Born in 1994 in Japan to a baseball player father and badminton player mother. Started playing baseball in elementary school and excelled in high school. Set Japanese high school baseball record with 160 km/h fastball in 2012
Pitcher throws baseball from mound to catcher to retire batter. Pitcher is number 1 in defensive plays. Pitchers traditionally bat, but hitting duties now handled by designated hitters
Softball is a variation of baseball played with larger balls and underhand pitches. First created in 1887 by George Hancock in Chicago. Game consists of 3-7 innings with bases 60 feet apart. Ball size varies: 11-12 inches for adults, 16 inches for Chicago version
Baseball consists of rubber/cork center wrapped in yarn and covered with leather. Regulation ball measures 9-9.25 inches circumference and 5-5.25 ounces. Contains 108 stitches, affecting ball trajectory through air interaction
Baseball bats are wooden or metal clubs used to hit the ball. Maximum diameter is 2.61 inches, length 42 inches. Current weight ranges from 33 to 36 ounces. Bat drop is weight minus length, affects swing speed
Minimum nine players needed for defense. Pitcher stands 60 feet from home plate. Catcher squats behind batter at home plate. Four bases arranged in diamond shape. Three outfielders: right, center, left