Seibu announced on the 27th that it has notified Ichiro Tamura pitcher, Hiyu Motoyama infielder, and Daiju Nomura infielder that they will not be under contract for the upcoming season.
Tamura joined the team as the sixth pick in the 2016 draft after graduating from Hotoku Gakuen and Rikkyo University. This season, due to the rise of young players, he only pitched in 20 games.
Motoyama attended Saku Nagasei and Tohoku Fukushi University before joining Yakult as the fourth pick in the 2020 draft, and was traded to Seibu in the offseason of 2023. This season he mainly appeared as a substitute and had a batting average of .153 in 49 games.
Dai Nomura joined Softbank as the third pick in the 2018 draft. He was traded to Seibu in July 2012 and played in 57 games that year, hitting five Home Run. However, this season he has only played in 13 games due to back surgery.
Comments from the three players are as follows:
[Ichiro Tamura]
I feel like I've reached a milestone in my nine years with The Lions. When I joined The Lions, I had many seniors who taught me the rigors of the professional world, and by seeing so many professionals in action, I learned a lot about becoming a professional baseball player. This year has been a tough one, but I've been truly supported by the fans who raised their towels and cheered me on even when I wasn't getting results. I'm filled with gratitude.
[Hiyu Motoyama]
While I was unable to contribute through my play and spent many days warming the bench, the one thing I could do for the team was cheer on the team with vigor. I have nothing but fond memories of my teammates, who warmly welcomed me after I transferred. My first time on the podium and my first walk-off were with The Lions, so even though my batting average was low, I think I was able to make an impact. Whether we were winning or losing, The Lions fans support us until the end, and I think they are the best of all 12 teams. Thank you very much.
[Daiju Nomura]
I had surgery for a back injury this year and was unable to play for the first team, so I feel sorry for the team. I was happy to be able to play in a The Lions jersey for the year and a half since my transfer. I will never forget hitting the first home run in a game against my former The Hawks, right after my transfer. I think The Lions fans are very passionate and wonderful. Thank you.
Related News
・ [Yakult] Kohei Suzuki, who was released from the roster, announces his retirement.
・ [Seibu] Hiyu Motoyama: "I'll always be your friend." In memory of Tsubakuro's manager, who transferred from Yakult in 2011
・ [Seibu] Signed a contract with Emmanuel Ramírez for next season: "I'm honored to be a part of The Lions next year."
・ [Orix] Ryota Muranishi, Taiki Ono and five other players have been cut from the roster... Ono will participate in a tryout, while Muranishi will retire.
・ [Chunichi] Hiroto Mori, Ryu Kato (who has switched to fielder), and six other players have been released from the team. Mori will be re-signed as a development player.
