On April 18, 2025, Lotte's young sensation Ryusei Terachi stole the spotlight in a thrilling game against the Rakuten Eagles, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. The 19-year-old catcher, in just his second year since graduating high school, showcased his immense talent by hitting two home runs, including his first professional home run, leading Lotte to a 4-1 victory.
Terachi, batting ninth in the lineup, made his presence felt early in the game. In the third inning, he faced Rakuten's ace left-hander, Hayakawa, and launched a powerful solo home run into the right-field stands. The crowd erupted as Terachi rounded the bases, a moment he described with joy: "I was running thinking it might hit the wall again like last game, but when I saw it go over, I was really happy." This home run not only marked his first in the professional league but also set the tone for the rest of the match.
As the game progressed, Terachi continued to impress. In the eighth inning, he was at it again, this time taking on pitcher Tomohito Fujihira. He connected with a low forkball and sent it sailing over the right field fence for another solo shot. Reflecting on his second home run, he noted, "I was quickly down to two strikes, so I raised my zone and waited for a straight ball while anticipating a floating changeup, and I was able to react well to it." His performance not only highlighted his batting skills but also showcased his ability to adapt under pressure.
Beyond his batting prowess, Terachi played a crucial role in leading the pitching staff, particularly the new foreign pitcher Austin Boss, who was making his debut in Japan. Terachi’s ability to guide Boss through the game was instrumental in securing Boss's first win in Japan. "I was really focused on leading the pitching staff, and I think that experience will help me grow," Terachi stated, showing his maturity beyond his years.
Despite a minor error in the field, where he misplayed a ball late in the game, Terachi remained optimistic and committed to improving. "I think that mistake is something to learn from, and I want to take it as a lesson for the future," he said, emphasizing his desire to continue developing his skills.
Terachi's journey in professional baseball began when he was drafted in the fifth round by Lotte in 2023. His background is impressive; he was a standout player at Meitoku Gijuku High School, where he contributed to Japan's U-18 World Cup victory in 2023 as a first baseman. Now, as a catcher, he is making his mark in the professional arena.
His performance against Rakuten was a historic one. Terachi became only the fourth catcher in history to hit two home runs in a single game at such a young age, joining the ranks of legends like Yamamoto Hachiro and Kagawa Nobuyuki. Furthermore, he is the second teenager in Lotte's history to achieve this feat, the first being Daigo Takeo back in 1957.
In the context of the game, Lotte’s overall performance was strong. The team added two more runs in the eighth inning, thanks to a timely double from Fujio, which further solidified their lead. The victory marked a crucial moment for Lotte, who had been struggling earlier in the season. With this win, they halted Rakuten's three-game winning streak and showcased their potential as a competitive force in the league.
Manager Yoshii commented on Terachi’s rapid development, stating, "If he’s going to be on the first team, he needs to get game time to improve. We need to ensure he’s well-prepared and not just become a third-string catcher. I’m pairing him with pitchers that I think he matches well with." This highlights the team's commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with the opportunities to shine.
As for Terachi, he remains grounded despite his early success. He humorously noted, "I’m still a bit shy about showing my true personality. I guess I haven’t fully revealed myself yet." His bright demeanor and enthusiasm for the game suggest that there is much more to come from this young athlete.
With this remarkable performance, Ryusei Terachi has not only etched his name in the history books but has also set the stage for what promises to be an exciting career ahead. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see how he builds on this success in the upcoming games.
