It was revealed on the 31st that Nippon-Ham has plans to invite Toshihiko Seko (69), the Road Running Commission leader of the Japan Association of Athletics Federations, and former Tanzanian marathon runner Juma Ikangaa (68), who once competed in a famous men's marathon race, as special guests to ACE CONTEST.
It all started with Manager Shinjo's strong admiration for Seko. During the 2013 season, the manager compared the fierce battle between Seko and Ikangaa at the 1983 Fukuoka International Marathon to the dead heat between his team and Softbank Hawks, saying, "I'm the Seko type. It was cool how he kept up with Ikangaa for the entire 42.195km and then overtook him with 150 meters left. It was exciting in a professional baseball sense." He repeatedly emphasized the intensity of the battle in which Seko made a huge comeback in the final sprint to win by three seconds.
If the invitation is granted, a dream plan such as recreating the legendary battle on the diamond is also on the cards. A team executive said, "That's a good idea. We'd also like to invite (third-place finisher) Shigeru Mune. We'd love to have both brothers," and was also positive about inviting the famous twin runner, Shigeru, who finished third by 19 seconds, and Takeshi, who came in fourth.
Mr. Seko has a strong baseball love for the game, including watching baseball it in private, and Mr. Ikanger often visits Japan for lectures and other events. The dream collaboration that Director Shinjo is eagerly awaiting may be realized in Hokkaido.
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