Takahiro Saeki and Akio Saito, who appeared on "Pro baseball News 2026" broadcast on Fuji TV One on September 9, mentioned Seibu Lions and Takumi Kuriyama, who have announced their retirement at the end of this season.

Saeki expressed his sympathy, saying, "One of the players who fought in the same generation has declared his retirement and is entering the season with that. To be honest, I have to watch the whole year with a feeling of loneliness. I expect him to do well, but I think he will cherish each and every day."

Saito said, "He's in training camp having declared that he will retire at the end of this season, but it seems like he's taking each day extremely seriously. Even now that the season has started, he still seems to be leading the players, teaching them to be an example and encouraging them to practice by watching his example, so I think he's enjoying spending each day in his uniform."

Kuriyama joined Seibu Lions as the fourth pick in the 2001 draft, and this year marks his 25th year with Seibu Lions. As of the end of last season, he had played in 2,312 games, batting .277 with 128 Home Run and 914 RBI.

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"