On March 8, 2025, baseball fans at Koshien Stadium witnessed the debut of Taiisei Kito, the newly promoted pitcher of the Hanshin Tigers. After completing his registration as an active player just the day before, Kito stepped onto the mound during a pre-season game against DeNA, offering fans a glimpse of his potential amid high anticipation.
The backdrop of Kito's debut could not have been more exciting. It was the top of the eighth inning, with the game tight at 4-1 and two outs against Kito. Coming onto the field wearing number 127—a remnant of his育成 period—he prepared himself for the challenge. Manager Kyuji Fujikawa provided encouraging words as he took his place, saying, "Put your weight down and swing and throw," emphasizing the importance of confidence on the mound.
Kito entered the game with the pressure mounting: there was one runner on third base, leading to intense anticipation from the crowd as they cheered him on. His first pitch to DeNA's Yamamoto clocked in at 153 km/h, igniting excitement among the spectators. Kito continued to throw hard, consistently delivering pitches over 150 km/h. Yet, the thrill of the fastball came with challenges—Yamamoto was eventually able to connect, sending the ball right through to the outfield, allowing the runner to score.
Reflecting on this moment, Kito expressed his regret, stating, "I regret I couldn’t throw it because the signs of the in-high straight were coming out. My technique wasn’t sufficient, which allowed the hit." Despite allowing the run, Kito redeemed himself against the next batter, Chino, managing to strike him out with a forkball. This flicker of success demonstrated both Kito's potential and areas of improvement, as Fujikawa acknowledged the importance of experience for his young pitcher.
Manager Fujikawa later highlighted the positive aspects of Kito's debut, mentioning, "It was very good practice, and I wanted him to gain the experience. The accuracy was high and it was good." These words from the manager reflected his supportive approach to development and his faith in Kito's abilities. Fujikawa's hands-on coaching style seems to create opportunities for young players—like Kito—to grow even amid high-pressure situations.
Kito's path to the mound has been carefully constructed over the years. Originally from Akita Prefecture, Kito played for teams such as North Asia University Meio High School and Tokyo International University before joining the Shikoku Island League with Tokushima. His transition from育成 player to the active roster marks not only personal triumph but symbolizes the Tigers' commitment to nurturing young talent and building for the future.
After the game, Kito shared how the fan support he received helped him during this pivotal moment: "There were a lot of customers, and when I got on the relief car, there was a lot of support, and when I went to the mound, they cheered me on, so I was happy." This sentiment underlines the importance of community and encouragement as he takes steps forward in his career.
Moving forward, Kito is mindful of the need to refine his skills. "I was hit due to my lack of technique, so I will practice from now on," he stated, embodying the spirit of determination and resilience as he looks to improve. The young pitcher seems eager to make corrections and tap his full potential as he works not only toward solidifying his place on the Tigers roster but also contributing positively to the team’s overall performance this season.
Overall, Kito’s debut was filled with lessons, victories, and moments of reflection. It showcased both the challenges young athletes face when stepping onto the big stage and the utilities of gaining experience through real-game scenarios. Whether he was wearing jersey number 127 or his future number 24, the essence of what Kito brought to the mound—a fierce desire to learn and grow—will undoubtedly mark his journeys with Hanshin. Fans are sure to be keeping their eyes on this promising young talent as the season progresses.