It was learned on the 31st that Nippon-Ham has plans to invite Toshihiko Seko (69), the leader of the Japan Association of Athletics Federations' Road Running Commission, and Juma Ikangaa (68), a former Tanzanian marathon runner, who once had a legendary showdown in men's marathons, to Escon as special guests.

The catalyst was manager Shinjo's strong admiration for Seko. During the 2013 season, the manager drew parallels between his team and Softbank Hawks 's close race in the 1983 Fukuoka International Marathon, saying, "I'm the Seko type. It's cool to keep up with Ikanga for 42.195 kilometers with ease and then overtake him in the last 150 meters. It's exciting in professional baseball too." He repeatedly emphasized the thrill of the race in which Seko made a dramatic comeback in the final sprint and won by a margin of three seconds.

If the invitation is granted, dream plans such as recreating the legendary battle on the diamond are being considered. A team executive said, "That would be great. We'd also like to invite (third-place finisher) So (Shigeru) as well. We'd love to see the brothers together," indicating a positive attitude towards inviting the twin runner, Shigeru, who finished third by just 19 seconds, and Takeshi, who finished fourth.

Mr. Seko has a strong love for baseball, often attending baseball in his private time, and Mr. Ikanga has also frequently visited Japan for lectures and other events. A dream collaboration that Manager Shinjo has long desired may be realized in Hokkaido.