[Rakuten Eagles] Both teams hold a moment of silence before the start of the exhibition game against Nippon-Ham, marking 15 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake | Pacific League

[Rakuten Eagles] Both teams hold a moment of silence before the start of the exhibition game against Nippon-Ham 15 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake

Sports Hochi

March 11, 2026 13:09

Rakuten Eagles nine and Nippon-Ham hold a moment of silence (photographer: Tomomi Watanabe)

◆Pre-season Rakuten Eagles and Nippon-Ham (11th, Shizuoka)

Before the start of the exhibition game between Rakuten Eagles and Nippon-Ham, 15 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, flags were flown at half-mast and a moment of silence was observed by both Rakuten Eagles and Nippon-Ham teams.

Both teams lined up from first base to home plate and from third base to home plate, and observed a minute of silence. The stadium was enveloped in silence.

Manager Hajime Miki responded to an interview before the game, vowing, "As a professional baseball team representing Tohoku, we want to do our best and persevere so that we can be of help to everyone."