Yusei Ishizuka, the highly anticipated top draft pick of the Yomiuri Giants, took his first significant step toward his professional baseball career on January 8, 2025, by officially moving to the team's newly established dormitory located in Kawasaki City. The seventeen-year-old infielder from Hanazono Tokuhou High School expressed his eagerness for this new chapter, exclaiming, "It's finally here, I was really looking forward to this day." With his heart set on baseball, Ishizuka is determined to prove himself against the fierce competition of professional sports.
Upon entering the dorm, one of Ishizuka's most treasured possessions was a mug inscribed with the words "One step at a time,” written by his former coach, Takashi Iwai. This motivational message signifies the patience and dedication required to succeed at the professional level. Ishizuka, reflecting on this valuable piece of advice, shared, "The meaning behind it is to progress steadily toward my goals without feeling rushed. I aim to cherish this message especially during my first year." Under Iwai's guidance, Ishizuka honed his skills throughout high school, developing not only his baseball acumen but also his mental toughness.
Equipped with modern training equipment at the Giants dormitory, Ishizuka is approaching his new life with both enthusiasm and strategy. He reiterated the importance of quality sleep for athletes, stating, "Many top-tier athletes value their sleep, and I think it’s something I can easily emulate." To boost his recovery and overall performance, he brought with him a custom-made mattress from the bedding manufacturer Nishikawa, famously used by Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Angels star. Ishizuka took great care to select features of the mattress, ensuring it suits his body, emphasizing, "Whether training or resting, it's important to prioritize recovery so I can fully perform at my best.”
Training has been key to Ishizuka's preparation as he has been diligently practicing since the end of the last high school season. He aims to showcase his talent during the upcoming rookie training camp. "I've done everything I can to prepare for this moment,” he said, expressing confidence. "I need to continue this drive forward to make sure I can show my abilities to the coaching staff. Like Coach Iwai taught me, I will keep his words close and let them guide my steps.”
The excitement of entering the professional arena shines through Ishizuka's commitment to his craft. It’s not just about being drafted first; it’s about making the most of this opportunity and establishing himself among the greats of Japanese baseball. Ishizuka's ambitions are clear as he aims to achieve his first hit during his rookie season, which would be historic for his career.
Ishizuka’s arrival at the dorm coincides with the Giants tradition of welcoming top draft picks, with each player bringing along meaningful items as reminders of their path to professional baseball. For Ishizuka, his mug from Coach Iwai serves as more than just decor; it carries the weight of his high school experiences and drives him to strive for excellence.
Having carefully observed the careers of Giants legends, he is well aware of the challenges awaiting him. Yet, he is prepared to take them on one by one. "I will push hard to appeal my talents and keep learning through each practice session," he asserted. This sentiment embodies the essence of his preparation mindset as he gears up for what will undoubtedly be a challenging but rewarding professional career.
With the support from his coach and his own hard work, Ishizuka is poised to ascend the ranks of professional baseball. Each day spent training and learning under the watchful eyes of veteran players and coaches is invaluable. His dedication reflects the long tradition of excellence the Giants franchise has upheld.
For Ishizuka, entering the professional baseball world is not just the culmination of years of hard work but also the beginning of his lifelong passion for the game. With every practice, he steps closer to not just becoming part of the Giants' storied history but possibly creating his own legacy as well.
With rookie training starting soon, Ishizuka is set to prove his mettle and showcase the skills honed throughout his formative years at Hanazono Tokuhou High School. The prospect of playing at the iconic Tokyo Dome excites him, and he is ready to make his dreams come true.