Hard-throwing high school pitcher Hayato Terahara said Thursday he prefers to play for a Japanese professional club rather than pursuing a career in the North American major leagues.
"I might become willing to go to the majors if I get the itch to do so in the future. But I think I should test myself as a pro in Japan first to build up my career," Terahara said after his meeting with a scout from the Atlanta Braves.
Hiroyuki Oya, an Atlanta scout in charge of international affairs, met with the Nichinan Gakuen right-hander following last week's visit by representatives from the Los Angeles Dodgers, including their former manager Tommy Lasorda.
Terahara, whose fastball clocked 154 kph at the national high school championships in August, is scheduled to meet officials of the Yomiuri Giants, Yokohama BayStars and Chunichi Dragons on Monday.