Orix Buffaloes manager Mamoru Kishida (45) made a 'surprise appearance' on the mound. On the 2nd, the second day of the fall camp in Kochi, he threw a total of 50 pitches as a batting practice pitcher to Sho Yokoyama, Noguchi, and developmental player Mikata. The manager, who retired in 2019 after appearing in 433 career games, said with a wry smile, 'Tomorrow is going to be really bad. My legs are going to be incredibly stiff.'

While realizing that 'throwing a pitch that is easy to hit is difficult,' he checked the swings with his own eyes. The 2023 first-round draft pick, Hijiri Yokoyama, drove a sharp ball into the right-field net, saying, 'I wasn't nervous, and it was easy to hit. I'm grateful.' The 21-year-old is expected to secure a regular spot in the infield next season, his fourth year. Manager Kishida smiled warmly, saying, 'I think it was good. Everyone is competing, and I have high expectations.'

"They are pushing themselves hard in a way that feels like autumn. I am looking forward to next year." On this day, a "sliding lecture" was also held by the new first-team head coach Hajime Miki, the former manager of the Rakuten Eagles. Everyone is working hard on self-improvement to reclaim the championship for the first time in four years, moving up from fourth place. (Shunta Nambu)