Seibu Takumi Kuriyama outfielder held a press conference at the team's office in Tokorozawa, Saitama, on March 24 and announced that he will retire at the end of next season.
After completing contract renewal negotiations, Kuriyama appeared at the press conference wearing a navy blue three-piece suit and blue tie. "I, Takumi Kuriyama, would like to announce that the 2026 season, my 25th year with the team, will be my final season," he said with a serious expression.
Regarding the reason for his unusual retirement announcement one year ago, he explained, "I want all the fans to see me play properly. I wanted them to see something that conveys my current feelings and those kinds of things, so I decided to do this." When asked when he made the decision, he laughed, saying, "Just now," and revealed, "It's my 25th year, so I thought it would be a turning point."
He joined Seibu in the fourth round of the 2001 draft and became a regular player in 2007. He contributed to the team's 2008 Japan Series championship and produced hit with his sharp swing from the left bat and exceptional contact. In 2021, he became the first homegrown Seibu player to reach 2,000 hit. After appearing in 117 games that year, his playing time decreased year by year, and he only appeared in 11 games this season. However, he appeared in a midsummer game for the farm team, wearing a black t-shirt, among the young players. During contract renewal negotiations, he signed for 60 million yen (estimated), a 20 million yen reduction from this season's 80 million yen. "I felt extremely happy as a player to finally be able to sign the unified contract and conclude my contract with this," he said. Team General Manager Hiroike, who was present during the negotiations, commented, "It looked like he was putting a lot of force into his hand as he stamped the seal. It was a very significant moment."
At the press conference that day, he did not mention the word "retirement." "I will be playing again next season, so I'll see how I feel then. Anyway, I'll be playing again next season, so I'll be practicing my batting." "Mr. Leo," who recorded a total of 2,150 hit throughout his career The Lions, will be showcasing his way of life in his 25th season.
◆Takumi Kuriyama (born September 3, 1983 in Hyogo Prefecture. 42 years old.) He joined Seibu in the fourth round of the 2001 draft from Ikuei High School. His first appearance was on September 24, 2004, against the Kintetsu Buffaloes. In 2021, he achieved 2,000 hit. He has been selected as a Best Nine player four times and won the Golden Glove Award once. Up until this season, his stats are 2,312 games played, 2,150 hit, 128 Home Run, 3,000 bases, 914 RBI, and 1,051 Walk. His career batting average is .277. He is 177 cm tall and weighs 85 kg. He throws right and bats left.
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