On the 14th, Orix Buffaloes Makoto Inoue (73), who also serves as a director and representative executive chairman of the company, issued a grand command to reclaim the championship. He visited the Miyazaki training camp for the last time that day and addressed the A and B teams in a circle at 9:45 a.m. With team president Taro Baden (59) and group CEO Hidetake Takahashi (55) watching, he promised a "reward": "If we win the championship, I'll treat everyone to something lavish!"

Owner Inoue issued a "great call to regain dominance" to Orix Buffaloes Nine. He delivered his speech in front of everyone at 9:45 a.m. With team president Taro Baden (59) and Group CEO Hidetake Takahashi (55), both of whom took office on New Year's Day, looking on, Inoue raised his voice and proclaimed, "Please win the championship for us two. If we win, we'll give you a generous gift!"

It was his first time meeting the nine players in a year, since last year's training camp. "They haven't changed (laughs). They've been fifth and third (since 2024), right? If they get first place this year, I think their expressions will change again," he said with a wry smile. His harsh words were a sign of affection. "If we win, we'll have to raise their salaries. Our company is making a profit, so we have to give back a little bit. Because even if we all add up (our annual salaries), it's still less than Ohtani (Dodgers)," he said, referring to the star who has earned a total of $700 million over 10 years (101.5 billion yen at the exchange rate at the time of the announcement), drawing laughter.

Contract negotiations for Sugimoto, who hit a team-leading 16 Home Run last year, ran into difficulties, and the renewal was delayed until January 28th, the final day Pacific League. As the owner, he promised a big increase from 77 million yen if he won his first title in five years, saying, "If he becomes Home Run king, why not double it?" Raoh was already "in the mood," saying, "Double isn't enough. Triple it!" and jumped over 100 million yen, keen to join the ranks of players earning 200 million yen.

He gave a request to manager Kishida, who is in his second year in the position, saying, "I want you to look a little more cheerful during the games. It's a sport, so you have to be cheerful." To this, the manager could only reply, "I'll do my best to have more games that are funny... (laughs)." The boss cited the efforts of 161 km/h right-hander Yamashita and the improvement of the team's batting power as the key to reaching the top for the first time in three years. This has given the team a tremendous tailwind. (Nambu Shunta)

◆ Orix Buffaloes owner Ryo Inoue's speech at spring training

▼2023: He visited Miyazaki for the first time as the new owner. He immediately made a generous statement, encouraging the players, saying, "I want you to earn the highest annual salary among the 12 teams."

▼24 "It's all about smiling. It's the Reiwa era, so be bright and happy. That's all there is to it," he said, advocating the "encouragement of smiling."

2013: "This year, under Coach Kishida, we will bring back glory. To achieve this, you need to say one thing!" he instructed the three players, Wakatsuki, Tonmiya, and Sugimoto, to give a speech. Sugimoto responded, "Let's win and get this rich guy to give us a raise!"