Hanshin Tigers still want Ryota Igarashi
by Gen on Dec.03, 2011 @ 7:11 am, under NPB
The media learned on Friday that the Hanshin Tigers are preparing the number 53 for Ryota Igarashi. They were originally planning to leave the number open for a younger position player with speed, since it used to be Norihiro Akahoshi's old number, but they decided to give Igarashi the option to select it because he used to wear the number when he played for the Yakult Swallows.
The Tigers realize that Igarashi still feels strongly about returning to the US next season, but they obviously have not given up completely.
