Lotte announced that after the open game against Seibu Lions (at Miyakonojo Koala's March Stadium), Lotte held Atsuya Hirohata pitcher, Koshiro Hiroike pitcher, Miyazaki Sashi pitcher, Daisho pitcher, Ryusei Terachi catcher, Shinya Matsuishi infielder, Hiromi Oka outfielder, a total of seven players participated in The Marines ・Kids Ball Park as part of the social contribution project "MARINES LINKS" at the stadium on March 28.

The "The Marines Kids Ballpark" is a social contribution initiative aimed at creating opportunities for children to touch a ball and become familiar with sports, thereby making baseball and The Marines feel more accessible to them. On the day of the event, approximately 160 elementary school students from Miyakonojo City participated. Using soft balls, they experienced basic baseball actions such as "throwing" and "catching" together with the players.

The children who participated were seen receiving direct advice from the players, and they deepened their interactions with smiles on their faces. A commemorative photo was also taken after the experience. The name "MARINES LINKS" embodies the idea of "LINK" (connecting) all people involved with Chiba Lotte Marines including The Marines players, fans, local residents, government agencies, and partner companies.

▼Comment pitcher Koshiro Hiroike

"I was very happy to be able to do this kind of thing in my hometown, Miyakonojo. I approached this with the hope that the children would get to experience even a little bit of the fun of baseball. I would be happy if another professional baseball player were to emerge from Miyakonojo."