On the 30th, it was announced that Orix Buffaloes outfielder Kodai Sano (29) will retire from active play. In recent years, he has suffered injuries to his ankles, hamstrings, and knees, and has not played in the first team this season. In October, the team notified him that he was not part of their plans for next season. Facing his future career path, he has now put an end to his 11-year professional baseball career.
"I've been able to play this far and have been supported by many people. I think I've done my best in my own way." He joined the team as pitcher from Oita High School as the third pick in the 2014 draft. In his third year, he suddenly began to have problems with pitch motion. He switched to fielder during the offseason. He started again as a development player and his talent blossomed.
His highlight was on April 9, 2022, against the Lotte Marines (ZOZO). Trailing by one point in the fifth inning, he hit a three-run home run to turn the game around. Yamamoto (Dodgers) started the game, contributing to the team's record-breaking 18-game winning streak. After receiving his release notice, he visited the United States at the end of October to watch the Dodgers game in the World Series. "He's like a cute little brother to me, he hasn't changed at all..." he said, chatting with his special junior colleague and sorting out his feelings.
In 2020, stolen base a career-high 20 bases. He was born on the same day as Kose Hiroyuki, a speedy and skillful outfielder, and was expected to play that role. He inherited number 41 jersey from Kose Hiroyuki, who passed away at the young age of 24 in 2010. He was a big brother figure adored by many of his juniors, including Yoshinobu and Yamashita. He retires with no regrets.
◆ Sano Kodai: Born September 2, 1996 in Oita Prefecture. 29 years old. Played Koshien in the summer of his third year at Oita High School, and joined Orix as the third pick in the 2014 draft. Switched to infielder in the off-season of 2017 and re-signed as a development player. Registered as outfielder on July 31, 2018. Changed from switch hitter to right-handed hitter in 2023. His career stats are a batting average of .199, 5 Home Run, 26 RBI, and 50 stolen base in 342 games. This season's annual salary is 17 million yen. He is 182 cm tall and weighs 80 kg. He bats and throws right-handed. Married.
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