The depth of the player base is clear. The rise of players who will lead the next generation - Professional baseball/Softbank, Banseki V2 (bottom)

Softbank, which won the Japan Series consecutively, clearly had a deep team. Even if Kondo and Kurihara, who had more than 100 RBIs during the regular season, were not doing well, other players made up for it. They won all four games, all of which were close, and the high quality of the fielders and pitchers who came on the bench was outstanding.

Coach Kokubo takes command of the short-term decisive battle without showing any gaps - Professional Baseball Softbank, Rock-solid V2 (Part 1)

In Game 2, in the 9th inning trailing by one run, pinch hitter Yamakawa soloed to tie the game. In a situation where they were expected to make a comeback, they responded with a better result. Kawamura, who hit the winning solo in the 10th inning of overtime, has played a role in solidifying the defense in the final stages of games this season. Although he played in 103 games, he only had 45 at-bats. Even so, he showed up early every day for batting practice and never neglected his preparations. ``I was able to hit the ball because I worked hard. It paid off in the end,'' he said, filled with emotion.

Players who will lead the next generation have also emerged. Shoko, who is in his second year, started at shortstop in all postseason games and contributed to the offense and defense. Catcher Yu Yamamoto, who joined the team via trade from DeNA this season, approached his former team with special feelings in his heart. ``With a strong heart, I feel determined to win.'' In Game 4, he was selected as the No. 5 hitter and scored 3 RBIs.

As for pitchers, Haru Matsumoto and Yu Maeda, both of whom have 12 wins, have experience starting on the big stage. Coach Kokubo said, ``There are quite a few players who are looking forward to next year.They've only been in this world for three years and are now full-fledged players.Expectations are high.'' Softbank's strength will continue even after next season. The postseason felt like that.