Orix held a players' association farewell party in Hyogo Prefecture on January 1, 2012. About 120 players and staff members attended. In place of Atsuya Kogita pitcher (27), who will be on a developmental contract next season due to right elbow surgery, Ryo Ota infielder (24) is expected to join the players' association board for the first time in his eight years with the team.

In his seventh professional season, Ota fully secured his spot at second base and became the first player to reach the regulation batting lineup, batting .283 in 113 games, fourth in the league, both of which were his highest totals of 10 Home Run and 52 RBI. At the end of the season, he requested a change from 31 to 1 number. He has vowed to make further progress, saying, "I want to aim for career highs in all areas," and he is now in a position where he is expected to play an active role outside of ground.

catcher Kenya Wakatsuki (30), who is serving as the players' association president for the second time this season, has been confirmed to continue in his position next season. "I think there are many areas where we can improve, such as listening more to the players' opinions. I will do my best to aim for the championship," he declared. (Nambu Shunta)