[Nippon-Ham] Nao Miyanishi 18th year as a pro begins... Teamwork is the best ever... reliever style 2025 "Forge ahead with courage"

Sports Hochi

2025.3.27(木) 06:00

Miyanishi pitched in an exhibition game against Yakult on the 22nd.

Nippon-Ham Nao Miyanishi pitcher Hisao Miyanishi (39) wrote a series of articles titled "Yuou Maishin" on the 26th, in which he felt that the teamwork has improved in his fourth year with Shinjo-Ham. He feels a sense of unity in reliever pitchers, such as calling out to the backup pitcher [note], that he has never felt before. He pitched in five exhibition games and gave up no runs. He has made it to the first team for the first time in two years. He has vowed to get off to the best start with the best teammates for the opening of his 18th year as a professional.

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I think I got good results in the preseason. I'm a veteran, so I'm not going to take it easy, and it was a month where I was able to show my skills. However, I've only just made it to the ring, and the real battle begins from the opening game. It's my 18th opening game, but what I do won't change. I want to get off to a good start so I can contribute to the team for a year.

What I felt during the exhibition games was the improvement of teamwork. While competing, they stimulate each other. They are rivals, but there is an atmosphere of mutual support. There are more young players, and I think this is a new style of play for the current generation that is different from the past. I feel that a sense of competition has been created through Coach Shinjo's encouragement and the way he uses the players, and that the team has grown at a rapid pace. It is because the young players are working with such high awareness that I am also very inspired, thinking, "It's not good for veterans to slack off."

In addition, I feel that the teamwork of reliever pitchers has improved. I especially felt this in the way they called out to the backup pitcher. They called out "Nice back!" to the backup pitcher had been preparing since last year but had not yet pitched. Looking back on my 18 years as a professional, I have never heard players call out to each other like that. I think it's because they understand the position each pitcher is in. The reason why the winning pitcher can pitch in perfect condition is because there are players who do the work behind the scenes. I feel that by properly expressing themselves, the teamwork has improved even more. The teamwork was good in 2016 when we won the championship, but the current team is even better, and I really think it's the best it has ever been.

There's only one day left until the opening day of my 18th year. As a professional baseball player, it's natural to aim to be on the first team at the start of the season, and that feeling hasn't changed in 18 years. I'm happy to be on the first team, but I'm always anxious about whether I can play well all year. Even after 18 years, I still get really nervous at the first game of the season. I think it's the "heart" that matters, and how well I can keep my cool. I want to have the best year ever with my great teammates. (Miyanishi Hisao)

[Note] pitcher who is kept in bullpen in case of an emergency involving pitcher currently on the mound.