The Orix Buffaloes announced on the 14th that Shoji Matsumoto, who pitched in a total of 32 games for Hankyu, passed away on the 8th. He was 67 years old. The wake and funeral service have already been held by close relatives.

Matsumoto joined Hankyu as the first-round draft pick in 1977 from Toyo University Himeji in Hyogo. During his six-year professional career, he appeared in a total of 32 games, recording 1 win and 3 losses. After retiring, he joined the Orix Buffaloes baseball Club Co., Ltd., where he served as an equipment manager and in other roles.