Seibu Lions pitcher Tatsuya Imai (27), who is taking on the challenge of playing in the majors this offseason, took part in a fan appreciation event held at Belluna D on the 23rd, where he bid a tearful farewell. After greeting the fans together with Takahashi, who is also planning to cross the ocean, he looked down and wiped his eyes. Name-printed towels were held up, and warm cheers could be heard... "I was really touched to realize that there are more people supporting me (even up until now) than I thought."
He took the mound as the starting pitcher in baseball match at the event. "I think the fans will have more fun," he said, as he thrilled the stadium with a serious pitch to Taira in the first inning, reaching a speed of 153 km/h. He has already applied for posting and is currently in the negotiation period, with plans to travel to the US as soon as preparations are complete. "I want to hear directly from them how they see me," he said. The Lions' ace is determined to move on to the next stage. (Oonaka Ayami)
Related News
・ [Seibu] 2025 annual salary list
・ The amazing left-handed pitcher from Seibu who made the monster roar
・ Chihiro Sumida gets married: "I've received a lot of support from you, so from now on I'll support you for the rest of my life"
・ [Photo] Sumo wrestler's sekiwake throws the ceremonial opening pitch: "The tension is incomparable to the real tournament"
・ He is the heaviest player in the NPB at 125kg but denies being a big eater
