Four Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks players selected for Japan’s national team in next month’s World Baseball Classic shared their determination during the club’s spring training camp in Miyazaki City on February 11. Kensuke Kondo, Ukyo Shuto, Taisei Makihara, and pitcher Hiroki Matsumoto were named to the squad as Japan aims for back-to-back tournament titles. Speaking before fans gathered at the holiday training session, Kondo, chosen for his second consecutive WBC, said he hoped to return to Japan with another championship and celebrate with supporters. Shuto also expressed his commitment to contributing to a world title. The national team will hold a pre-tournament camp in Miyazaki from February 14 and play exhibition games against SoftBank on February 22 and 23. Source: NHK News / Nikkan Sports
Photo: Fukuoka Now
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