Nippon-Ham Nao Miyanishi pitcher Hisao Miyanishi (40) wrote about his thoughts on his current career in his self-written series "Yuou Maishin" on the 20th. This is the final installment of the 2025 season. What is the ideal time to retire that he has arrived at amidst his inner conflict? He spoke frankly about the mission he wants to fulfill with The Fighters in his 19th year as a professional next season.

I will be playing for The Fighters again next season. I think I started off well in the first team this season. However, as I made more appearances, I lost balance in my form and was unable to produce results throughout the year. I will be turning 40 in June, so maintaining my condition is an issue for me. My technique and abilities are in good condition, so I would like to quickly find my own adjustment methods and care methods.

While I have renewed my resolve for next season, I struggled to make it to the first team towards the end of the season, and I was conflicted about continuing to play. Everyone has their own thoughts about when to retire, and some players want to move on to the next stage with a good image and some energy left. However, I'm a little different, and I think the important thing is how much I can fight in the present with my current strength. I have no thoughts of "not wanting to ruin the image of the past."

I started playing baseball as soon as I could remember, and have undergone numerous surgeries, but thanks to the support of many people, I have been able to continue playing until I was 40 years old. Being able to baseball for a long time is by no means something to be taken for granted. When I hang up my uniform, I think it is polite to baseball until I can no longer even grip the ball. Of course, once my contract with the team ends, that's it. As long as I have the chance, I am convinced that my style baseball is to keep working hard and swinging my arm until the very end.

I also want to show my juniors the determination to keep pitching until the very end. I had 400 hold last season and 900 appearances this season, and I believe I have set numbers that can serve as a goal for young players and relievers. I believe my final mission with The Fighters is to be a source of hope for the mid-level players who are reaching a point where they need to persevere. I have experienced this myself, but once you turn 30, your physical strength and performance start to decline, and it becomes mentally tough. I want to be someone that people can look up to at 40 and think, "I need to persevere just a little longer."

This season's team was just one step away from winning the championship. Over the past four years, Coach Shinjo has built the foundation for a team capable of competing for the championship. The rest is down to the mindset of each individual player. I've seen The Fighters through good times and bad, and the atmosphere of the team right now is definitely closer to the championship victories in 2012 and 2016. I feel the key to winning the championship is reducing small mistakes and sharpening our mindset.

Thank you for your support this year and for reading my column in Sports Hochi. We will work hard to win the league championship and become number one in Japan next season. We look forward to your continued support next year. (Miyanishi Naoki)