We are pleased to announce that Tatsunori Negishi, an infielder and power hitter from North Carolina A&T State University and an alumnus of our overseas sports study program, GXA INTERNATIONAL, was selected as the 1st pick in the developmental draft by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows during the NPB Draft Meeting held yesterday, Thursday, October 24.
As the operator of the GXA INTERNATIONAL program, we are delighted by this achievement and will continue to support Negishi as a member of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. We look forward to seeing his future success on and off the field.
Tokyo Yakult Swallows Official Website (2024 Draft Picks)
[Tatsunori Negishi’s Profile]
- Name: Tatsunori Negishi (根岸 辰昇)
- Position: Infielder
- Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
Negishi participated in the Summer Koshien tournament during his high school years at Keio High School in 2018. Instead of continuing to Keio University after graduation, he chose to join the GXA INTERNATIONAL program. He was scouted by John Altobelli, known as the mentor of Yankees star Aaron Judge, and enrolled at Orange Coast College in the United States.
From 2021, Negishi played in NCAA Division 1 baseball at Middle Tennessee State University and later excelled at North Carolina A&T State University this season. His outstanding performance earned him a draft selection as a “reverse import” back to Japan.
During his senior year in high school, Negishi weighed 83 kilograms, but he has since increased his weight to 100 kilograms. A left-handed hitter, he is known for his powerful and precise hitting across the field. His exceptional first-base defense and accurate throws earned him the nickname “Wizard.” With his American-developed power, Negishi aims to secure a spot on the active roster soon.