Nippon-Ham Naoya Ishikawa pitcher (29), who was released from the NPB by the National League Baseball Hall of Fame Oisix, is aiming to return to the NPB. After tryouts in November, he received a phone call from manager Masaru Takeda Oisix, who also played with him Nippon-Ham, offering him to "come prepared to pitch with all your might one more time," and decided to join the team. He said, "I want to hang on until there is no more possibility. I want to quit in a state I'm satisfied with, and I want to blossom once more in the NPB." The iron arm with 19 saves in 52 appearances in 18 years and 60 appearances in 19 years is burning to make a comeback.

He will turn this new encounter into strength. The team will welcome Masumi Kuwata as Chief Baseball Officer (CBO). The right-handed pitcher, who underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in 2020 and has not pitched in the first team for the past two years, said, "For the past few years, my fastball speed hasn't been what I wanted. (Mr. Kuwata) is a person with a lot of knowledge about baseball. I hope to get some hints on what I've been struggling with and get better again," and he is looking forward to meeting him. He says he is currently in perfect physical condition with "no pain anywhere," and with guidance from the legend with a wealth of knowledge, the return of his powerful arm, which can reach a top speed of 156 km/h, is certainly not just a dream.

Starting next year, he will be working away from home and living alone in Niigata for the first time in his life. "I think I'll be cooking more at home, so I want to try making a variety of dishes." The former guardian angel of the north is starting anew in a new place. (Haruki Kawakami)

◆Naoya Ishikawa: Born July 11, 1996, in Shonai-cho, Yamagata Prefecture. Age 29. Started playing baseball in the third grade of elementary school, and played for the soft baseball club at Amarume Junior High School. At Yamagata Chuo High School, he was on the bench from the fall of his first year. In the 2013 Spring Koshien Tournament, which he participated in through the Tohoku Kizuna (Tohoku Bonds) slot, he wore number 1 and pitched in two games. His career NPB record is 202 appearances, 6 wins, 7 losses, 58 hold, 31 saves, and ERA 3.67. 192 cm, 93 kg. Right-handed pitcher and batter. Married.