Even when you feel discouraged, don't give up.
He will definitely achieve results as a professional baseball player.

College of Health and Welfare Graduates
Chunichi Dragons

Shota Habu

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To become a professional as quickly as possible, I joined an independent league.

J. F. Oberlin University While I was with the team, I submitted my application for professional baseball, but unfortunately, I was not selected in the draft. With a fresh start, I chose an independent league as my path after graduation, aiming to go professional as quickly as possible. Recently, independent leagues have become of a high standard, and I felt it was a plus that they are attracting attention from professional baseball teams.

My main challenge at the time was my lack of practical experience as a pitcher. In high school, I wasn't even on the bench, and there were times in college when I couldn't play in games at all, so I wanted to pitch in as many games as possible in the independent league. Fortunately, the Ibaraki Astroplanets provided an environment where I could focus on baseball, and I was able to play in games throughout the season. I believe that being drafted in the fifth round by the Chunichi Dragons was a result of staying injury-free and continuing to hone my fastball.

Words that supported me when I was feeling down.

I started playing baseball in the third grade of elementary school, and ever since, I've always dreamed of becoming a professional. However, I've experienced heartbreaking disappointment many times along the way.

When I was going through tough times, what supported me was the sight of former professional baseball player Hiroki Kuroda fighting on. While his achievements as a pitcher during his playing career are undeniable, he apparently also went through some unfortunate times in high school, such as being relegated to a reserve pitcher. The motto that Kuroda lives by, "The plum blossoms are beautiful even in the snow," is a precious phrase that I always keep in mind.

J. F. Oberlin University I believe a distinctive feature is a school culture that values autonomy. On the other hand, it can also be described as a harsh environment where "those who want to do it will do it, and those who don't will not do it." I had a strong desire to become a professional, so I was able to train myself while coming up with my own training routine. Developing the habit of playing baseball while thinking is an invaluable asset for me.

Driven by the determination to "never give up"

I was able to fulfill my dream of becoming a professional baseball player. However, I haven't yet achieved results as a professional baseball player. First, I want to prepare thoroughly and approach the off-season training and spring training camp with confidence. I want to produce results in the position I'm given and show those who have supported me my performance on the first team.

I've only just started, but I want to convey to all the students the importance of "never giving up." I wasn't able to achieve 100% satisfactory results in high school and college. My baseball career was always filled with feeling like I had reached my limits, but I believe that it's because I've always held onto the strong feeling of "never giving up" that I am where I am today. The definition of success in life is different for each person. Keep challenging yourself in your own way, without giving up, as you work towards your goals.

Shota Habu

Profile
Graduated from College of Health and Welfare in 2022. He graduated from Yokohama High School. Position pitcher. After graduating from university, he joined the independent league Ibaraki Astro Planets and made an impact, and in the 2023 professional baseball draft, he was selected in the fifth round by the Chunichi Dragons.

Interview date:
This took place in December 2023.

Even when you feel discouraged, don't give up.He will definitely achieve results as a professional baseball player.

Main content

To become a professional as quickly as possible, I joined an independent league.

Words that supported me when I was feeling down.

Driven by the determination to "never give up"

Related content

Even when you feel discouraged, don't give up.
He will definitely achieve results as a professional baseball player.