Naomasa Yokawa

Naomasa Yokawa
Yokawa with the Hanshin Tigers
Hanshin Tigers – No. 55
Infielder
Born: (1991-07-17) July 17, 1991
Bats: Right Throws: Right
NPB debut
February 28, Hanshin Tigers
Teams

Naomasa Yokawa (陽川 尚将, Yōkawa Naomasa, born July 17, 1991 in Osaka) is a Japanese professional baseball infielder for the Hanshin Tigers in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball.

Early Baseball Career


（2013-10-21、Meiji Jingu Stadium）

Yokawa started playing baseball in 2nd grade as a third baseman for the East Sekime Lions (little league), then he doubled as a pitcher and infielder in junior high.[1] He was converted to a shortstop upon entering Konkōōsaka High School, and experienced playing in the Spring Koshien in his third year. He hit a total of 36 home runs in his high school career.[2]

During the 2009 draft, the Yomiuri Giants chose him as their third pick for the ikusei draft (developmental draft), but he rejected their offer and opted to enroll in Tokyo University of Agriculture instead.[3]

He then played as third baseman for Tokyo Nodai and participated in the Tohto League games. In 4 years, he recorded 109 hits, 51 RBIs, and 23 home runs.[4]

Hanshin Tigers

Before the 2013 draft, he said that he would turn pro only if he was drafted as 3rd pick or higher, but will play for the industrial leagues otherwise.[5] The Tigers chose him as their 3rd pick, and he accepted their offer.[1] He was assigned the jersey number 55.

2014

He spent his first year playing in the minor league. In his 98-game appearances, he batted 0.241, recorded 38 RBIs and 6 home runs. Although he alternated playing as 1st and 3rd baseman, he committed 12 errors when he played the latter.

Playing Style

He employs a powerful swing on the plate,[6] and has excellent stamina that can last him throughout an entire game, as he did so during his university days.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 "阪神ドラ３陽川、脱臼自分で治す鉄人". Nikkan Sports. 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  2. ↑ "2013年ドラフト　陽川　尚将". Sports Nippon. 2013-11-02. Archived from the original on 2013-11-04. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  3. ↑ "［コラム巨］ドラフトで巨人を拒否した男達". Sports Hochi. 2013-10-19. Archived from the original on 2013-11-02. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  4. 1 2 週刊ベースボール2013年12月16日号 P84
  5. ↑ "ドラフト隠し玉は東都２部の東農大・陽川". Nikkan Sports. 2013-10-11. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  6. ↑ 「週刊ベースボール」(Weekly Baseball) November 11, 2013 edition「2013ドラフト総決算号」 ベースボール・マガジン社
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