Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes President Michio Minato (63), who will retire at the end of this year, held a press conference at Kyocera Dome on the 19th. He was seconded to Orix Buffaloes baseball Club in December 2011 and has been in his current position since January 2018. "The fans have been so supportive and we've had the opportunity to share such wonderful memories. They are like a treasure to me," he said with tears in his eyes.

He supported the team from a club management perspective, and helped them win the league title for the third time in a row since 2021. "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was uncertainty about the future. (In the midst of all this) listening to the opinions of many people, including Fukura-san (GM) and Nakajima-san (former manager), led to the team winning the title for the third time in a row," he said, looking back on the joy of coming in last place for the second year in a row. "I'm glad I'm doing this kind of work..." he said, and the Midosuji Parade in 2022, when the team was crowned Japan's best, is a fond memory.

Starting in the offseason of the same year, Masataka Yoshida (Red Sox) and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers) tried their hand at playing in the US major leagues through the posting system for two consecutive years. "Both players achieved results not only for their teams but also for the fans. Without Yoshida, we wouldn't have been able to become number one in Japan, and pitcher Yamamoto was truly impressive." He listened to each player's dreams and always put the players first baseman.

In 2015, the team moved its training camp from Miyakojima to Miyazaki, and in 2017, the farm team moved from Kobe to Maishima, Osaka. He created a base for the team's popularity, and merchandise revenue has nearly doubled since the team's three consecutive championships. He also serves as president of Osaka City Dome, and is currently seriously considering renovating the night game facilities at City Shinkin Bank Stadium.

The famous president also had a playful side, such as making a surprise drive in the lead car carrying former manager Nakajima during the virtual victory parade in 2021, which was held amid the COVID-19 pandemic. From January next year, he will continue to watch over the team as a club advisor. "I want you to try new things. It's meaningful because it will bring about change," he said, cheering on his successor, Baden Taro (59), and taking a load off his shoulders. (Nambu Shunta)

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