Pitcher Rick van den Hurk has agreed to renew his contract with the SoftBank Hawks for another three years for ¥1,200,000,000. The contract was supposed to end at the close of this season (van den Hurk joined last season), but he has become a highly valued team member not only for his abilities but for his attitude. The 31-year-old Dutch pitcher can pitch over 150 km/h, deliver curve balls, and he became the first Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher to start his first-team career by winning his first 14 decisions. Van den Hurk said he is pleased to be staying with the team and to remain a member of the SoftBank Hawks; he hopes to win more games with his great teammates, and looks forward to continuing to play in front of the team’s enthusiastic fans. Source: NHK News Web, 6/21
(C)SoftBank HAWKS
