Orix Yoshihisa Hirano pitcher (41) revealed on April 6 that he will serve as a coach from next season, as reported by Sports Hochu. He and the team had completed discussions by the end of the regular season on May 5, and agreed on the direction for the next season. I think it's my turn to repay them for all they have done for me," he said. I hope I can help (the team) in some way other than as a player," he said, looking ahead to his 21st year as a professional.

He returned from Major League Baseball in 2021, and at 41 years old, he is the oldest pitcher in Pacific League. This season, he became the fourth player in NPB history to achieve 250 career saves in a game against Lotte Marines on April 3rd (ZOZO), but he only pitched in three games for the first team. In recent years, he has had chronic concerns about his right elbow and lower back, and he confessed, "I wondered whether it was okay to keep a veteran who has never been a valuable player. I couldn't bring myself to focus solely on being a player." He also expressed his gratitude for the team's offer, saying, "There are things I can do because I'm in a dual role. I felt that they really respected me, and I'm grateful."

As pitcher, he has posted a consistent 1.69 ERA in 16 games in the Western League this season. Though he can no longer consistently reach 150 km/h, he says, "I feel like I'm throwing some interesting pitches," and is also feeling confident about his new two seam fastball, the two-seam fastball. The team not only values him for his extensive career in Japan and the US, but also for his commitment to baseball and his mental support. Hirano himself has also expressed his determination to compete at the front line, saying, "If there are any young players wandering around, I feel like I want to take their place. As a player, I still want to be of help."

He and Manager Kishida were draft classmates in 2005 and are close friends. "As a coach, I put my own needs second and focus on the players around me. I'll do my best once again to help Orix win the championship. I want to be of help to Manager Kishida," he said, intending to make his "two-sword style" a valuable asset.

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◆ Interview with Hirano

-How did you come to that decision?

"Honestly, I haven't been able to contribute to the team's strengths for the past year or two. I accepted the position, hoping to act as a bridge between players and coaches, and to pass on opinions to both sides. I would like to continue playing as an active player, and also learn a lot from the coaching side."

-Balancing being both a player and a coach.

"I will practice hard as a player, but I would also like to face the (younger) players closely, improve their level, and help them grow into strong players, or rather, go along with them. It's best to work hard and contribute as a player, but it's not good to neglect the coach. You can practice individually or after (full practice) is over."

-He has been pitching well since August.

"I was in good shape when I threw. I think I was able to run like a 41-year-old. I also felt that I hadn't yet reached full burn. But I thought I knew where I was at, and I felt it would be presumptuous to focus solely on being a player. If I'm in top form as a player next year, then I'll go for it, and I'll do my best as a coach."

-Did you ever want to coach together with Coach Kishida?

"While Mr. Kishida was the manager, I also thought about wanting to become a coach. Mr. Kishida, Mr. Higa, Coach Adachi and others who worked with me while I was still active are now working hard as coaches. I hope it will be good for Manager Kishida and for Orix."

-What do you think of the current pitcher staff?

"I think they're all good. Young players are coming up, and once injured players return they will be a valuable asset. There will also be a draft from here on out, so I think there will be many more good players, and as a coach I want to support them so that they can perform well at the top level (first team)."

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