Orix Buffaloes infielder Kotaro Kobayashi (24) was inspired by a pep talk from manager Kishida. The starting short stop, who made an error in the game against Lotte (ZOZO) on the 10th and was replaced midway through, met with the manager for over five minutes before the same game on the 11th (same venue). While struggling with a batting average of .59 in the exhibition games, Kurebayashi revealed that the manager gave him some passionate words: "What I want from you is not only results, of course, but also your behavior in times like these. (Your juniors) are watching you."

Having cleared the required number of plate appearances for five consecutive years since his second year as a professional in 2021, he is now in a position where he must lead the team despite being only 24 years old. "I wasn't getting the results I wanted, and I wasn't paying attention to the team. There were a lot of things I had forgotten," he said, realizing that he had become self-centered. The manager explained, "His attitude towards the game isn't bad. We talked about how he was so focused on hitting that it led to errors defense." Both of them ended up with bright expressions on their faces.

"(People who speak their true feelings) are important and we need to cherish them, but if they say things like this, I still have a long way to go. As a player who plays in the second baseman/shortstop position and on center fielder line, there are other things I can do besides just hitting or not hitting," said Kurebayashi. "I feel that I have a responsibility as someone who has been playing for many years, so I hope I can set that example for my juniors. I'm really glad that it was before the season, but I need to remember that and keep that mindset from now until the end of my professional career." He will show a reborn side in the three-game series Yakult (at Jingu Stadium) starting on the 13th. (Nambu Shunta)