[Best Nine] Orix ‘s Kenya Wakatsuki and Keita Nakagawa receive their first awards, saying, “I want to continue to work hard every day,” and “I can’t believe it was me… I’m surprised.”
Sports Hochi
2025.11.25(火) 17:00
The Best Nine of both the Central and Pacific League were announced on March 25, and Kenya Wakatsuki catcher and Keita Nakagawa infielder from Orix won their first awards in the catcher and outfielder categories, respectively. Wakatsuki, in his 12th year as a professional, played in 121 games and opened his eyes to hitting, which had been a problem for him, with a .277 batting average. His 6 Home Run and 31 RBI were tied for the most in his career. He won a Golden Glove and a double award. Through the baseball team, he said, “I am very happy to receive this wonderful award. I will do my best every day so that I can be selected again next season,” he commented happily. His consistent defense power and strong shoulders are among the best in Japanese baseball, and he was selected for the Samurai Japan team in November.
Nakagawa bounced back from last year, when he only played in 60 games, to finish with a batting average of .284 in 119 games, third in the league. He also showed his power by hitting 12 Home Run, tying his career high. A versatile fielder has blossomed in his seventh year as a professional. “I’m very surprised, as I never thought I’d be selected. I’m very honored to receive such an award. I’ll continue to work even harder so that I can continue to grow,” he said, reaffirming his determination.
Related News
interpoint (interword separation) [Orix] Kenya Wakatsuki, president of the players’ association, addresses the fans at the Fan Festa: “Next season we will win the championship and play in the Japan Series.
interpoint (interword separation) [Orix] A big laugh at the costume showdown! Takashima Yasuto is a white gal, Kenya Wakatsuki is Nanako, Kotaro Kobayashi and Ryuhei Sotani are the baseball team mascots
interpoint (interword separation) [Orix] Kotaro Kobayashi won the long-sought Mitsui Golden Glove Award “I never thought I would…” Seibu ・Stopped Genda’s “8 consecutive wins” Kenya Wakatsuki for the second time in two years.
interpoint (interword separation) [Ballot] Orix and Kenya Wakatsuki were selected by fan vote “I want to study while receiving a good pitcher” Last time, they were paired with Akinori Sasaki.
interpoint (interword separation) [Orix] Keita Nakagawa won the “SKY Perf! walk-off Award” for the first time, “I thought a miracle had happened.”
AloJapan.com