Orix Buffaloes On the 28th, it was learned that Shuhei Fukuda outfielder (33) will retire from active duty at the end of this season. He contributed to back-to-back league championships in 2009 and 2010, mainly as the No. 1 hitter player. He plans to leave the baseball world and take on a new challenge.

Fukuda, who left Orix Buffaloes at the end of this season, has decided to hang up his uniform. In October, he was informed that his contract would not be renewed for next season, and he strongly desired to continue playing in NPB. However, he did not receive any formal offers from other teams, and has decided to end his eight-year professional baseball career.

"The fact that I didn't receive any offers from other teams means that the player named Shuhei Fukuda is not worthy. Of course, I feel frustrated, but I have to accept the reality," he said of his graceful decision to retire without extending his retirement beyond the new year. He was undoubtedly a memorable player.

He joined the team as the third pick in the 2017 draft from NTT East Japan. "My best memory is the training camp in my first year. The day before, I put on the uniform and looked in the mirror... My blood really boiled," he said, recalling this vivid memory. In 2019, his second year as a professional, he was appointed captain. He blossomed with his gutsy play.

In 2021, he primarily played as the leadoff hitter, contributing to the team's first championship in 25 years. On September 30, 2022, in a game against Lotte (at Kyocera Dome), he successfully executed a "walk-off safety bunt," saving the team from a critical situation where a tie or loss would have meant losing the championship and leading to their second consecutive league title. A homegrown player from his hometown of Osaka, he was also very popular with the fans.

This season, he returned number 1. He did not revive at number 65 and only played in 23 games. "I have nothing but gratitude for GM Fukura, who has been indebted to me since my time as a coach Orix Buffaloes. From now on, he plans to leave the baseball world once and start a second life. The leadoff man who supported the golden age ended the thick and short story.

◆Shuhei Fukuda: Born August 8, 1992, in Osaka Prefecture. Age 33. After graduating from Koryo High School, Meiji University, and playing for NTT East Japan, he joined Orix Buffaloes in 2017 as the third overall pick in the draft. In 2019, when he served as captain, he recorded a career-high 30 stolen base. In 2022, his second year after switching from infield to outfield, he won the Golden Glove Award. His career statistics include 677 games played, a batting average of .254, 5 Home Run, 143 RBI, and 90 stolen base. 167 cm, 65 kg. Right-handed pitcher, left-handed batter. Married.