On the 17th, marking the 31st anniversary of the Great Hanshin Tigers-Awaji Earthquake, members of Orix Buffaloes, whose home base is in the disaster-stricken area, held a moment of silence for the victims at the team's facility in Maishima, Osaka. Approximately 30 people participated, including manager Mamoru Kishida (44) and general manager Junichi Fukura (65), as well as players and team staff. Starting at noon, they faced the direction of Kobe City and closed their eyes for one minute. Manager Kishida expressed a renewed determination to "make sure we can provide everyone with a great game." He promised to win all six games at Hotto Kobe in 2014, and to hold a victory parade in Kobe. Memorial events were also held throughout Hyogo Prefecture.
Orix Buffaloes manager Kishida lowered his gaze and muttered to himself, "This year (2014), let's remember the time of 'Let's do our best, Kobe!' Let's work even harder. We have to win so that the people who support us will be happy." It has been 31 years since the January 17th earthquake, when he experienced a seismic intensity of 5+ at his home in Suita, Osaka. He imagined the moment when he would once again share the joy with Kobe fans.
Orix Buffaloes BlueWave, based in Kobe, won consecutive league championships in 1995, the year of the earthquake, under the motto "Let's do our best, Kobe." In 1995, they recorded 31 wins and 23 losses at the then-Green Stadium Kobe, and the following year, 1996, they recorded 32 wins, 17 losses, and 5 ties. Manager Kishida recalled the team's rapid progress, saying, "I watched them thinking, 'They're strong, they're cool...'" and set his goals for 2026. "We'll work hard as a team, aiming to win. To make the fans happy, we have to play with the intention of winning every game." In 2025, they hosted six games at Hotto Kobe, where they finished with two wins and three losses. They vowed to become the first team to achieve a perfect record.
GM Fukura, who contributed to the team's consecutive championships mainly as second baseman, recalled that he had mixed feelings at the time of the earthquake, wondering, "Is it really okay to play baseball?" But the thunderous cheers of Kobe gave him the push he needed. "It wasn't just the players' strength, a different force was at work. I was really happy that so many fans came out in such difficult times." Even after many years have passed, it is a memory that must never be forgotten. "I always think about it," he said, and like his manager, he intends to repay the favor by winning Kobe's first championship in 23 years and holding the No. 1 Japan Parade.
On this milestone day, Manager Kishida nodded and said, "Our job is to provide everyone with positive news through sports. We want to fight with all our might." catch for his second year in office is "Passionate Determination." His mission is to win Pacific League for the first time in three years. (Nambu Shunta)
◆23rd championship parade Nakajima (current senior director and field coordinator) led the team to its third consecutive Pacific League championship with 86 wins, 53 losses, and 4 ties. He also won the Hot Kobe with a 5-2 record. Central League and won the Hanshin Tigers and the parade on November 23 at the same time. About 200,000 fans packed the morning session in Midosuji, Osaka, and about 150,000 fans packed the afternoon session in Sannomiya, Hyogo, to share their joy with the players.
Related News
・ [Photo] Olympia's handsome outfielder marries beautiful athlete... Their loving hug is heartwarming
・ Despite missing the entire last season due to right elbow surgery, former baseball players praise Ori's super talent, saying, "His pitches are brutal. This is amazing."
・ [Photo] "Munch time" before the game!? Former player Masataka Yoshida brings pressed sushi from a high-end Japanese restaurant to his former club
・ [Photo] Hiroya Miyagi 's younger sister, Yayoi, shows off her kind-looking parents
・ base running error that cost the team a third consecutive WBC title... Seiichi Uchikawa's lifesaving command: "Start playing tomorrow"
