Nippon-Ham Nao Miyanishi pitcher (40) wrote the true meaning of the advice he received from Mr. Masayoshi Yamamoto (60), who served as a temporary coach at the camp, in the series "Yuo Umaishin", which is celebrating its 6th year this year. In the open game against Hiroshima (Nago) on February 22nd, which was his first actual appearance of the season, he embodied the teachings and completed the first inning pitch. On February 28th, the Japan-Taiwan baseball International Exchange Match, Weiquan (Taipei Dome), took the mound in the 7th inning and did not runs 1 inning. In his 19th year as a professional, Tekken, who never stops evolving, follows the back of a legend with golden words in his heart.

My 19th season has begun. During the off-season, I've cut down on the amount of running I do compared to previous years and focused on heat training, a full-body workout that improves flexibility and cardiopulmonary function. To be honest, I was a little worried about whether I was running enough, but the numbers I measured during camp were among the best in the last 10 years. Even my trainer was amazed; I'd maintained my weight while losing about 4% body fat and significantly increased my muscle mass. I've also felt some improvement in pitch, with the speed and spin rate of breaking ball, and the fact that I made some bold changes and the numbers are showing is a success.

We've had a smooth start to camp, but the important thing is whether we can maintain good condition throughout the season. As I take on new challenges, it was truly a valuable experience to receive guidance from Masa Yamamoto, who played until he was 50 years old. I mainly asked Masa about how to maintain good condition after turning 40. There were many similarities between my own thoughts and Masa's answers, and he taught me that it's important to always maintain flexibility and range of motion, which decline with age.

As I've gotten older, the adjustment methods I've used over the past few years have been a constant process of trial and error, and because I'm the oldest on the team and there are only a limited number of people who have had the same experience, it's been difficult to ask those around me for advice. It's like studying hard for a test, solving the problems but not getting the answer, and wondering, "Is this really correct?" However, I feel that the greatest benefit of this experience was being able to "check the answer" and realize that my direction was not wrong, thanks to meeting Masa-san, a senior and "role model."

However, even if you know the answer, I believe that the way of thinking and practice to arrive at the answer is different for each person. Everyone's body is different, and each has their own strengths and weaknesses. For me, these include flexibility around the spine and shoulder blades. I have to create my own "formula" while comparing it with the hints I've been given. I would like to explore how much of what I've been taught I can find my own way.

Masaru encouraged me to "definitely surpass" Iwase's record for most appearances [Note 1] and his own record for being the oldest pitcher [Note 2]. I still vividly remember when I was in high school and by chance Masaru was at the same training facility as me, and I thought, "Oh, that's Yamamoto Masaru!" I was really touched and inspired to have someone I admire so much give me a push. I want to swing my arm so that I can catch up with my seniors, even if it's just for one game or one inning. I hope all my readers will continue to support me enthusiastically this season. (Miyanishi Hisao)

[Note 1] Hitonori Iwase, 51, who played for Chunichi, remained active until the age of 43 and made the most appearances in 1002 games in NPB history during his 20 years as a professional.

[Note 2] Chunichi He has been a professional for 32 years in his single career, becoming the oldest and oldest no hitter in history at age 41 in 2006, the oldest win pitcher at age 49 in 2002, and the oldest at age 50 in 2003.

Miyanishi Naoki was born on June 2, 1985 in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture. He is 40 years old. After graduating from Kwansei Gakuin University in Amagasaki, he joined Nippon-Ham in the third round of the 2007 University/Corporate Draft. He was named the best reliever pitcher in 2016, 2018, and 2019. In 2024, he became the first player in the NPB to achieve 400 hold. He is 180 cm tall and weighs 81 kg. He throws and bats left-handed. His annual salary is 65 million yen. He is married.