Rakuten [Orix] Director Mamoru Kishida, in his first year in the post, held a press conference on the day before the opening of the season with Director Hajime Miki. "I am ready to face the season with a renewed spirit.

Sports Hochi

2025.3.27(木) 16:42

On the 27th, Orix manager Kishida attended a press conference with Rakuten manager Hajime Miki a day before the opening game against Rakuten on the 28th (Kyocera Dome Osaka). With the season approaching his first year in office, Kishida said with a wry smile, "I'm nervous. Everyone's faces were tense and I could see they were nervous today (from practice). Seeing that, I'm even more nervous."

As for the opening pitcher, he announced again on this occasion, "It's Miyagi." "He's an ace, so I'm counting on him, but last year I had an injury and I couldn't throw all of it (all season). The fact that he didn't reach the regulation (innings pitched) will have new thoughts, so I'm really looking forward to seeing how he pitches in the first game in that situation."

When asked about his impression of Rakuten, he replied, "They have a lot of mobility this year. I'll learn from that as well." When asked about players he is particularly wary of, he said, "I don't want to get on everyone's nerves, so I'd like to refrain from answering," specifying that he means "everyone," including first-round draft pick Muneyama.

In a complete reversal from 2021-2023, when they achieved three consecutive victories, the team languished in fifth place last season. "Many of the players had regrets last year. They all came back with renewed determination to really take on the challenge. The new players, foreign players and rookies are also doing well, so I'm looking forward to seeing them." To regain the championship, he expressed his determination, saying, "No matter what happens, the team will not give up, and we will work hard as a team throughout the year to play baseball."