On the 26th, Rakuten Eagles celebrated the end of work at the team office in Sendai City, where team president Masayuki Morii (51) addressed employees. This season, the team recorded an attendance of 1,707,349 people, surpassing last season's (1,642,371) attendance. He expressed his gratitude, saying, "We appreciate the tremendous support from our fans and the efforts of all our staff who devoted themselves to their daily work." Also, for the first time in the team's 20-year history, the team held official regular season in six Tohoku prefectures in the same season.

The team fought for third place and within the CS zone until the end of the season, but finished in fourth place for the fourth consecutive year. However, infielder Itsuki Murabayashi (28) won the most hit title, and rookie infielder Rui Muneyama (22) was selected to the Best Nine, demonstrating their potential for next season and beyond. During the offseason, the team steadily strengthened its roster with the acquisition of right-handed pitcher Kenta Maeda (37), who has a total of 165 wins in Japan and the U.S., and catcher Hikaru Ito (36) from DeNA as a free agent. "Although we narrowly missed out on making it into Class A, I am confident that the combination of veterans, young players, and new talent is steadily growing into a team that can aim for even greater heights," said the team president, expressing his expectations for manager Hajime Miki (48), who will be in his second year at the helm next season. "Next season, let's work together as a team to become number one in Japan, and bring the greatest joy to our fans."

Related News

・ [Photo] Famous jockey throws first pitch with a desperate look on his face!
・ [Rakuten Eagles] Manager Hajime Miki gives a speech at the final game ceremony, reflecting on the season, saying, "It was a precious time, and I had many thoughts." He also offers encouragement to Orix Buffaloes as they head into the CS.
・ [Rakuten Eagles] Team president Masayuki Morii did not state whether manager Hajime Miki would continue in his position next season, saying, "As the season is still on, I will refrain from commenting."
・ [Rakuten Eagles] Opening count board installed in front of Sendai Station. President Masayuki Morii: "We want to create a scene that will excite the city just like in 2013."
・ [Japan Series] Softbank Hawks 's player chairman Ukyo Shuto celebrates winning the Japan Series: "It was a 'peace' that had many meanings"