Two former Giants players have joined two professional baseball teams based in the Kansai region as coaches. Taisuke Kondo, a 35-year-old developmental coach who appeared in 204 games for the Orix Buffaloes, spent two years with The Giants starting in 2024. Drawing on his experience of struggling with injuries, he promised passionate coaching with an emphasis on communication.

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—He transitioned from a team public relations role to a developmental coach.

"This was my first public relations assignment since returning from the Giants. I was supported by many people and somehow managed to get through it. Regarding the coaching position, General Manager Junichi Fukura told me, 'I'm counting on you,' which brought me great joy."

—Since the 1st, he has been coaching the group remaining at Maishima in Osaka.

There are many players with wonderful potential. Each of them has their own plans and goals, and they practice by working backward from those objectives. What I believe is important is that they must not leave everything up to the trainers. Instead of blaming others, they should take responsibility for themselves. I want to convey those kinds of things as well.

—The experience gained with the Orix Buffaloes and The Giants is being put to good use.

"Players who are active and successful naturally have a high level of awareness. For example, take Hayato Sakamoto when he was in the farm system. He was already moving his body by 7:00 AM. He spent the time leading up to the warm-ups thoroughly preparing. At the Orix Buffaloes, there were people like Hirano (Yoshihisa, second-team manager) and Higa (Motoki, pitcher coach). Seeing those seniors like that allowed me to discipline myself."

—He suffered from injuries during his two years with The Giants. In a preseason game in March 2025, he suffered a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, which eventually led to his retirement.

The previous year, I had no appearances with the first team, and I had decided that if I couldn't perform well this year, I would retire. To be honest, I felt something wrong with my shoulder even before I started pitching. However, I didn't want to wave the white flag myself. I had to take responsibility for my own words. I have absolutely no regrets about the decision I made at that time.

He maintained a mindset of self-responsibility throughout his active career. He also has a vision for his ideal role as a leader.

I want to stay close to the players while also telling them the facts. I don't want to just encourage them by saying, 'It's okay, you can do it'; I want them to understand where they currently stand. What does it take to pitch in the first team? I want to have those conversations and think through it together. (Interview and composition by Toru Osada)

Taisuke Kondo. Born May 29, 1991, in Osaka Prefecture. 35 years old. After attending Naniwa High School, Osaka University of Commerce, and playing for Panasonic, he joined the Orix Buffaloes as a second-round draft pick in 2015. In November 2017, he contributed to Samurai Japan's victory in the Asia Professional baseball Championship. He underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in September 2020 and signed a developmental contract that off-season. He returned to the 70-man roster in April 2022. In November 2023, he was traded to The Giants for cash. After retiring from active play at the end of 2025, he returned to the Orix Buffaloes as a team public relations official. His career stats are 9 wins, 15 losses, 4 saves, and 71 holds in 204 games, with an ERA of 3.17. Right-handed pitcher and batter.