From "a rising star in player development" to "a 'demon' of player development" outfielder Seiya Matsubara (30), who was released by Seibu Lions, has retired from playing and will return to The Giants as a coach at the Giants Academy. "I think there are many things that only I have experienced. I think I've had a pretty unique baseball career, so I want to make the most of that," he said, as he takes on the challenge of developing future professional baseball players.

He has embodied the concept of "overcoming the odds." "I wasn't on the team in high school, and I was unknown in college, so I entered professional baseball through the developmental league." In the summer of his third year at Sendai Ikuei High School, he was not even on the bench. He went on to Meisei University, which is in the second division of the Tokyo Metropolitan University League. His efforts paid off, and in 2016 he was drafted by The Giants as the fifth pick in the developmental league. In July of his second year, 2018, he was promoted to the main roster, and in 2021 he had a breakout year, Home Run the first hitter from the developmental league in the Central Central League to hit a leadoff home run and double-digit Home Run (12). In the same year, he also became the first player from the developmental league in the team's history to reach the required number of plate appearances, playing in 135 games and recording a batting average of .274 and 15 stolen base bases.

There is one person in his professional baseball career whom he is endlessly grateful to, saying, "I was able to play for nine years because he was strict and nagging me." That person is Masahiro Kawai, The Giants' coach (who will be the first-team wall chief next season). "He taught me about the world of professional baseball, both professionally and personally." When Matsubara joined The Giants, Kawai was the third-team manager. "Just as Mr. Kawai guided me, I hope I can guide as many children as possible to a bright future." Now it's his turn to nurture a new "star." (Ayami Onaka)

◆Seiya Matsubara: Born January 26, 1995, in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. Age 30. After attending Sendai Ikuei High School, he went on to Meisei University and joined The Giants in 2016 as the 5th pick in the developmental draft. He was registered as a regular player in July 2018. In 2021, he played in 135 games, recording a batting average of .274, 12 Home Run, and 37 RBI. His professional career statistics are 333 games, a batting average of .241, 15 Home Run, 67 RBI, and 30 stolen base. 173 cm, 78 kg. Right-handed pitcher, left-handed batter.