Seibu Lions Takeya Nakamura infielder (42) showed his desire to open the season on June 6 as the second oldest on the team. starting line-up fielder

In the silent indoor practice facility, only the sound of the ball being hit echoed. It was just before 11 a.m. Takeshi Nakamura appeared alone in the indoor practice facility after finishing his warm-up and catch practice. He set up the ball and began batting practice against the pitching machine. "It's quite warm today. There's no wind either," he said, and after about 10 minutes he took off his jacket, changed into a short-sleeved shirt, and resumed. Occasionally checking his "overall balance" on the monitor behind him, he continued swinging the bat for about 40 minutes.

This veteran, who is in his 25th year as a professional, will start this spring at the second-division training camp in Haruno, Kochi. Last season, due to poor performance and the emergence of younger players, he played in just 44 games, fewer than 50 for the first time in 12 years since 2013. This is why he is so eager to play in first-division games and the opening game. He will be 42 years and 7 months old when the season begins on March 27th. If he starts, he will be the second oldest fielder on the team, behind Katsuya Nomura (43 years and 9 months old). "Everyone is anticipating that. There are some things that can't be helped if you don't play in the game. That's what players aim for," he says. In the warm climate of Kochi, he is preparing with a quiet fighting spirit. (Oonaka Ayami)