It was revealed on the 3rd that The Giants Daisuke Kondo (34), pitcher retired from active play at the end of this season, will be "returning" to Orix Buffaloes as a team employee. Details are expected to be officially announced by the team in the future. For Kondo, this is his former team, where he played from his first year as a professional in 2016 until 2023.
Kondo has always cherished his fans since his time Orix Buffaloes, and Sugimoto, who was born in the same year in 1991, has described the strength of their relationship as "a close friend, and a formidable rival, so to speak." Kondo is a kind-hearted man who is loved by his juniors as a big brother figure. "I've been blessed with the connection with the team where I started my career as a professional baseball player, and I want to repay them in a different way," he said, reaffirming his resolve.
He also had a development contract and pitched in a total of 204 games. During his two years with The Giants, he was unable to pitch in the first team due to injury, but added, "Even though I was unable to contribute to the team, they even prepared a grand exit for me (in my retirement game). I am truly grateful." A native of Osaka, he is returning to his former team for the first time in three years. His style of giving his all every day remains unchanged.
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