Former Lotte player Tsuyoshi Nishioka threw the ceremonial first pitch before the Lotte-Softbank game (Zozo Marine Stadium) on the 12th.

Nishioka commented through the team, "It was nerve-wracking to play in front of a packed house of tens of thousands of people for the first time in a while, but the breeze at Marine Stadium, the unique smell and the atmosphere created by the fans all made me feel very nostalgic, and I was able to enjoy pitching. It was really the best. I almost cried when the cheer song was played and everyone sang along. It was really moving. Thank you so much for today."