Seibu Lions Takeya Nakamura infielder (42) and (38) trained at Belluna D in Tokorozawa, Saitama on August 8. The two veterans supporting the Shishigun have already started for the new season. Ginjiro Sumitani catcher

Nakamura Tsuyoshi practices while filming his own batting. His contemporaries, Kuriyama, have announced that he will retire at the end of this season, but he says, "It's the same every year," and is keeping up his pace. Looking ahead to his 25th season, Nakamura is quietly honing his skills, saying, "There's nothing I want to do (at camp). It's the same as always. I'm just doing what I always do in preparation for the season."

With manager Nishiguchi's encouragement to "do your best," Sumitani has decided to start his first training camp with the second and third teams since turning pro in 2005. "It's my first time in 21 years, so I'm not sure what to do. I don't know what state of mind I'll be in," he said frankly, but added, "I just want to make sure I don't get injured." He will be on his toes and steadily move forward with his preparations. (Oonaka Ayami)