Waseda University’s baseball program celebrated a strong showing at the 2023 professional baseball draft meeting, with two players selected in the second round: pitcher Itsuki ito by the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles and pitcher Tawa by the Yomiuri Giants. The selections mark a meaningful achievement for the university’s athletic program and propel both athletes toward professional careers.
the draft results highlight waseda’s continued success in developing high-caliber baseball talent. ito and Tawa’s selections follow a tradition of Waseda players entering professional baseball,bolstering the university’s reputation as a key feeder program for Japan’s professional leagues. Both players are expected to begin training with their respective teams in the coming months, with their debut seasons anticipated in 2024.
Former Hanshin tigers manager Akifu Okada, an alumnus of Waseda University, has publicly voiced his support for the baseball club’s current fundraising efforts for an upcoming American tour. The team is currently conducting a crowdfunding campaign to offset travel expenses and provide a valuable international experience for its players. Okada’s encouragement adds further momentum to the fundraising initiative.
