to get results right from the start. I am so happy to have received this number, which is so rich in tradition. I’m aware of the responsibility that comes with it, and hope to carry on the greatness that Toritani-san brought to this number, but in my own way, and that this number will be remembered as mine.”
Round 2: LHP Keito Mombetsu – #30: Ren Satoh (2021-22) / Katsuo Hirata (1982-94), Tomoyuki Kubota (2003-14)
“My biggest strength is working the inside of the plate against righties. I can’t wait to face Munetaka Murakami, and ultimately, I want to be chosen to play in the WBC and represent Japan on a global stage as a pitcher.”
Round 3: OF Hinase Itsubo – #40: Yuya Onaka (2021-22) / Mike Reinbach (1976-80)
“I can hit to all fields and have decent speed and defense. I hope to become a player about whom fans someday say, ‘He’s head and shoulders above the rest.’“
Round 4: RHP Hidetoshi Ibaragi – #48: Yukiya Saitoh (2019-22) / Koji Nakata (1984-87)
“I wore pinstripes in high school and I’m proud to be able to wear them again for a team with as much tradition as the Tigers. I hope to someday win the title for most wins and represent Japan in international play.”
Round 5: IF Reiji Toi – #44: Raul Alcantara (2021-22) / Hal Breeden (1976-78), Randy Bass (1983-88), Cecil Fielder (1989), Ryutaro Umeno (2014-20)
“I can’t wait to get out on the field and play in this uniform! I think I have the ability to hit a lot of liners over the heads of the outfielders and I have steady defense. I hope to represent the team and NPB as a hitter and defender.”
Round 6: RHP Ren Tomida – #50: Koyo Aoyagi (2016-22)
“I hope to become a player that the team can’t do without! I hope to make the starting rotation on Opening Day. I know this number has been a special one in recent years and I’ll do my best to make sure it continues to be one that brings about promotions for those who wear it.”
Dev. Round 1: Kyosuke Noguchi – #121: Hiroto Saiki (2021-22)
“I remember how big the crowds were when I played at Koshien as a high schooler and I’m excited at the thought of doing it again as a member of the Tigers. First things first. I want to get down to double digits and be on the protected players list. From there, I want to make a difference to this team.”
Concerning the new guys, new skipper Akinobu Okada said, “It’s not like it used to be. Guys these days go pro out of high school and are physically strong enough to make a difference after a year or two. I hope these guys can refine their skills and catch up with their older teammates, even exceeding them, and are able to make a difference at Koshien as soon as possible. This team gets a lot of attention but I hope these guys don’t succumb to the pressure, but instead wow the fans with their outstanding play.”
Also, two players have changed numbers for the upcoming season. Yuta Iwasada wore #17 but will now don #14 (the number of his main mentor, Atsushi Nohmi), and Koyo Aoyagi has nabbed that vacant number 17, which he wore as a youngster and in university, and shed his old #50, which went to newcomer Tomida.
Finally, in the Active Players’ Draft on Friday (December 9), the Tigers said goodbye to IF/OF Naomasa Yohkawa, who will suit up for the Saitama Seibu Lions. They also say hello to LHP Kotaro Ohtake, who played for the SoftBank Hawks until last year. His number has yet to be announced.
Good luck to all the new guys as well as the coaching staff that will be helping shape them as pros!