Kensuke Kondo of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, crowned the MVP of the Pacific League for 2024, has embarked on the 2025 spring training camp with renewed focus. Starting as part of the ‘S group’ at the camp located in Miyazaki, Kondo has shown determination following struggles from the previous season.
Having faced significant setbacks due to injury, Kondo trained independently on Tokunoshima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture, for the first half of February before rejoining team practices at mid-month. A troublesome right ankle injury forced him to utilize crutches during the league championship celebrations. "I wasn’t concerned about feeling lonely training alone; I was more focused on how other S group members were doing and keeping track of my foot as I adjusted the intensity of my practice," he remarked, alluding to his adaptation during solitary training.
Despite his injury, Kondo exhibited remarkable resilience, participating valiantly in the postseason just one month after the league victory. His strong performance during this time, where he averaged over .500 with 3 RBIs during the Climax Series and hit .385 in the Japan Series, proved instrumental for his team.
Reflecting on his recovery, he stated, "I can’t say for certain if there is any functional impact, but I have no fear anymore, and I feel ready to join actual matches again. Currently, I am able to move around with no issues." Kondo acknowledged concerns about the long-term effects of his early return but noted the encouragement received from colleagues, including Yumi Nagakawa and manager Kimiyasu Kudo. “Kudo told me during my recovery to make my own decisions about participating. He emphasized, ‘Don’t overdo it, make sure this doesn’t affect your baseball life moving forward,’" he recalled.
This season, Kondo is transitioning from left field to right field to ease the defensive load on his teammate Yuito Yanagita, the team's elder statesman at 36. "I want to be as available as possible and support my teammates. I can't afford to sit back and take the designated hitter role if I’m not injured," Kondo mentioned, expressing his eagerness to maintain health and regularly contribute.
Manager Kudo has lauded Kondo's batting prowess, indicating, "The level is different" compared to other players. The reigning MVP plans to uphold high standards, aiming for a .300 batting average and .400 on-base percentage this season. "Ace-level pitchers abound across various leagues; I feel the key is consistency—hitting one good ball every day rather than expecting to hit multiple times consistently each game. Even if I don’t get hits, one walk can be significant," he asserted.
Kondo's ambitions also include aspirations for accolades like leading the league in on-base percentage. "That has always been my target, regardless of how many years pass. Hitting home runs or getting RBIs is desirable, but competing directly against hitters like Hotaka Yamakawa feels like a stretch because he’s extraordinary," he remarked with humility.
Last season, Kondo was briefly tied with Yamakawa for home runs when the latter was struggling, but he acknowledged Yamakawa's incredible talent, stating, "When he finds his rhythm, it’s astounding how quickly he can pull away."
With the baseball season's start looming, Kondo carries the weight of expectations. Fans and coaches alike are eager to see how the versatile and adept hitter will perform this year, observing not just his individual statistics but his capacity to balance recovery and performance. The future is clearly bright for Kondo as he prepares to showcase his skills and fend off the shadows of injury.