Hiroshima Carp’s Norihiko Nahara Works to Build Swing Strength: Tied for Second in the Central League with Four Triples, He Aims for More

Hiroshima Fall Training — October 19, Mazda Stadium

Hiroshima Carp outfielder Norihiko Nahara, 26, has declared his intention to strengthen his swing. Taking part in the team's fall training at Mazda Stadium on October 19, Nahara worked on building his physical strength through weight training, with the goal of developing a more powerful swing that will allow him to handle pitches in areas where he has struggled.

In his fourth professional season after graduating from university, Nahara earned promotion to the team's active roster in May. He remained with the first team for the rest of the season, appearing in 83 games and recording a .247 batting average, three home runs and 16 RBIs.

However, he identified a weakness in his hitting.

“There were times when I couldn't swing with enough power at pitches low and away or low and inside,” he said.

This offseason, Nahara plans to build strength through a club-led weight-training program and translate those gains into more effective swing mechanics.

Turning his speed into more triples

Nahara recorded four triples this season, tied for second-most in the Central League. He takes pride in his ability to turn balls hit into the gaps into extra-base hits.

“My strength is that when I hit the ball between the outfielders, I can go for a triple,” he said confidently.

During practice, Nahara has been emphasizing the importance of swinging aggressively. In long-toss batting practice, he drove the ball with power, letting out shouts as he put everything into his swings.

By improving his strength while maintaining his ability to exploit gaps in the outfield, Nahara hopes to become a more dangerous hitter for Hiroshima next season.