On July 23 and 24, 2025, the “Mynavi All-Star Game 2025” will be held at Kyocera Dome Osaka and Yokohama Stadium, respectively. Among the pre-game attractions, the “Yatchae Nissan Home Run Derby” has announced its participants as of the 16th. The players were selected through fan voting, with four representatives from each league.
From the Central League, standout players include 26-year-old infielder Teruaki Sato, who leads the League with 24 home runs, and the second-place hitter, 24-year-old outfielder Shota Morishita, both from the Hanshin Tigers. Joining them are DeNA’s 27-year-old infielder Shugo Maki and 29-year-old outfielder Makoto Ubayashi from the Chunichi Dragons.
In the Pacific League, the participants are comprised of a trio from the Nippon Ham Fighters: 25-year-old outfielder Kotaro Koizumi, 30-year-old outfielder Franmil Reyes, and 26-year-old infielder Kotaro Kiyomiya. Additionally, 28-year-old catcher Yuma Tohmiya from the Orix Buffaloes has also been selected.
The competition will be conducted in a tournament format, with pairings to be revealed on the 22nd. Contestants will compete to hit the most home runs within a 2-minute, unlimited pitch timeframe. Should there be a tie, a 1-minute tiebreaker will be implemented.
This exciting event not only showcases the talent of these players but also engages fans in a thrilling prelude to the All-Star games, reinforcing the strong connection between athletes and their supporters. The inclusion of both established stars and emerging talents in the Home Run Derby promises an entertaining display of power hitting and skill, making it a must-see for baseball enthusiasts.