Kotaro Kiyomiya, who holds the unofficial high school baseball record of 111 home runs, on Friday expressed his intention to turn professional.
"I have decided to try for my next big dream with the understanding of how tough it is to be a pro," the 18-year-old Waseda Jitsugyo High School senior told a news conference in Tokyo.
"I want to clear each hurdle that presents itself before me. I would like to join a team that will help me grow as a player," said Kiyomiya.