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 that aims to create opportunities for children to play with balls and become familiar with sports, making baseball and The Marines more accessible to them. On the day, approximately 160 elementary school students from Miyakonojo City participated. Using soft balls, they experienced the basic movements of baseball, such as "throwing" and "catching," together with the players.

There were also moments when the children received direct advice from the players, and they all smiled as they deepened their interactions. After the experience, they took a commemorative photo. The name "MARINES LINKS" embodies the idea of "LINK" (connecting) everyone involved with Chiba Lotte Marines including The Marines players, fans, local residents, government agencies, and partner companies.

▼Comment pitcher Koshiro Hiroike

"It was a lot of fun to be able to take part in this initiative in my hometown of Miyakonojo. I wanted to help children experience the joy of baseball, even just a little. I would be delighted if another new professional baseball player were to be born in Miyakonojo."