Samurai Japan's "first game" first pitch ceremony 06 WBC Japan national team, Takeshi Wada appeared Softbank Hawks OB number 21 strike pitch

2006 WBC Japan representative Takeshi Wada appeared at the opening ceremony of Softbank Hawks Japan's "first game" and strike pitch wearing number 21 jersey.

Sports Hochi

February 22, 2026 13:13

Takeshi Wada, who threw the ceremonial first pitch (photographer: Takeshi Nakajima)

◆ "LUXAS Samurai Japan Series 2026" Japan vs. Softbank Hawks (22nd, Hinata Sun Marine Stadium Miyazaki)

Takeshi Wada, who represented Japan in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, appeared at the ceremonial opening pitch on the 22nd.

Mr. Wada currently serves as an advisor to Softbank Hawks' team management division. The left-handed pitcher, who has 160 wins in 334 career appearances, played catch on the sub ground before the ceremonial first pitch. He took to mound after getting himself ready.

He was wearing the "21" uniform, the same number he wore during his playing days, including in the 2006 WBC. catcher was Nobuhiro Matsuda, the fielder coach. The pitch he threw to Softbank Hawks 's Yanagita, who was at bat, landed perfectly in the middle of the strike zone.