infielder Kazunari Ishii (31), who will be transferring to Seibu Lions from Nippon-Ham by exercising his free agent rights, attended a press conference at the team office in Tokorozawa, Saitama on the 26th. number was decided to be "4."
Appearing in a black suit and light blue tie, Ishii began his speech with a gentle smile, saying, "I'm very happy to have been approached first." When asked what made him decide to transfer, he said, "I could feel Hiroike's enthusiasm and desire for me to do my best. When he asked me to come to his team and lend him my strength, I felt that he needed me."
Ishii played in nine games at Belluna Dome this season, posting a good batting average of .387 with 12 hit in 31 at-At Bat and one home Home Run. Looking ahead to next season, he vowed, "I've always thought Seibu Lions' cheering was amazing and powerful, so I'm excited to have them cheering for me at home. I'll do my best to get into the competition and contribute to the team."
After graduating from Sakushin Gakuin and Waseda University, Ishii joined Nippon-Ham as the second pick in the 2016 draft. In his ninth season this season, he played in 108 games as the starting second baseman, hitting six Home Run and posting a batting average of .259. Seibu Lions 's team batting average was the worst in the league at .232, and Ishii, who excelled in both batting and defense, was an essential piece in the team's bid to win their first championship since 2019.
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