Lotte announced on the 2nd that, as part of its social contribution project 'MARINES LINKS,' it will conduct a fundraising campaign during six games from October 1st to 6th to support those affected by Typhoon No. 25 in Chiba Prefecture.

Today, near the front of the stadium on the perimeter of Zozo Marine Stadium, pitcher Kazuya Ojima, pitcher Rikuto Yokoyama, pitcher Yuki Karakawa, pitcher Akira Yagi, pitcher Fumiya Ono, pitcher Naoya Masuda, pitcher Keisuke Sawada, infielder Ryusei Ogawa, and outfielder Akito Takabe participated and called on visitors for their cooperation in fundraising.

▼Comments pitcher Yuki Karakawa

I am truly grateful that so many people came to donate today and spoke words of encouragement to me. While there was no damage in my immediate vicinity, some of the flooded areas in Narita City include places I have visited since I was a child, and it pains my heart to see the news. I would be happy if the sentiments we received from everyone today reach those affected by the disaster. Since I have been given the opportunity to start tomorrow's game, I hope that even just one person can gain courage from watching me. I want to show them a strong performance.

pitcher Yuki Karakawa, who is retiring at the end of this season, is scheduled to have a retirement ceremony tomorrow, October 3. The relief funds collected through this fundraising activity will be donated to Chiba Prefecture. In addition to the fundraising activities by players on October 3 and 4, donation boxes will be set up inside Zozo Marine Stadium until October 6.