The official TV program "P's UPDATE" by Persol Pacific League updates the norms of the baseball world and updates itself as well. This time's theme is the difficult position "Philosophy of Position: Third Bases Edition," also known as the key to infield and the "Hot Corner." Guests included Norihiro Nakamura and Toshiaki Imae, two renowned third baseman in the baseball world who both won the Mitsui Golden Glove Award.
"I prefer defense to batting": Genius Norihiro Nakamura reveals his extraordinary throw technique
During his playing days, Nakamura captivated fans with his powerful home run and is strongly associated with hitter, but he himself asserts, "Actually, I preferred defense to batting." The unique approach to throw that Nakamura revealed was quite distinctive.
When asked about throw from third base, Nakamura confessed, "I was deliberately throwing slider to runner (heading towards first baseman)." He explained that the ball would curve sharply to avoid runner and land perfectly in first baseman 's hands. Imae, who was standing next to him, couldn't hide his surprise at the exceptional ball control, saying, "You're making slider race against runner...?"
The qualities required of a third baseman, and the secrets of the "shoulder throw" to compensate for a lack of shoulder strength.
When asked about the qualities required of a third baseman, Nakamura cited "the courage to stop the ball in front of you and the ability to observe the batter's movements," while Imaie mentioned "the ability to outmaneuver runner and hitter, and a sense of the flow of the game." He said that in particular, when it comes to sacrifice bunt situations where split-second decisions can determine the outcome of the game, he was always conscious of what runner and batters were thinking, paying attention to their "gaze."
On the other hand, when asked, "Doesn't a strong arm also matter for a third baseman?", Nakamura presented his own theory. "You can compensate for innate arm strength through how you use your body. If you use your body like you're doing a judo shoulder throw, the ball will go 'whoosh' (sharply)," he answered with gestures, and his unique and easy-to-understand explanation drew laughter from the studio audience.
A professional's perspective on the best plays, and what makes the ultimate third baseman?
In the second half of the program, the two hosts provide a thorough explanation from a professional perspective while watching a compilation of the best plays by Pacific League 's top third basemen. The essence of the profound third base defense, which has been discussed so far, will be revealed along with the video footage, including glove work, footwork, and split-second situational judgment.
What surprised Imaie the most was Tohoku Rakuten Eagles 's Ryuya Taira, who has been having a breakout season at the plate. Taira's acrobatic throw demonstrate his physical strength, and Imaie demonstrated them himself, exclaiming, "That's just incredible! (laughs)"
Furthermore, who will these two masters ultimately choose as the "strongest third baseman in baseball"? Don't miss the conclusion of this in-depth discussion on defense that will defy conventional wisdom!
