Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes pitcher and coach Yoshihisa Hirano (41) has officially begun his "two-way" career. Aiming to make a comeback since 2015, when he only pitched in three games, the legendary right-hander threw 46 pitches in his first bullpen at the Miyazaki camp on the 3rd. With catcher seated, he checked his fastball, two seam fastball, and cutter, and expressed some satisfaction, saying, "I was able to throw it properly."

In 2012, his 21st year as a professional, he also served as a coach. He emphasized that "the players come first during training camp." He prioritizes his own conditioning first, and after practice, he is busy every day coaching the younger players. That afternoon, catch Yamazaki's pitch practice in bullpen. He still seems to be getting used to "standing work," saying with a wry smile, "My back hurts (laughs). It's a different strain than before, so I have to be careful about that." But his sense of fulfillment was evident.

He plans to improve his condition in preparation for his appearance in the exhibition games in March. "I'm determined to keep going until I break down," he said, as he fights at the forefront with an unwavering determination. (Nambu Shunta)